The Unlikely Hero: Harry Potter

Beginning with Harry Potter's childhood, he is an unlikely hero on a very unlikely journey: to become the savior for both the wizarding and muggle worlds. Yet, Harry has nothing close to a hero childhood. Orphaned at a young age and despised by the only family he has left, the Dursleys, Harry is minuscule and blight on their very existence. It is not until Harry turns twelve that his true nature as a hero is expectedly discovered, and delivered by an unexpected ally. "He may have been reluctant at first, but soon he realizes this is the reason he was born. He stands up, changes lives and finds his life purpose" (Schmidt 120). Within the scope of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, several key archetypes emerge, giving light to the identity and position of the child hero. Throughout the seven books, Harry is constantly challenged and transformed, as he does battle with the evil Lord Voldemort and his followers, the Death Eaters.

Harry is indeed an unlikely hero; he is unsure of himself, isolated and alone. He is essentially the child Osiris: the savior to all in the wizarding world and the ultimate hand that could punish those who took away the life he could have had with his parents; as well as the shadow of Hades. "Hades is an archetype that governs a deep interior life and is unexpressive, either in emotion or words" (Bolen 107). He is at times punishing to his friends: he does not want them harmed nor does he think they comprehend the emotional struggle within. When Harry finds himself in situations that are too emotional for him, he grows reclusive, withdrawn into the confines of his mind, in order to separate the hero from the heroic journey. As the unlikely hero, Harry finds himself in predicaments which challenge his own character and moral fortitude.

There is no denying that the use of water as the means for the first years to get to Hogwarts: it is their baptism into the wizarding world. By crossing the water with their new robes, Harry, as well as his classmates, is baptized into their new calling. This ritual cleansing allows the students, particularly Harry, to wash away the life they once lived, and cross into the gates of Hogwarts anew. However, this river crossing is particular meaningful to Harry, as he is welcomed into the world that both worships him and despises him. He is baptized, the savior and the false idol, and it is only up to Harry to distinguish who he truly is. He is the modern day military soldier, sent into a territory in which he is welcomed and spurned. After a small victory within the first book, he continues on his path, regardless of what those around him think or feel.

These first few events are what found Harry on his journey into man and hero. He is reluctant to accept the challenge at twelve, but soon realizes after his arrival at Hogwarts that there is little denying he would be a great wizard, capable of great and wonderful things. He is embroiled in a struggle between the ultimate good within and the ultimate evil without.

Schmidt, Victoria Lynn, 45 Master Characters. Cincinnati, Ohio: Writer's Digest Books, 2001.
Bolen, Jean Shinoda. Goddess in Everywoman: Powerful Archetypes in Women's Lives. New York: HarperCollins, 1984.