Shadow Archetype Dominance in Character Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms (Literary Psychology)

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the dominance of the Shadow archetype in the main character in the anime Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms. Through a descriptive qualitative method and a literary psychology approach, this study dissects the inner conflict of Maquia as an immortal entity raising a mortal child using Carl Gustav Jung's archetype psychoanalysis theory. The results of the analysis show that Maquia's biological destiny triggers the Shadow archetype, which manifests as an absolute fear of loneliness. In order to perfect the mask of her role as a strong protective mother, she buries this fear to an extreme degree. This chronic repression triggers a series of psychological tragedies that culminate in the collapse of her mental resilience as her adopted child grows up and leaves her. In conclusion, hiding the Shadow archetype is not a manifestation of maturity, but merely a temporary shield that gradually weakens mental stability.