HARRY POTTER: THE HERO’S JOURNEY (MONOMYTH) There are FOUR stages in Harry’s heroic journey and each stage has a series of steps. 1. BIRTH & CHILDHOOD (CHS. 1/2) a. A child of destiny: Harry, as a young child, has shown that he has some ‘sort’ of magical power but does not know how to control it yet eg. Harry talks to the snake (zoo) eg. He has a mark of importance (scar) which he knows nothing about abused and neglected – he is being raised by his aunt and uncle (the Dursleys), who do not consider him to be part of the family eg. They make him live in the cupboard under the stairs, give him no gifts or new clothes eg. Dudley and his gang beat him up 2. DEPARTURE (CHS. 3/4) a. The Call to Adventure he receives tons of letters inviting him to Hogwarts which is an invitation to begin his life as a wizard his destiny is partially defined – he finds out about Lord Voldemort’s attempt on his life and how he survived b. Supernatural Aid Hagrid arrives at the rock shack, saves him from the Dursleys and takes him off to Hogwarts c. Allies (Friends) As the hero prepares to begin his quest, he encounters friends/other adventurers who share his/her goals or path Ron: Hermione: d. The Crossing of the First Threshold Harry leaves for Hogwarts – takes the train from platform 9 ¾ (Kings Cross Station) he leaves the everyday world and into the mythological world 3. THE QUEST a. The Road of Trials The road of trials is a series of tests, tasks, or ordeals that the person must undergo to begin the transformation. Harry’s initiation is when he attends the ‘sorting ceremony’ He wishes to be a Gryffindor and the hat grants him the wish Harry becomes an immediate enemy of Draco Malfoy, who is a Slytherin Harry is tempted by two off limit places: (1) The 3rd floor corridor (2) The forbidden forest Harry encounters a three headed dog, the same dog Cerberus, from mythology (used to guard Hades in the underworld) the three headed dog, Fluffy, guards the corridor that Harry and his friends race through THE FINAL CONFRONTATION: always an encounter with someone or something with incredible power: Voldemort (the villain) hero must be alone there is an obstacle course of magical challenges (chapter 16) Harry believes Quirrell is the villain, but then finds out it is Voldemort, who is much worse! WHY? because he is a world destroyer and killed Harry’s parents he probes Harry’s mind for weakness and taunts him both Harry and Voldemort are in physical pain while struggling with each other Harry thinks of others first, and holds onto Quirrell even though it is killing him he almost dies, but then defeats Voldemort (triumphs over villain a 2nd time) 4. THE RETURN a. The Reward Harry has saved Hogwarts and his friends from disaster (world) Gryffindor wins the house championship (social) Harry has brought honour to his family name (personal) b. The Crossing of the Return Threshold Harry returns to #4 Privet Drive – he must return to the world that he came from to complete the hero’s journey