Archetype

Archetype-n
1-a typical, ideal, or classic example of something
2-something that served as the model or pattern for other things of teh same type
3-in Jungian psychology, an inherited memory represented in the mind by a universal symbol and observed in dreams and myths
4-an image or symbol that is used repeatedly in art or literature

Synonyms
model
prime example
epitome
original
prototype
classic
standard