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.