Status Updates From Saggi sul puer

super interesting analysis of a patient called "the American Icarus" as he had similar insecurities as the mythological hero, the role of wounds that serve as mortal weaknesses for "Puer Aeternus" type heroes (e. g. Achilles' heel), the frequent connection of such heroes to horses (even brings up Freud's "Little Hans"!), Actaion's transformation into a stag being his fated destiny (comparing to people's life paths)

Interesting identification of the Puer Aeternus with the solar hero striving ever forwards to new heights, as embodying human awareness of future and eternity, as well as forming a counterpart and balance to the Senex (wise old man archetype embodying awareness of past and history). Hillman ties this to a distinction between spirit and soul, the former universal and the latter particular, which the Puer transcends.

just read Hillman's "Inter Views" which extensively refers to this book, arguing that the "Puet Aeternus" (Eternal Boy) archetype is NOT a uniformly negative presence like traditional Jungians believed (see Marie Louise von Franz' book on the topic) so I have been really curious to read it