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Journey of the Hero in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer´s Stone Essay

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The American author, teacher, and mythologist, Joseph John Campbell, is universally known for his work in comparative folklore and culture. His studies led him to discover the pattern, journey of the hero. The sequence consists of three stages and exists in many dealings with Greek mythology as well as current popular culture. A modern example of the occurring cycle is the 2001 production, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. In the film, an orphaned young boy named Harry Potter is invited to study at Hogwarts, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In time, he is involved in a dangerous quest to save the wizarding community from the grasps of the Dark Lord. The film demonstrates aspects of a traditional journey of the hero because Harry …show more content…

Harry’s departure from his old life is evident once he steps on to Platform Nine and Three Quarters to board the Hogwarts Express (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone). Leaving his previously known home is not difficult because of the ten years of neglect that occurred in the Dursley household. Harry has only been in two magical places and he already feels more comfortable than ever. Now that he has crossed over to the hidden world of magic, he is ready to embark on his adventure.
Soon after entering Hogwarts, Harry must face a road of trials which will eventually lead him to achieve his unlikely treasure. While roaming the halls after curfew, Harry receives detention in the forbidden forest, and comes face to face with the Dark Lord. Other obstacles come to place when Harry travels down the trap door into the chambers; such as devil’s snare, a human wizard’s chess game, and the room of keys (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone). The series of tests make Harry’s mission difficult; however, the knowledge he gains from the unsuccessful trials bring him closer to his main goal. These minor bumps in Harry’s journey strengthen him emotionally and physically, readying him to defeat the traitor at the end of his succession of tests. Unexpectedly, the betrayal comes from the quivering Professor Quirrell who voluntarily gives up his body to the Dark Lord. Harry sees himself in the mirror and realizes he is magically in possession of the Sorcerer’s Stone. Shortly

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