Here's how:
* The Journey: The poem follows the journey of a group of explorers searching for the mythical city of El Dorado, a city of unimaginable wealth and splendor. This journey, fraught with obstacles and dangers, is a classic element of the quest archetype.
* The Goal: The goal of the quest is to find El Dorado, a symbol of ultimate treasure, fulfillment, and maybe even paradise. This concept of a "golden city" is a common motif in literature and mythology.
* The Obstacles: The explorers face various challenges, including the scorching sun, treacherous mountains, and the ever-present danger of wild animals. These obstacles represent the difficulties and trials inherent in any quest.
* The Hero(es): While the poem doesn't focus on individual heroes, the group of explorers collectively represents the archetypal hero striving to achieve the ultimate goal.
Besides the quest archetype, there are hints of other archetypes:
* The Fool: The poem's ending, where the explorers realize El Dorado was a mirage, could be interpreted as a depiction of the fool who chases after an unattainable goal.
* The Trickster: The mirage itself could be seen as a trickster figure, deceiving the explorers and ultimately leading to their downfall.
Overall, the quest archetype is the central element of "El Dorado," underscoring the human desire for unattainable goals and the futility of chasing after mirages.