The Lost Soul archetype found in literature and film is the tortured, secretive individual with a sensitive heart. He is brooding, moody, sometimes aggressive, and usually a loner. And as I write this description of the Lost Soul I am trying to understand why he is so popular with the femmes.
Let's think about this, if there is a man who snaps like a crazy straw, beats himself up like a self-flagellation fan, and can't crack a smile...well, where is the appeal?
It must be his search for something pure and true. Someone who will ease his hurt and bring that glimpse of heaven that has been so elusive. He needs .... that sums it all up. He needs.
And a strong man that needs something emotional from a woman is sexy.
My two favorite vampires Angel and Edward Cullen epitomize the Lost Soul archetype. Angel and Edward fight the very nature of their beings in order to adhere to a personal moral code. If the moral code were not in place they would just be monsters, but with the code they become heroes.
Edward is "the lion who fell in love with the lamb." He recognizes that his instincts are to destroy, so he separates himself from humans as much as possible. But when Bella comes to town he discovers an unexpected and inexplicable attraction to her. She is his destiny, and he is loath to admit it.
He tries to distance himself with indifference and anger. But he can't win. He will fall in love with the human, and now his torture is up close and personal. Because now he wants to eat the woman he loves -- and not in a good way. Ouch!
But Edward's struggle brings out the fantasy. If there is a man out there willing to risk everything for his woman, then all his faults fall to the wayside.
He is the epitome of female fantasy fiction. And we love it.
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