A mythological and archetypal approach to "Harry potter and the Philosopher’s Stone" by JK Rowling
The first installment in the Harry Potter book series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, can be analyzed through the various archetypes and myths present in the novel.
For starters, let’s take a look at Harry’s so-called heroic quest. As the story unfolds, Harry traverses the classic and mythical stages of a hero’s journey. First of all, there is a call to adventure. In the story, Harry receives the letters from Hogwarts. The second is a separation from the known world. This is seen in the part where Harry goes to Hogwarts. The third is an initiation to the new world. This is evident in the selection ceremony, where Harry undergoes a ritual similar to donning through the Sorting Hat. The following is the presence of threats that can be observed in Harry’s rivalry with Malfoy and also in his encounter with the Mirror of Erised, which tested Harry’s character and desires. Another is the existence of a camaraderie that can be justified by the characters Ron and Hermione. Guided by a mentor, through Hagrid and Dumbledore, the final confrontation with darkness – Harry versus Voldemort on the stone – After which, comes a rebirth or resurrection through Harry’s victory over Voldemort and finally, the Return of the Hero to the Old World – Harry returns home, but this time he knows who he really is.
The philosopher’s stone or what is also known as the philosopher’s stone is a traditional element of mythology that appears in Rowling’s work. In the story, the stone was created by Nicolas Falmal, Dumbledore’s associate, whose character is based on the history and legends surrounding the true French alchemist Nicolas Flamel. The stone, both in the novel and in the field of alchemy, is described as a small red ball that can turn metal into gold and can also create an elixir that can grant eternal life.
Lord Voldemort’s character clearly illustrates the power of fear throughout the novel. In fact, most wizards, except Dumbledore, dare not refer to him by name. Instead, he is known as “The One Who Must Not Be Named”. In this way, Voldemort is taken as a metaphor for fear, which is a common element of humanity.
Most of the names of the characters in the novel have relevant meanings. An example is director Albus Dumbledore. Its first name is derived from the Latin word alba which means ‘white’. His last name is Old English for ‘bumblebee’. In symbolism, white represents purity, so the director’s name suggests honor and a hard-working nature. Another example is Professor Severus Snape. Severus is the Latin word for ‘severe’ and ‘strict’, adjectives that can really be associated with the character of the teacher.
In Harry Potter, there are four Hogwarts houses. Gryffindor is the Hogwarts house that Harry and his friends belong to. Gryffindor is derived from Griffin, which means a fierce and legendary beast with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. And that’s why this Hogwarts house uses a lion as a symbol. On the other hand, Slytherin, the rival house of Gryffindor, is actually a variation of ‘glide’, a method of travel for snakes, the same reason perhaps why its symbol is a snake.
In terms of archetypal men, Dumbledore is what we call, The Boss. He is a leader of wizards, highly respected and sees his subjects very well. The bad boy, without a doubt, is Voldemort. And we can also say that Ron’s character is apt to be the best friend archetype. In archetypal women, The Boss may be associated with Vice Principal McGonagall due first to her position in the school and then to her wise character. Hermione’s character, on the other hand, can be classified as the archetype of the librarian. She has answers to almost any question because she has read many books and can also be fierce, once provoked.
Overall, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is a great novel that captured the hearts of young and old for its myths and archetypes that unite all readers around the world.