The 7 Female Archetypes: Who Are You?

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By JENNY SMITH MATTFELDT Published February 3, 2025

Created by psychiatrist Jean Shinoda Bolen, the 7 Female Archetypes offer a fascinating framework often used in psychology, storytelling, and personal development. These archetypes represent various aspects of femininity and personality traits that women can embody in different ways throughout their lives.

I'm all about diving deep into who you are and who you want to become. Don’t take this too literally, after all, we’re complex beings, and you might find yourself resonating with more than one archetype. This is meant to be fun! It’s a playful way to gain insights into your strengths and areas for growth, and perhaps discover how you can tap into your power more effectively, or where to watch out for potential pitfalls along the way. You can take the quiz below created by Where Wonder Waits to find out which archetype you most align with!

Take the Archetype Quiz here!

The Mother

Princess Diana in her era of motherhood and humanitarian work. She was known around the world for her deep comassion, charitable work, and devotion to her boys. She can also represent the mother wound of losing yourself while doing focusing on others.

The Mother Archetype is nurturing, compassionate, protective, and deeply loving. She radiates warmth and support, often symbolizing fertility, growth, and creation, whether in the literal sense of raising children or in a more symbolic way, such as fostering the growth of ideas, projects, or dreams. At her core, the Mother embodies a caring energy that encourages creation and sustenance.

However, on the other side of the coin her deepest wound is being met with ingratitude or feeling useless. This can trigger feelings of self-doubt and rejection. She may struggle with codependency, losing herself in the act of caring for others and sometimes lacking the boundaries that protect her sense of self.

Molly Weasley, if you've heard of Harry Potter you've probably heard of Molly protecting her children (including those she didn't have herself.) She's an example of the classic mother figure; fiercely protective, warm, loving, and caring even if she might feel like smothering at times.

To thrive, the Mother must learn to prioritize her own growth and identity, understanding the importance of setting healthy boundaries. While her selflessness is a defining trait, it can sometimes be felt as smothering or overbearing when it goes unchecked.

Figures like Princess Diana, Molly Weasley, and Dolly Parton perfectly embody this warm, protective energy, reminding us of the power of unconditional love and care when balanced with self-respect and personal growth.

The Maiden

Audrey Hepburn is a great example with her youthful spirit, her charming personality, and her aura of innocence. Even when she was older those big, sweet, doe eyes kept the aura alive.

The Maiden is youthful, innocent, playful, and curious, full of potential for growth. While she radiates a sweet optimism, her innocence can sometimes make her appear naive or passive, and she often fears being judged by others. Her energy is refreshing and lighthearted, bringing an easy, good-hearted joy to those around her. The Maiden symbolizes new beginnings, filled with sweet potential, and is deeply connected to her inner child. She’s adventurous, always curious and ready to explore what’s next.

Rapunzel from Tangled is an adorable example of the naivety of the Maiden. She represents innocence, curiousity, and longing for adventure.

Iconic examples of the Maiden include Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe's innocent persona, Juliet from Romeo and Juliet, Alice from Alice in Wonderland, and Rapunzel from Tangled all embodying that sweet, doe-eyed innocence with a desire for adventure.

The Lover

Sophia Loren is a classic example of the Lover. She's iconically known for her beauty, passion, confidence. Emphasis on the confidence within this archtype, regardless of how they feel internally, they're usually portraying confidence on the outside.

The name Lover can be a bit deceiving. This archetype isn’t about sweet, innocent love, but rather a powerful, seductive kind of love. Lovers are sensual, passionate, and deeply connected to their emotions. They possess a gift for intimacy, creativity, and magnetic sensual energy. They are often highly attuned to the world around them and express their emotions freely, channeling their energy into both art and relationships.

Megan Fox is probably the most well known modern day example of the Lover. She's known for her presence and femininity. This is one of the easiest archtypes to identify in real life because of their over the top sensuality.

However, Lovers can face challenges with commitment and the need for validation, whether it’s from the external world or from their partner. They may feel the urge to be seen, heard, and admired. This archetype is one that often seems to look similar across the board, with figures like Sophia Loren, Megan Fox, Jessica Rabbit, Samantha Jones from Sex and the City, and Aphrodite, the ultimate Lover archetype, the goddess of beauty, pleasure, and love.

Jessica Rabbit, a perfect over the top dramatized portrayal of the Lover. She's alluring, she's full of desire, she's not afraid to use it to get what she wants.

The Mystic

You don't have to be an expert on the Harry Potter series to see that Luna Lovegood is a bit whimsical and totally a Mystic. They are often seen as outsiders because they seem to function on a different frequency than most people.

In a Greeek myth these would be your oracles and seers, but today they might just be the friend who can't stand superficial small talk and seems to function on a deeper level than most. Mystics are intuitive, spiritual, and deeply connected to the divine. They possess a gift for insight and intuition that others can't see. When at their best, they radiate a calm, balanced energy that brings a sense of depth. At their worst, they may struggle with a loss of reality and a sense of isolation. Mystics can become overly inwardly focused, retreating into their own safe inner space, which may make them appear detached from the modern world.

Frida Kahlo - her work was deeply introspective, symbolic, and spiritual, exploring themes of pain, identity, and the mystical.

Mystics function on a deeper level than most, often avoiding superficial small talk and not seeking recognition from society. They tend to express themselves in a more whimsical or spiritual way, drawn to introspection and profound insights. Rather than adhering to societal norms, they often carve their own unique path. Examples of this archetype include figures like Frida Kahlo, Zoe Kravitz, and Luna Lovegood, each of whom embodies a sense of mystery, depth, and individuality that transcends the ordinary.

Zoë Kravitz has an effortless, ethereal energy. Always appearing cool, enigmatic, and spiritually grounded.

The Huntress

Serena Williams is a powerhouse of strength, discipline, and relentless determination. She's known for breaking sterotypes in her sport for everything from attitude to outfits.

The Huntress is independent, driven, and laser-focused on her goals. At her core, she values freedom and autonomy, often struggling to let go of her individuality or self-sufficiency. You won’t catch her following the trends she thrives on standing out, embracing hyper-independence, and rebelling against expectations. Unconventional and adventurous, the Huntress is all about forging her own path.

Angelina Jolie is known for her humanitarian work, bold career choices, and unapologetic individuality. She embodies a classic movie star image, but just when people thought they had her figured out, she married Billy Bob Thornton. Her ability to defy expectations and maintain a sense of authenticity makes her a standout example of someone who challenges the norms while chasing her own path.

However, she can sometimes find it challenging to lean into her softer side. She may come across as too aggressive or unwilling to accept help, which can make her appear closed off to others. Examples of the Huntress archetype include Serena Williams, the powerhouse of tennis; Angelina Jolie, with her strong and independent persona; Artemis, the Greek goddess of hunting; and Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman each embodying the energy of someone who cannot be controlled.

The Queen

Beyoncé radiates modern, queen energy. Balancing power, influence, and grace while building an empire.

The Queen is confident, regal, and authoritative this is an energy you will instantly recognize. She exudes leadership, personal power, and confidence, and her presence uplifts those around her. However, the Queen can struggle with jealousy, the need for control, and the tendency to become a workaholic. It can be difficult for this archetype to admit to personal struggles, as they are often in charge of others and expected to be strong at all times.

Miranda Priestly in the Devil Wears Prada is an iconic character who shows side of the Queen that can be a brilliant leader but still cold and authoritative.

The shadow side of the Queen can become controlling or manipulative, which is often where the "evil queen" stereotype in Disney films comes from. Examples of the Queen archetype are easy to spot, such as Beyoncé, Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada, and Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones.

Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones shows the rising Queen but teeters on the edge of the shadow side.

The Sage

One of my favorites, Martha Stewart, perfectly portrays the Sage. Absolutely watch her documentary which shows many times that her main priority has always been teaching and mentoring other women.

The Sage is wise, intellectual, and reflective. This woman is blessed with clarity and self-mastery. She tends to be rational and deeply thoughtful, often more passionate about her work than about personal relationships. Sages are often seen as guides or mentors to those who follow in their footsteps. They represent knowledge, logic, and inner peace, remaining focused on something greater than others' opinions.

Jane Goodall was famously more concerned with her lifelong venture of understanding chimpanzees than with the rest of society. She was a deep thinker with unshakeable dedication.

However, due to their intense focus on their work, they may struggle with accessing their emotions and getting out of their own head. In real life, this might look like Jane Goodall, with her lifelong work with primates, or Martha Stewart, who blazed trails in homemaking and the business world.

Emma took her Harry Potter fame and transformed it into a platform for global education and women's rights advocacy. She’s analytical, articulate, and dedicated to learning, hallmarks of the Sage.

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