The 8 Trials of Integrity & Function Dynamics

In the last article, I briefly alluded to the tests of integrity the Hero archetype encounters. Here I will expand on this as well as giving direct realistic examples using function terminology.

The 8 Trials correlate to the Hero's dynamics with the other function archetypes, so to do them separately would be unnecessary 'doubling up', so to speak.

Also, when thinking of the term "Hero", it is best not to imagine a "Super-hero", but the kind of people we look up to in our lives.

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The Hero-Self Dynamic A.K.A "Power"

This trial is the Hero making a decision on whether they will use their power positively or abuse it.

Example: an EXFJ who has particularly keen awareness of Fe, the first test of their integrity would be to not use that power to manipulate others for their own gain.

The Hero-Parent Dynamic A.K.A "Respect"

In this trial, the Hero must choose to listen to the Parent and accept the role of responsibility that they're being guided towards.

Example: an INXP choosing to stay open to possibilities (Ne) without colouring their perception too heavily with their subjective experience (Fi).

The Parent also reminds the Hero of the fact that they still have immaturity yet to conquer. Just because they're the Hero doesn't mean they aren't also still a child. The Parent acts as intermediary between the Hero's power and the Child's naivety.

The Hero-Child Dynamic A.K.A "Maturity"

Here the Hero must confront their own immaturity and accept the limitations it presents, as well as endeavour to overcome these limitations through honest effort.

Example: an IXFJ understanding that their use of Ti is naturally underdeveloped and can lead to conclusions that make sense to them but are not as logically sound as they assume.

The Hero-Inferior Dynamic A.K.A "Bravery"

This trial is centred around the Hero overcoming the anxiety of self-worth. To pass this test the Hero must internalise - not just realise - that the image of who they think they need to be in order to be "worthy" is an illusion born from being too sensitive to the reality of inherently having a weakness, and that weakness being conceptually opposite from their strength (the Challenging dynamic).

Example: an ENXP desiring to be more like the organised, stable ISXJ and feeling inadequate any time they don't succeed.

The Hero-Nemesis Dynamic A.K.A "Resilience"

To pass this trial, the Hero must not succumb to the Nemesis' constant attempts to undermine and tempt and corrupt the Hero. Literally the best possible example is Batman and Joker. Dysfunctional ENTP Joker seeks to corrupt INTJ Batman and prove to him that there are no heroes; that any man will fall if pushed too far. And the Symbiotic nature between these two is lampshaded constantly, they feed off of eachother.

The Hero-Critic Dynamic A.K.A "Diplomacy"

For this trial the Critic will present the Hero a straw-man against whichever function it's representing. In function terms this means that whichever function the Critic is representing (6th function/2nd Shadow function) is the one that is most susceptible to pre-judgment.

Example: IXFJs judging Fi compared against what the Parent Fe stands for.

Although the Critic may appear to be a detrimental force, it is in fact playing 'Devil's Advocate' in a sense - presenting the worst iteration of whatever function it's straw-manning in order for the Hero to realise which aspect of the world - and themselves - they find most difficult to appreciate. And once the Hero understands this, they can then help others pass their trials concerning that function. In other words they can become the expert in identifying dysfunction in that aspect.

The Hero-Trickster Dynamic A.K.A "Humility"

In this trial the Hero must face their own hubris - the Trickster will goad the Hero into believing whichever function it represents is irrelevant and can be totally disregarded. The Hero must remember that no function is a weak link in the ecosystem. The Trickster is a negative influence on the Child, using the Parent's lessons to strengthen their deception.

Example: IXTJ considering Fe unimportant, convincing Fi by appealing to Te.

The Hero-Demon Dynamic A.K.A "Restraint"

This one is all about what the Hero does when confronted with their own instability. Sometimes, the villains win, justice does not prevail. Sometimes the Hero is victimised. Sometimes the Hero gets seriously hurt. This trial arises when the difference between self-defense and retaliation is called into question. I do not mean in a physical way; that's just one way this dynamic can present.

The Demon sharpens whichever function it represents (8th function/4th Shadow) like a blade, but it keeps that blade hidden. And when something provokes it, that blade cuts quick and precise, with a level of skill that wouldn't be expected. Because the Demon is a manifestation of the Hero's instability, the Hero must not only tame these impulses, but also not let their own uncomfortable relationship with the Demon colour their overall perception of whichever function that archetype represents.

Example: INXJ unconsciously pick up small details all the time - it's how they build the image for their Ni foresight - so when threatened they can utilise those details to retaliate, be it with a comprehensive tearing-down of someone's flaws with past-evidence or a meticulous plan to get revenge. They also can avoid the past like the plague because it represents where they've already been and therefore isn't progress, or become stuck in the belief that a past pattern of negativity predicts a likewise future.