Myths and Archetypes in Garo (A¿chik) Folk Narratives

Myths and Archetypes in Garo (A∙chik) Folk Narratives gives an insight in understanding myths and archetypes narrated orally by the most knowledgeable old people of different villages in the far-flung areas of Garo Hills. The A∙chiks have woven myths and archetypes around interesting and mysterious physical phenomena, like the rivers, the clouds, the thunder, the lightning, the sun and the stars, the hills, and other natural formations to give plausible and imaginative explanations of their origin and existence, adding more mystery to them in the process. Some of the recurring myths that have strong presence in the cultured narratives of the A∙chiks are associated with Balpakram, the rivers, the spirits, the mountains, the ideas of reincarnations, the whirlpools, etc. The author looks at the four types of archetypes by Jung: mother archetypes, forms relating to rebirth, spirits, and trickster figures. These archetypes of Jung can be traced in A∙chik folk narratives.