Arguably the most popular cultural phenomenon in the modern literary and film world, Harry Potter, written by J.K. Rowling, is a masterclass in classical storytelling. In this post, we will examine the story using the 12 Steps of the Hero’s Journey framework.
1. Ordinary World
In Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Harry lives with the Dursleys, unaware of his magical heritage.
Movie Adaptation: The film showcases Harry’s mundane life with the Dursleys, establishing his outsider status and the oppressive environment he endures.
2. Call to Adventure
Harry receives his Hogwarts acceptance letter, signaling his entry into the world of magic and his destiny as a wizard.
Movie Adaptation: The scene where Hagrid delivers Harry’s letter serves as a pivotal moment, igniting Harry’s curiosity and setting him on the path to Hogwarts.
3. Refusal of the Call
Harry initially questions his abilities and doubts the truth of his magical heritage, resisting the idea of leaving the Dursleys.
Movie Adaptation: Harry expresses reluctance to accept his identity as a wizard, fearing the unknown and the implications it holds for his future.
4. Meeting the Mentor
Harry meets Professor Dumbledore, who becomes his mentor and guide throughout his time at Hogwarts.
Movie Adaptation: Dumbledore imparts wisdom and guidance to Harry, nurturing his growth and offering support during moments of doubt and uncertainty.
5. Crossing the Threshold
Harry boards the Hogwarts Express and enters the magical world, leaving behind his life with the Dursleys.
Movie Adaptation: The scene where Harry enters Diagon Alley and experiences the wonders of the wizarding world for the first time serves as a visual representation of this step.
6. Tests, Allies, Enemies
Throughout his years at Hogwarts, Harry faces numerous tests, forms alliances with Ron and Hermione, and confronts enemies like Draco Malfoy and Voldemort.
Movie Adaptation: Each installment introduces new challenges, friendships, and adversaries, deepening Harry’s understanding of the magical world and his place within it.
7. Approach to the Inmost Cave
Harry and his friends confront Voldemort and his followers, preparing for the ultimate showdown between good and evil.
Movie Adaptation: The climax of each book/movie builds tension as Harry and his allies prepare to confront Voldemort, culminating in the final battle for Hogwarts.
8. Ordeal
Harry faces his greatest challenge, confronting Voldemort and risking his life to protect those he loves.
Movie Adaptation: The climactic battles between Harry and Voldemort are high-stakes encounters that test Harry’s courage, resilience, and resolve to overcome evil.
9. Reward
Harry emerges victorious, defeating Voldemort and bringing peace to the wizarding world. He receives recognition and finds closure for the struggles he has endured.
Movie Adaptation: The resolution of each installment offers closure and celebrates Harry’s triumphs, reinforcing themes of courage, friendship, and the power of love.
10. The Road Back
Harry returns to Hogwarts to complete his education and confront the aftermath of the battle against Voldemort.
Movie Adaptation: The epilogue of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows provides a glimpse into Harry’s future, as he embarks on a new chapter of his life with his friends and loved ones.
11. Resurrection
Harry confronts the remnants of Voldemort’s dark legacy and works to rebuild society in the aftermath of war.
Movie Adaptation: Harry’s efforts to reconcile with the past and forge a path toward healing demonstrate his resilience and determination to create a better future for the wizarding world.
12. Return with the Elixir
Harry returns to his Ordinary World with wisdom, growth, and a renewed sense of hope for the future.
Movie Adaptation: The series concludes with Harry passing on the lessons he has learned to the next generation, ensuring that his legacy lives on in the hearts of future witches and wizards.
Related: Use Hero’s Journey and create custom templates for your screenplay
How Harry Potter Uses Hero’s Journey
Archetypal Characters
In addition to Harry as the hero, the series features a wide array of archetypal characters, including the mentor (Dumbledore), the trickster (Fred and George Weasley), the threshold guardian (Argus Filch), and the shape-shifter (Sirius Black).
These characters fulfill specific roles within the hero’s journey structure, providing guidance, obstacles, and allies to aid Harry on his quest.
Mythological Influences
J.K. Rowling drew inspiration from various mythological and literary sources in crafting the Harry Potter series. Elements of Celtic mythology, Arthurian legend, and classical Greek mythology can be found woven throughout the narrative.
The hero’s journey itself is a universal narrative archetype that transcends cultures and time periods, reflecting fundamental truths about the human experience.
Subversion of Tropes
While the Harry Potter series adheres to many conventions of the hero’s journey, it also subverts expectations and challenges traditional tropes. For example, Harry’s journey is not a solitary one; he relies on the support of his friends and allies to overcome obstacles.
Additionally, characters like Severus Snape and Draco Malfoy undergo complex arcs that defy simple categorization as purely heroic or villainous.
Personal Growth and Inner Conflict
One of the hallmarks of the hero’s journey is the protagonist’s journey of personal growth and self-discovery. Throughout the series, Harry grapples with issues of identity, belonging, and the weight of his destiny.
Harry’s internal struggles and moral dilemmas add depth to his character, showcasing the psychological complexity inherent in the hero’s journey.
Recurring Motifs and Symbols
Rowling employs recurring motifs and symbols throughout the series, such as the Deathly Hallows, the lightning bolt scar on Harry’s forehead, and the significance of certain magical creatures like the phoenix and the basilisk.
These symbols serve as thematic anchors, reinforcing key themes and providing layers of meaning for readers and viewers to interpret.
Cyclical Nature of the Journey
The hero’s journey is inherently cyclical, with the protagonist undergoing multiple iterations of the journey as they face new challenges and obstacles. In the Harry Potter series, each book/movie follows a similar narrative structure, with Harry embarking on a new quest each year at Hogwarts.
However, each iteration of the journey builds upon the previous ones, leading to greater complexity and depth in Harry’s character development and the overarching plot.