Myth, Legend, and Fairy Tale


Myth
The Harry Potter series includes both direct and indirect references and allusions to Greek and Roman mythology. Hogwarts could represent Olympus, the mountain like home of the Greek Gods and Goddesses. Characters in the novels have similar names and traits that many God’s possessed. For example, Harry, Hercules, and Apollo all slay snakes and are considered to be the greatest heroes of their worlds. Albus Dumbledore could be an image of Zeus, who consumes power and gives guidance. Minerva McGonagall, as her name suggests, is Athena, protector of Hogwarts. Hagrid could be related to Poseidon, because of his mastery of water. He is also representative of the giant Titan clan; he rages at the Dursleys like the Norse god Thor. I believe we could all agree that Voldemort is just like Mars, who was the god of war and all that is evil.

Lily and James Potter could represent Vulcan and Venus. Vernon Dursley might be Hades, guarding dark secrets of the underworld, with Petunia as Persephone. Professor Quirrell is Janus, the god with two faces. The egotistical Gilderoy Lockhart is Narcissus, and Hermione serves as his doting echo. A mythical character named Hermione married Achilles’ son Neoptolemus. Percy and his girlfriend are Odysseus and Penelope. Peter Pettigrew could be Icarus who does not heed the warnings of Daedulus. Lupin could be the mythical twin brother of Romulus; the sons of Mars, they were raised by a wolf to become founders of Rome.

Places in the Harry Potter series also have mythical roots. The chamber beneath Hogwarts are like Pandora’s Box, a forbidden container of potential trouble and misery, The tunnels resemble the River Styx that led to the netherworld or the labyrinth which restrained the bullish Minotaur. Above ground, Hogwarts, like Olympus, rises above common places and exists to stimulate the residents. Both mythical and Harry Potter characters try to avoid displaying excessive pride. Despite their efforts, most characters have a tragic flaw, which causes conflict and advances the plot.

Legend

Harry Potter is famous in his own time and reminds readers of other legendary characters both noble and notorious. Harry’s ability to pull Godric Gryffindor’s sword from the sorting hat is similar to the story of King Arthur pulling the sword Excalibur from a stone. The King Arthur legends share many similarities with the Harry Potter series. Dumbledore could represent the wise magician Merlin. He guides Harry the same way that Merlin did with Arthur. Both Harry and Arthur undergo quests and tests of mental and physical agility.

Hogwarts and its surroundings could represent Camelot, with the lake being the hidden home of Vivien, the Lady of the lake, whose parallel Harry Potter character is yet to be announced. This setting is a paradise for the knights when they are away from home, as Hogwarts is a home away from home to all who attend.

Other legends suggest parallels with the Potter novels. The basilisk reminds readers of Beowulf’s hideous Grendel, or a sea monster that has been depicted by generations of sailors. Hogwarts and Hogsmeade could be the Scottish Brigadoon or a version of mythicl paradise and utopia described in many legends.

A legendary source shows that Ron Weasley’s name means “Running Weasel,” an ancient warlord and gifted chess player who according to legend, died because of an accident involving a rat that had been dyed. (I have not yet been able to confirm such legend, yet the story lingers on.)

Fairy Tale

The novels also reflect many fairy tales, such as Cinderella. Harry escapes from his abusive guardians who expect him to work all the time. He soon enters a magical world where he is the star and is the recipient of kindness and luxury. Like Cinderella’s chariot, Harry’s magical escape is in a flying car. Hagrid, Molly, Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall are all like his fairy godmothers.

Hermione or Ginny could be Sleeping Beauty or Snow White, both of whom are awakened by Harry, the prince. Hermione could also be the clever Beauty, (from Beauty and the Beast), who is enchanted by the fearsome Beast of Harry’s alter ego.

The Harry Potter series is based on many smaller lessons and stories that contribute to each novel’s main plot. The messages taught in the classroom, on the Quidditch field, and during adventures resemble Aesop’s fables, which are cautionary messages about human behavior. As a result, Harry Potter has become apart of a great mythic saga.


Assignment
1. What mountain like home of the Greek gods and goddesses, does Hogwarts resemble? (Worth 2 points)

2. Is Voldemort an image of Zeus, Mars, or Achilles? (Worth 2 points)

3. The Chamber underneath Hogwart’s resembles what forbidden container of potential trouble and misery? (Worth 2 points)

4. Dumbledore could represent the wise magician ________.(Worth 2 points)

5. Hogwarts and its surroundings could represent what legendary King Arthur place? (Worth 2 points)

6. What cautionary messages about human behaviors represent the lessons taught at Hogwarts? (Worth 2 points)

7. Think of one Myth (Worth 5 points), one Legend (Worth 5 points) and two Fairy Tales (Worth 8 points) that could relate to the Harry Potter series and explain why.

Assignment is due by January 31, 2004

Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw, please send your assignment to
mirabella_nevlome@yahoo.com

Slytherin and Gryffindor, please send your assignment to
ProfNinaAtlas@aol.com

Remember to include your HOL Name and ID!!!