Free Essay

Hero

In: Other Topics

Submitted By teerizal
Words 802
Pages 4
Harry Potter: A Wizard Hero
Terrance Davis
English 155
May 28, 2012
Jan Ward

Harry Potter: A Wizard Hero
Harry Potter, the main character in J. K. Rowling’s beloved series, is a perfect example of a hero. He is very brave, it is this bravery, and his willingness to take risk that gets him through the tough times. He was not expertly trained and skilled as other heroes but he possessed powerful intangibles that allowed him to exceed in things far above his skill level. He has a knack for solving riddles and he is a gracious leader. What is most intriguing about him is his willing to sacrifice himself for the good of the cause and for his loved ones. There were several times during his journeys that he was adamant in regards to facing perils alone. His selfless intentions increased the support that his friends had for him. He had several friends willing to die for him and the cause.
According to the text, “A hero is miraculously conceived and born under unusual circumstances” (Leeming, 1990). Harry was not conceived miraculously but he did experience a miraculous survival at a very young age. The dark and powerful wizard Voldemort killed his parents and then turned his wand to Harry. Not only did Harry survive the attack that killed so many power adult wizards before him, Voldemort was nearly vanquished in the process. Since that night, Harry has had a piece of Voldemort inside him. He gained the ability to talk and understand snakes. At times, he can see into Voldemort’s mind and feel what he feels. The ability to talk and understand snakes is considered extraordinary even in the wizard world. Harry gained skills from his greatest enemy that would assist him in his triumph.
In conjunction with other mythological heroes, Harry goes on a quest throughout his life. He has small quests that he embarks on like finding the sorcerer’s stone or wining the Triwizard’s Cup. Those all led up to and helped him complete his ultimate quest of ridding the world of Voldemort. In accordance to the text, Harry must “leave the ordinary world of waking consciousness, enters the dark world of the supernatural, overcomes those who would destroy him there and then returns to the ordinary” (Leeming, 1990). Every year Harry learned something about the wizard world that he had not known before. The school year started out normal for him but later in the year, he would be tasked with a dangerous quest. “The quest is marked by trials, by confrontations with and defeat of his inner monsters” (Leeming, 1990). He completed his quest and finished the school year off on a positive note. He was in constantly in harm’s way and several times, he was face to face with his nemeses Lord Voldemort.
Harry 7 year journey from a first year wizard student to a hero is marked with many small achievements that led up to the ultimate battle and defeat of Lord Voldemort. One in particular is the quest to find all seven of the horcruxes. Voldemort split his soul into 7 pieces and put them in various objects in order to obtain immortality. The six items he chose were a diary, ring, locket, chalice, crown, and a snake. The first horcrux is Harry himself but it was not done intentionally. It happened because of the failed curse Voldemort used on Harry as a child. That is why they are connected. Harry unknowingly destroyed the diary, his Headmaster and father figure, Professor Dumbledore, destroyed the ring. Dumbledore sent Harry out to find and destroy the remaining horcruxes in order to make Voldemort mortal for the final showdown.
This proved to be the most difficult task Harry has endured. He had to destroy something that he did not know its location and had little information to go on. On top of that, Voldemort was gaining power and his minions also known as death eaters were on the prowl. Considered public enemy number one, Harry had to “separate himself from his family in order to go about his father’s business” (Leeming, 1990). He did not want any of the people he cared about, getting hurt because of him. He selflessly wanted to embark on this journey alone but his closest friends refused and set out on the journey with him. The hero is born then embarks on a journey. The hero circle is not completed until the hero can make his return and Harry did just that. With all the horcruxes, either destroy or identified, he returned to kill the snake and rid himself of the last remnants of Voldemort’s soul. He vanquished Voldemort and returned order to the world.

Reference
Leeming, D. A. (1990). The World of Myth. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Heros

...people in this world who I can consider a “hero”-- not that there were many before the modern generation. In this day and age people view those who are paid to serve and protect as “heroes”, but I would kindly disagree. The Police Officers and Firemen are not heroes they are simply normal people trying to make a living. To truly be a hero, in my opinion, you must be extraordinary in every way. A true hero must be kind, generous, courageous, truthful, loyal, and chivalrous, an each characteristic must be taken to an extreme. There are many people, mostly in books, who have the traits of a hero, but none who have them all. One such person is the protagonist of the series of books named the Night Angle trilogy by Brent Weeks; this character’s name is Kylar. Kylar is the immortal embodiment of retribution, and he has four of the traits a hero should have. He is loyal; even after a fight to the death he remained loyal to his master, he is courageous; even with the threat of permanent death Kylar charged into a war so that he might save the woman he loved, he is kind; despite his horrible past he still goes out of his way to help others, and he is chivalrous; he would never do anything that would cause harm to those he cared for or those who are innocent. Another of the fictional people who has some of the traits of a hero is Harry Dresden; he is the protagonist of The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher. Harry has four of the characteristics of a hero. Harry is kind; he risks his life every...

Words: 538 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Hero

...Joseph Campbell published The Hero with a Thousand Faces in 1949 that discussed the journey of the hero in most heroic stories. I have applied Campbell’s hero cycle to The Matrix, starring Keenu Reeves and created by Andy and Larry Wachowski. The Call to Adventure in The Matrix This is the first step in Campbell’s hero cycle. This initial step is followed by helpers. * The Call to Adventure – In The Matrix, Neo is called to the adventure when Trinity sends him a message over his computer telling him to follow the white rabbit. Trinity tells Neo, “The answer is out there, Neo, and it's looking for you, and it will find you if you want it to.” * Helper – His helpers are Trinity, who respects as a computer hacker and calls him to action, and Morpheus, who tries to guide him away from the agents who try to capture him. The Crossing in The Matrix * The crossing is the point in which the hero reaches the point of no return. From this point the hero can never come back to his/her previous life. After the hero crosses over, the hero must pass tests with some help from others. * The Crossing – In The Matrix, the point of no return occurs when Morpheus offers Neo a choice of two pills. If he picks one, he will return to world he knows. If he selects the other pill, he will see the new world, the world as it actually exists. Neo, of course, selects the pill that shows him that the matrix is just a construct. Morpheus states, “I'm trying to free your mind, Neo. But I can...

Words: 623 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Hero

...Hero A hero is one who places himself or herself at great risk while performing acts of courage. Not only is Beowulf a hero because of his physical strength, but rather than basking in the resulting glory, he gives the glory to God.  Beowulf is the ultimate hero who put his life on the line for an entire kingdom. Beowulf's heroism can be seen when he takes 14 of the bravest in his land to go help Hrothgar.  Hrothgar was Beowulf's father's close friend who had been plagued by attacks for twelve years that threatened an entire kingdom.  Beowulf did not have to offer Hrothgar's kingdom help, but does so because he wants to uses his God given strength to the best of his ability.  As soon as Beowulf heard of the troubles in this land he set sail immediately.  Beowulf continues to show his thankfulness by thanking God for giving them safe travel across the sea.  Beowulf is lead to Hrothgar and offers him is services.   Beowulf is asked by the warriors to tell of his past defeats while eating in Hrothgar's palace.  Beowulf is already a hero to the people of this land for he is about to rid them of their enemy. As an ultimate hero, Beowulf decides, to be far, he will not use weapons in his battle against Grendel since Grendel reputedly does not use them. "I do not consider myself a lesser fighter than Grendel does himself; therefore I will not kill him with a sword, and deprive him of life in that way.... No, this night we two will abstain from swords..." That night...

Words: 1233 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Hero

...My Hero Even Though my dad isn’t the strongest hero he still is the best, inspiring, and courageous, and willing hero to me. Inspiration is motivation which people work towards everyday. Courage is what every hero has to help others work through demanding changes and challenges. I think willingness is the best trait about every hero because helping people is what they do. In conclusion, inspiration, courage, and willingness is what heroes use to help them make a difference in the world and my life. Inspiration is a great trait which all awesome heroes possess. My dad inspires me by caring for everybody around him. This motivates me by doing the same thing. My dad is very athletic, and he led by example. This is on of the reasons why I play basketball and lacrosse. He always cares for me no matter what happens in our father/daughter life. Even if he has had a challenging day at work, I know he will be happy when it comes time to see me and my brother. Even after a hard day at work, his day is not done, I know he still works hard physically and mentally. His works habits inspires me, and gives me a level of commitment and accountability in my everyday life. Another strong trait my dad has is courage. He is always protective of others. An example is he gives his whole life to take care of me and my brother. I know he tries to make everyone’s life easier. I know he will always love us unconditionally. This is...

Words: 399 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Hero

...Sg was a hero (masculine or gender-neutral) or heroine (feminine) (Ancient Greek: ἥρως,hḗrōs) is a person or character in literature who, in the face of danger and adversity or from a position of weakness, displays courage or self-sacrifice—that is, heroism—for some greater good. Historically, the first heros displayed courage or excellence aswarriors. The word's meaning was later extended to include moral excellence. The word can be used as a gender-neutral term for both males and females[1]because it has no gender-specific suffix in English. Stories of heroism may serve as moral examples. In classical antiquity, cults that venerated deified heroes such as Heracles, Perseus, and Achilles played an important role in Ancient Greek religion. Politicians, ancient and modern, have employed hero worship for their own apotheosis (i.e., cult of personality). Stories of the antihero also play a major role in Greek mythology and much of literature. The antihero is a protagonist who lacks the typical characteristics of heroism, such as honor, nobility, bravery, compassion, and fortitude. The favorite type of antihero is an individual who lacks moral character.[2] The concept of a story archetype of the standard "hero's quest" ormonomyth pervasive across all cultures is somewhat controversial. Expounded mainly by Joseph Campbell in The Hero with a Thousand Faces (published in 1949), it illustrates several uniting themes of hero stories that hold similar ideas of what a hero represents...

Words: 492 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Heros

...THE WORD HERO JACK MOORE ENGLISH 122 MATT BOOKER APRIL 15, 2012 When someone mentions the word hero it doesn’t have the same meaning as it once did. The definition of a hero is one with heroic qualities in the opinion if others. To me or you, however a hero can be much more. Whether you believe an athlete should be a hero or deserves to be one. Most kids believe that they are. They buy their jerseys and put their posters on their bedroom walls. They watch them on TV or go to their games and look up to them like they are superhuman. Being able to dunk a basketball or throw a football down a football field may not seem heroic to the average person but to kid it is. To the average person they are just adults getting paid million to play a kid game. There are some exceptions to this there have been athletes who gave up their careers or postpone their careers to fight for this country. These are real sports heroes. Kids need heroes whether it is an athlete or someone else they provide kids with someone to look up to help them set goals for themselves. (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 2013) “Heroes provide models of exemplary behavior to emulate. Heroes inspire kids to achieve more than they thought they were capable of, to find strength when they thought they didn't have any more, to follow a code of moral conduct when it would be easier and maybe more popular not to. But when it comes to sports figures, Americans seem a little confused about what defines the hero. While I, like...

Words: 906 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Hero

...“Hey mom what’s a hero” asked the child.” I don’t really know” replied the mom. So what do you think truly defines a hero. Well I think there are many traits a hero processes or at least should pocess. A hero isn’t always the guy with powers, who wears a cape and a pair of tights. Truthfully a hero can be anyone or anything, even an animal or a small child. I think a few traits a hero should definitely have are being helpful, kind, brave, and physically or mentally strong. They should also be a good role model. A person who is a villain of some kind is not a hero in fact they are the total opposite of a hero. Firstly the main function of a hero whether it being animal or person is to be a good role model. Not only should the hero be a role model for children but also for the people surrounding them, which includes adults. Another function of a hero would be to save people’s lives whether be literally or figuratively saving their lives. Many heroic figures like doctors, police, firefighters etc. save an abundant of lives every day. But that doesn’t mean that to be a hero you have to save lives every day. While some heroes save lives and are good role models others do not do both. Some heroes may just do good deeds and are good role models. However just because they don’t save lives doesn’t make them less of a hero. An example of this type of hero would be someone like your dad or mom. You could look at them as a heroic figure but that does not mean they save lives like a...

Words: 724 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Hero

...What is a hero? A hero can be someone from all walks of life in their very own way. Heroes are seen in so many aspects. There are the heroes that are depicted in the movies and on television, and then there are the real heroes in reality that are just ordinary everyday people from that cashier at the local store to the neighbor that lives two houses down the street. To me personally a hero is someone that gives unselfishly to others and puts them before themselves in every way. This is also a person that would go to extremes to do for others that maybe in need. In society today a hero is not someone that does something for the recognition, but just simply because they want to. In today’s society others have many different views on what a hero is, and that can be anything from what they see on TV and movies, to what they see in their family members and friends. A hero is all what you make that person out to be in your eyes. When I look around and view my family and friends that are in my life there are several that stand out as heroes, but that one person that has the different characteristics and qualities of what a hero in my eyes is my husband Greg. In my eyes he has always been my hero, but he’s a hero to so many others as well for more reasons than one. He’s very easy to get along with and always there for his family and friends no matter what as a husband, father, friend, brother, and son. He’s a hero in the lives of others just by letting them know that in life...

Words: 932 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Heros

...they done? What makes one father a Hero for going to work and another father doing the same job just a good guy? Why aren’t there more women recognized as Heroes? If the goal is to label all of your favorite people as Heroes then how do we label those who go above and beyond? These questions have cause long debates in certain military and civilian arenas. Growing up my father was never around. My mother had worked two some times three jobs to support us. Often-going weeks with out spending quality time as a family. Other kids my age would talk about how their dads were their Hero and how they could throw a football a hundred miles. My mother surely could not do this; she didn’t have the time or energy to learn how to throw that far. She was no Hero by definition but she was by mine. My plate was always full, my cloths and school supplies were always taken care of, and she kept a roof over our heads. It was Superbowl Sunday 2001; the guys had stayed up all night to watch the game in Germany. It was one of many sporting events that red-blooded Americans had to watch. It was treated like a holiday but with blood, sweat, and cheerleaders. As the game played on and the beer began to take effect someone yelled out “now that’s a real American Hero right there.” Quickly my eyes glanced at the TV to try and see what amazing feat had been accomplished. Only to see that a player had a few tackles and blocked a few passes. Is this all it took to be a Hero? No way, it couldn’t be that simple...

Words: 589 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Hero Quest

...Alex Doubl\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\es Lizabeth Thompson \English II [ 11 January 2013 ] Heroes Since time began, people have been creating strong figures to look up to. These figures are known as heroes. The presentation, expectations and qualities of traditional heroes are different than those of modern day heroes, yet all are created in similar ways. Traditionally, past societies and cultures presented their heroes as infallible and set apart from society. Heroes were always expected to help people in distress and in every circumstance conquer their enemy. They were to complete their missions without error and the choices they had to make would be the best for everyone. In the past heroes were better than humans in every way. Heroes were stronger, faster, better looking, more intelligent and indestructible. They also felt that they could perfect the world. Good examples of traditional heroes can be found in Greek mythology. The gods were always watching over the world, but lived on Mount Olympus, separate from society. They helped people in need and were known to be beautiful, cunning and could not be defeated by any mere mortals. Ultimately, traditional heroes were flawless, but as society changed and progressed, so did the heroes. Modern day society views heroes as superhuman, yet relatable and able to fit into society. These modern heroes are expected to uphold a strong moral code...

Words: 647 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Is Odysseus A Hero

...Is Odysseus truly a hero? In the Odyssey he is portrayed as a stout man with superior fighting expertise. But is that all a hero is made of or is there more? I hope to prove to you, the reader, that although Odysseus was a good man, father, and husband, he isn't the hero he seems to be. In my eyes a hero is someone who does everything for the good, jumps into situations others are hesitant in venturing, and lying their life down for others. First of all we must recognize the fact that he fought in the Trojan war for a good cause. And on his adventures home he had to do what was necessary for him and his men to survive. Also, even through all the hardships he had to endure, like the slaughter of his men, he stood firm and did the best he could....

Words: 310 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Odysseus As A Hero

...Would Odysseus be considered a hero in our time? Well in the epic poem “The Odyssey” by homer the character Odysseus is brave due to his heroic acts. His determination to bring him and hi crew back home and facing all the challenges he has to go through. Odysseus is a hero because he looks out for his crew, spends years trying to get them back home. Odysseus is clever due to his smart choices. He also protects his men like a hero would do and gains their loyalty by saving them from the cyclops also known as polyphemus.he tricks him by telling him his name is name is “nobody” and then disgusting his men as sheep so polyphemus would unwittingly let them out of his cave and save his men. In our time polyphemus would be seen as a bully and odysseus...

Words: 307 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Odysseus A Hero

...Define heroes in your thinking. Whenever I have that question, the first thing pop up in my head is Odysseus. The story that talk about him was wrote long time ago by the Homer. He was wrote at the greatest heroes in Greek mythology. With me, Odysseus is describe the word heroes mean. Odysseus is not just the person that are strong, brave, have superpower, but the three major things make Odysseus be a hero are leadership skills, intelligence, have weakness and overcome it. One major thing that make him be a hero is his leadership skills. The leader is the one that need to take care of everyone and take responsibility on them. When they landed on land of the Lotus Eaters, they were hungry and the people offered them the lotus. He tell them...

Words: 537 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Hero Essay

...Hero Essay Everyone needs a hero. Nowadays there are songs which lyrics rhyme about heroes. Enrique Iglesias’s song “Hero” is about the love he can show for his female companion. Along the same line Mariah Carey song “Hero” will go down as one of her all time greats. No matter the substance, the bottom line is that people look up to their heroes and are influenced by them, especially kids. Kids, however, have a different way of choosing their heroes. “Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound.” We can thank the creator of Superman, Jerry Siegel, for his character has inspired many youngsters, including myself, to be that hero we admire. Many kids look up to fictional characters and sports figures as heroes, but it’s the everyday run of the mill people we see all the time who possess the real qualities of a hero. Repeated times in my childhood I would recall tying a towel on my back and running around pretending I was Superman. I would “fly” over cars and obstacles, stop invisible bullets with my hands and rescue the beautiful damsel in distress. Whatever the scenario would, I knew I was unstoppable. I would pretend to be fast, strong, intelligent, and loyal, all the qualities I believed a good superhero should exhibit. Little did my young mind realize, I would also inherit these qualities as I got older. Taking a hundred eighty degree turn away from fictional characters,...

Words: 467 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Define Hero

...What is a hero? Superman and Wonder Woman are common figures that may pop into a person mind when they think of someone who may be considered a hero. Superman and Wonder Woman saved cities and defeated villains on a daily basis, which by definition would most definitely make them heroes. However, in the non-fictional world what would define a hero? Does an individual have to wear a cape and fly over cities using their superpowers, and risking their lives for the good of mankind in order to be considered a hero? Living in the non-fictional world hero’s exhibit much different characteristics and super powers. A person may sacrifice his own safety or life in order to save or better the lives of others, this would be the act of a hero. A hero is an individual that is courageous, brave, loyal, and selfless in a way that they are continually sacrificing their own needs and well-being for the best interest of others. A hero is an individual that is courageous and brave. Having the ability to face adversity, pain, and danger without fear of hesitation is courage and bravery. Throughout history there are numerous brave hero’s that didn’t wear a cape in order to save the day, Martin Luther King, Jr. is the epitome of a courageous and brave hero. In an article written in the Seattle Times, King is described as “the stoic who faced injury and death before howling mobs, and the single figure of his period and ours able to articulate to whites what blacks wanted and to black what would...

Words: 1328 - Pages: 6