The lost – This archetype is represented by the prodigal son, who left his father’s house and squandered his inheritance but then returned home and was welcomed back with open arms.

The prodigal son represents the archetype of “the lost”—the individual who is removed from his or her expected place in a family, community or culture due to foolish decisions, misdeeds or for other reasons. Often, the prodigal son (or daughter) is seen as arrogant and selfish, perhaps because he or she is engaging in individualistic behavior in order to gain status or power. Oftentimes, the prodigal son's journey takes him far from home, into possible danger, before his return and sweet redemption.

The most famous example of the prodigal son is the biblical parable told by Jesus in Luke 15. In the parable, a son requests his inheritance, telling his father he wishes to go and discover the world. After a period of debauchery, the son returns home penniless and repentant. His father is so eager to forgive him and make him a part of the family again that he throws a great celebration.

This story has been a source of inspiration and solace throughout many centuries as it speaks to the power of familial love and grace even beyond life’s greatest mistakes. It emphasizes the importance of redemption, repentance, and the hope for forgiveness – all of which are essential components of the Christian faith.

The prodigal son archetype appears in many contexts, especially in literature and film. A classic example is the titular character of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “The Prodigal Son” novel. The parable directly inspired themes in the work, with the protagonist seeking redemption through his actions.

The prodigal son is also the basis for the classic 1954 Disney film “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” in which a wild but kind-hearted young toad returns home after being cast out for his wild behavior. Here, the father’s unconditional love guides the son’s journey back to innocence. Similarly, this story is echoed in “The Prodigal Son” episode of Battlestar Galactica in which a lost child struggles to find home in a post-apocalyptic world.

The lost should be seen not as an evil figure, but rather an object of empathy, redemption and hope. As humans, we all make mistakes, and communities and family systems should support those who need help making their way home. This is the message that the prodigal son archetype conveys – and one that we should embrace in our own lives.

1. 'For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.' - Luke 19:10

2. 'And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray.' - Luke 15:7

3. 'But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?' - Galatians 4:9

4. 'Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it?' - Luke 15:8

5. 'In the same way, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.' - Luke 15:10

6. 'And they said to him, 'Lord, let our eyes be opened.' And the Lord said, 'Go your way; your faith has made you well.' Immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.' - Luke 17:19-21

7. 'The tax collectors and the sinners drew near to him to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, 'This man receives sinners and eats with them.'' - Luke 15:1-2

8. 'And Jesus said to them, 'Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you.'' - Matthew 21:31

9. 'For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.' - Matthew 7:14

10. 'What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' And he answered, 'I will not,' but afterward he changed his mind and went. And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, 'I go, sir,' but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?' - Matthew 21:28-31