The Harry Potter series display such a complex set of plots with so many references to
history, legend and literature, with so many playfully arranged puns according to the names of
characters, creatures, items or places that one cannot easily decide where to begin with an
examination that may befit the extent of a seminar paper. The finally chosen scope of this
paper refers to my general interest in mythology and legend as well as to Rowling’s admiring
aptitude to equip her characters from an extraordinary variety of backgrounds. Names are the
most obvious means of depicting literary characters and their intended personalities. Yet,
considering the multiplicity of those characters in the ever further developed seven novels,
further specification appears to be necessary to meet the demands of this paper. Therefore, its
focus is limited to character names and in that to several selected characters only, whose
names demonstrate mythological background most efficiently. To that effect, I am not
exclusively following a selective principle regarding the characters’ significance in the books.
Surely enough, there are several major characters bearing names grounded on mythology, yet
Rowling placed so many according hints and links on minor characters and on figures not
even acting in the story(ies) themselves that it would seem a squandering of her labour to
concentrate on particular ‘significant’ characters only.
[...]
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Concepts of Mythology
2.1 The Combat of Good and Evil
2.2 The Hero
2.2.1 The Mythical Child
3. Names
3.1 Names in Literature
3.2 Names in Harry Potter
3.2.1 Mythology behind Major Characters’ Names
3.2.2 Mythology behind Minor Characters’ Names
4. Conclusion
Research Objective and Scope
This paper explores the mythological origins and symbolic functions of selected character names within J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, aiming to demonstrate how these charactonyms reflect the deeper personality traits, fates, and roles of the figures in the novels.
- Analysis of mythological archetypes in J.K. Rowling’s literary characters.
- Examination of the "Good versus Evil" dichotomy through character nomenclature.
- Exploration of "charactonyms" as literary devices for depicting personality.
- Study of the impact of Classical, Arthurian, and folkloristic traditions on modern names.
Excerpt from the Book
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore
This rather long name is a whole string of expressive names. ‘Albus’ is the Latin word for ‘white’. The name befits the external description of the headmaster having very long white hair and beard. Analytically speaking, the name is of interest in several ways. Firstly, it is symbolically aligned to ‘innocence’ and ‘purity’, which contributes to the mythological dichotomy of Good versus Evil or Light against Darkness. White and Black are abstractions of those ethical qualities, in this context, the name Albus refers to his character’s belonging to the ‘good’. Furthermore, ‘white’ is also associated with old age and its attributed wisdom. This interpretation suits the character of Albus Dumbledore just as well, since he is portrayed as a very old man of more than a hundred years, who has gathered incredible knowledge and skills, from which his companions benefit considerably. Beyond that, from the same Latin ‘albus’, ‘Albion’ emerged as an ancient and poetical name for Britain. The headmaster of Hogwarts represents the old, much sung about Britain in the same way; Albion is connected with legends of wisdom, witchcraft and wizardry, with just and powerful leaders and with heroic battles against malevolent enemies.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: The introduction outlines the complex plot structure of the Harry Potter series and sets the scope for examining mythological references within character names.
2. Concepts of Mythology: This chapter defines the fundamental concepts of myths, including the eternal struggle between Good and Evil and the archetypal role of the hero and the mythical child.
3. Names: This chapter establishes the theoretical background of naming in literature, defining "charactonyms," before analyzing the specific mythological roots of major and minor characters in the series.
4. Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes the finding that J.K. Rowling effectively uses mythological allusions to enrich her characters and underscores the enduring relevance of ancient myths in contemporary literature.
Keywords
Mythology, Harry Potter, Charactonyms, J.K. Rowling, Literary Studies, Arthurian Legend, Classical Mythology, Good versus Evil, Character Analysis, Onomastics, Archetypes, Folklore, Symbolism, Heroic Myths, Etymology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this paper?
The paper examines how J.K. Rowling utilizes mythology as a foundation for naming her characters, thereby adding depth and symbolic meaning to their roles in the narrative.
What are the primary themes analyzed?
The main themes include the dichotomy of Good versus Evil, the archetype of the hero, the mythical child, and the role of names as indicators of identity and destiny.
What is the central research question?
The study investigates how character names in the Harry Potter series serve as "charactonyms" that link figures to ancient legends, and how these links characterize the figures' personalities and roles.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The author uses literary analysis and etymological investigation, drawing upon classical sources and modern research on names and mythology to interpret the character names.
What does the main body cover?
The main body details the mythological backgrounds of both major characters (such as Dumbledore, Hermione, and Voldemort) and minor characters (such as the Black family, Remus Lupin, and Sybill Trelawney).
Which keywords best characterize the work?
Key terms include Mythology, Charactonyms, J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter, Onomastics, Arthurian Legend, and Literary Analysis.
How is the name "Voldemort" linked to mythology?
The author explores its etymological roots, specifically the "flight from death" concept, linking the antagonist to the desire for immortality and the Roman personification of death.
What is the significance of the "Black" family naming convention?
The author notes that members of the Black family are predominantly named after stars and constellations, which aligns with their "pure-blood" obsession and high social status.
- Quote paper
- Anne-Christin Hirsch (Author), 2008, Names and their underlying mythology in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter-Novels, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/114910
