The Triune Brain and Alien Archetypes

A few years ago I'd pondered the sort of archetypes of aliens that we commonly see presented in culture. I'd also come across the theory of the Triune Brain.

First: The triune brain is an idea that essentially states that there's 3 "layers" to the brain. Each of these layers represent different stages of our evolution.

The most inner layer, referred to as the "R-Complex" is the core of survival and existence on a purely individual/animal level. The "R" in said complex stands for Reptilian. It does not seek anything other than survival of the individual entity, and in the here and now.

The secondary layer is the Limbic system. It wraps up the reptilian core in a cozy little blanket of fluffy warm love... It is the "mammalian layer"... This is the layer that provides social aspects of our lives. Reptiles just lay their eggs and abandon their children, but mammals spend time to raise their offspring. Such emotional bonding provides for a stronger social element.

The third layer is the Neocortex. This is the logical, linguistic mind. It is the outermost layer of the brain. It is more prominent in the higher order animals (primates, for example -- especially humans).

When one looks at the basic archetypes of aliens, you see a common theme.

There are the Reptilians -- Aggressive, dominator types. This, obviously, is a reflection of the R-Complex. They don't seem too intent on anything but the base drives. These could be said to correlate to Freudian Id.

The next archetype is the mammalian, almost angelic humanoids like what people consider "Pleiadeans" These are nordic looking creatures who supposedly bring light and love to mankind. These, being mammalian, and focusing on emotion correlate to the Limbic system.

The final, and of course, most popular stereotype is that of the Grey. Obviously, these are the types of aliens that correlate to the remaining layer: the neocortex. It is alien, because it is the cold calculating logic. The gaze of the alien who does not relate, but merely sees you as a subject. The purely logical entity, who endeavours to understand through methodologies that seem cruel and terrifying. Highly intelligent and calculating, just like the neocortex.

There might be plenty more to delve into here. Seeing as these are evolutionary tropes, one could, for example, see these divisions as the Past/Present and Future of our evolution. It's but one potential mapping to certain archetypes of the modern mind...

It may or may not come in handy to others, so I figured I should provide it as a model and if someone gets some use out of it, great :) If anyone reads this and has some other concepts relating to this, expanding on it, etc... I would love to hear your own thoughts on the matter in comments.