Magic realism and the archetypes in the KingKiller by Patrick Rothfuss

Abstract EN

This thesis aims to discuss the combination of both magic realism and high fantasy in Patrick Rothfuss' trilogy.

Unfortunately, the third book of the trilogy is yet to be issued, however, the first two are extremely rich and full of magic realism elements enough for this study.

The trilogy's world is highly detailed and easy to relate to; however, there is also an abundant presence of myth and fantastic creatures in the books that do not exist in real life.

The story begins in a world that closely resembles the real world in which we live.

Suddenly, a magical element or a mythological theme emerges during events.

The first chapter aims to discuss the relativity between both magic realism and fantasy and discusses the most distinctive features between both genres.

The first chapter will also discuss the main characteristics of magic realism in Rothfuss's world and explain how the author merged what is real with what is considered magical in his trilogy.

The second chapter will analyze the character archetypes in the trilogy from the perspective of Jungian psychology and its effect on the main character's individuation process The main character, Kvothe, portrays more than one character archetype, including the archetype of a warrior, magician, and even lover.

The third chapter will discuss the hero's journey in the trilogy and explain how the author's reliance on the archetypal nature of the hero's journey manages to trigger the effects of magic realism in the trilogy.

The third chapter will also discuss and analyze the life events and the character development the protagonist experiences.

The main character of the trilogy, Kvothe, goes through a series of events that change him into a different person.

The change in the main character's personality occurred due to his departure from his everyday life.