In his article “Heroism: Why heroes are important” Scott LaBarge states that “we need heroes first and foremost because our heroes help define the limits of our aspirations.” Heroes can be found in history since the beginning of mankind – although the term ‘hero’ was not used until the ancient Greeks (LaBarge). It can be said that we always were and still are fascinated by outstanding skills and personalities.
One timeless tale in which two famous heroes can be found is the Arthurian legend, namely King Arthur himself and the wizard Merlin. The story can be referred to as timeless because “it is full of universal ideas that we still feel connected to” (Hardyment). This means that, even though King Arthur and Merlin are heroes of the past, they are significant today because we still appreciate the values they embody. Down to the present day, the legend was adapted numerous times in different forms of media or used as an inspirational source. Consequently, it also found its way into children’s literature, for instance into Joanne K. Rowling’s famous fantasy book series “Harry Potter”, which was published between 1997 and 2007 (Eldridge). In her essay “Is Dumbledore another disguise? Where to find Merlin in Harry Potter”, Florence Marsal puts forward the thesis that “the consensus of [the series] is an amalgam of popular myths, foes, and heroes, reworked into a modern fantasy tale (...)”.
The aim of this seminar paper is to prove Marsal’s thesis to a certain extent, by examining the elements of the medieval legend in the “Harry Potter” series, focusing on the characters of Merlin and King Arthur as well as Dumbledore and Harry Potter. First, a closer look at the history of the Arthurian legend, together with a definition of the terms ‘legend’ and ‘myth’, will give the reader a better understanding of the topic. Subsequently, the subject of history in “Harry Potter” will be investigated from two different angles: the handling of history within the story and the reflection of ‘real historical events’, together with an explanation of J.K. Rowling’s usage of the past. The following sections will deal with the above-mentioned characters and in which way the ancient heroes can be rediscovered in the modern children’s story. Annotating, it has to be said that, as Merlin is a “’multi-faceted’ character” (Marsal), his history and characteristics cannot be discussed completely in this seminar paper.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction - Heroes
- 2. The Medieval Legend
- 2.1 History
- 2.2 Definition of Myth and Legend
- 3. Forms and Usage of History in Harry Potter
- 3.1 The Passive and Active History Concept
- 3.2 Historical References
- 4. The Medieval Legend in Harry Potter
- 4.1 Merlin
- 4.2 King Arthur
- 4.3 Mentor and Mentee
- 5. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This seminar paper aims to examine the presence of elements from the Arthurian legend within J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series. The focus is on the characters of Merlin and King Arthur, and their modern counterparts, Dumbledore and Harry Potter, respectively. The paper analyzes the use of history in the "Harry Potter" series, distinguishing between passive and active approaches to historical representation. Furthermore, it explores the concept of mentor and mentee relationships within both the Arthurian legend and the "Harry Potter" novels.
- The Arthurian Legend as a Source of Inspiration in Children's Literature
- The Representation of History in "Harry Potter"
- The Mentor-Mentee Dynamic in Both Narratives
- The Characters of Merlin and King Arthur as Archetypes
- The Adaptation of Myth and Legend in Modern Fantasy
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction - Heroes: This introductory chapter establishes the importance of heroes throughout history and their role in shaping human aspirations. It introduces the Arthurian legend, highlighting its enduring relevance and its adaptation into various forms of media, including J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series. The chapter sets the stage for the paper's central argument: that the "Harry Potter" series incorporates elements of the Arthurian legend, particularly focusing on the mentor-mentee relationship between Merlin and Arthur, reflected in Dumbledore and Harry Potter's dynamic. The chapter also clearly lays out the paper's structure and methodology.
2. The Medieval Legend: This chapter delves into the history of the Arthurian legend, tracing its origins from potential historical foundations to its literary development through key figures like Geoffrey of Monmouth, Chrétien de Troyes, and Sir Thomas Malory. It discusses the evolution of the legend, noting the shift from potentially historical accounts to more elaborate and fictionalized narratives. The chapter also defines the terms "legend" and "myth," highlighting the blend of historical fact and fictional elements within the Arthurian narrative, laying the groundwork for comparing its features with the "Harry Potter" series.
3. Forms and Usage of History in Harry Potter: This chapter explores J.K. Rowling's handling of history within the "Harry Potter" novels, identifying two distinct approaches: a passive, dull portrayal in the Hogwarts curriculum, and a more active, engaging integration within the narrative itself. It connects the passive portrayal to Benedetto Croce's ideas about the importance of present interest in understanding the past. The chapter sets the context for analyzing how historical references in "Harry Potter" function to enrich the story and resonate with the reader’s understanding of the past.
Keywords
Arthurian Legend, King Arthur, Merlin, Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling, Mentor-Mentee Relationship, Myth, Legend, History, Children's Literature, Fantasy Fiction, Historical Representation, Medieval Literature.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this academic paper?
This seminar paper analyzes the presence and influence of the Arthurian legend within J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series. It focuses specifically on the characters of Merlin and King Arthur and their parallels to Dumbledore and Harry Potter, respectively. The paper also examines how J.K. Rowling uses history within the "Harry Potter" books.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The paper explores several key themes, including: the Arthurian legend as a source of inspiration in children's literature; the representation of history in "Harry Potter," differentiating between passive and active approaches; the mentor-mentee dynamic in both the Arthurian legend and the "Harry Potter" novels; Merlin and King Arthur as archetypes; and the adaptation of myth and legend in modern fantasy.
What aspects of the Arthurian legend are examined?
The paper delves into the historical background of the Arthurian legend, tracing its evolution from potential historical roots to its literary development through various authors. It specifically focuses on the characters of Merlin and King Arthur, their roles, and their relationships within the legend.
How does the paper analyze the use of history in "Harry Potter"?
The paper distinguishes between two approaches to history in "Harry Potter": a passive, less engaging portrayal in the Hogwarts curriculum and a more active, integrated approach within the main narrative. It connects the passive portrayal to academic theories on the importance of present interest in understanding the past.
What is the significance of the mentor-mentee relationship in the paper?
The mentor-mentee relationship between Merlin and King Arthur serves as a central point of comparison with the Dumbledore-Harry Potter relationship. The paper analyzes this dynamic in both narratives to highlight similarities and differences in their respective roles and impact on the overall story.
What are the chapter summaries provided in the preview?
The preview includes chapter summaries outlining the content of each section: an introduction establishing the importance of heroes and the paper's argument; a chapter on the history and definition of the Arthurian legend; a chapter on the forms and usage of history in "Harry Potter"; and a concluding chapter summarizing the findings.
What keywords are associated with this paper?
Keywords include: Arthurian Legend, King Arthur, Merlin, Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling, Mentor-Mentee Relationship, Myth, Legend, History, Children's Literature, Fantasy Fiction, Historical Representation, Medieval Literature.
What is the overall objective of the paper?
The paper aims to demonstrate how elements from the Arthurian legend are integrated into J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series, focusing on character parallels, narrative structures, and the handling of historical themes. It contributes to the understanding of intertextuality and the adaptation of classical myths and legends in modern fantasy literature.
Who is the intended audience for this paper?
The intended audience appears to be primarily academic, focusing on scholars and students interested in children's literature, fantasy fiction, Arthurian legend, and the works of J.K. Rowling. The structured approach and in-depth analysis suggest a professional academic context.
- Quote paper
- Beatrice Dietel (Author), 2013, The Mentor and the Mentee, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/268391
