The Monomyth: Predictions For Book Seven Of The Harry Potter Series

By Artevia Wilborn, published Dec 12, 2006
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Joseph Campbell the author of The Hero with a Thousand faces wrote:
"A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man."

This classic quote describes the monomyth, a description of a basic pattern found in many myths and heroic tales from around the world, it also often called the hero's journey. Campbell's insight was that important myths from around the world which have survived for thousands of years, all share a fundamental structure. This fundamental structure contains a number of stages. If the hero accepts the call to enter this strange world, the hero must face tasks and trials, and may have to face these trials alone, or may have assistance. At its most intense, the hero must survive a severe challenge, often with help earned along the journey. If the hero survives, the hero may achieve a great gift or "boon." The hero must then decide whether to return to the ordinary world with this boon. If the hero does decide to return, the hero often faces challenges on the return journey. If the hero is successful in returning, the boon or gift may be used to improve the world.

Monomyths include epic figures such as Buddha, Luke Skywalker, Christ, and many other classic myths from many cultures which seem to rely upon this universal structure. I believe that in interpreting the basic monomyth stages insights and interpretations can be used to predict Harry Potter's hero journey in J.K Rowling's seventh and final Harry Potter book.

Steps or stages in a Monomyth have been detailed as follows:

The Monomyth: Predictions For Book Seven Of The Harry Potter Series

Harry Potter, the main character in J.K. Rowiling's books. He will fight the evil Lord Voldemort in Book 7.

Credit: Warner Bros. Enterntainment 2004

Copyright: Warner Bros. Enterntainment 2004

Resources
  • J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone; J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
  • J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban; J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
  • J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix; J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,
Comments
Showing Comments 1 - 13 of 13
 
 
The alchemy theory also has some influence. Check out my recent article on the subject if you have time!

Posted on 04/05/2007 at 10:04:00 AM

 
Fascinating. I enjoyed the study of the monomyth itself and too will look forward to seeing how your predictions come out. I too think that Snape is a good guy in the end, but am not sure that Dumbledore will stay "dead." Well thought out and well enjoyed.

Posted on 01/04/2007 at 10:01:00 AM

 
It will be really interesting to come back to this article after the seventh book comes out and see how close your predictions came. Thanks for the article. However it turns out, I'm first in line for it when it's ready!

Posted on 01/03/2007 at 8:01:00 AM

 
This was very interesting. Good support for your theory. I, like L., have never come across the monomyth pattern, but it seems to work. I can imagine the final book to unfold just as you describe. Excellent article!

Posted on 12/20/2006 at 10:12:00 AM

 
I liked it...thanks!

Posted on 12/19/2006 at 9:12:00 AM

 
Sorry for the typos, I got excited, lol.

Posted on 12/18/2006 at 10:12:00 PM

 
This is fabulous, it really is. I love reading about story cosntruction, and somehow I have never run across this monomyth pattern detailed. You really did a good job of story analyis, especially considering how many volumes there are. Good work!

Posted on 12/18/2006 at 10:12:00 PM

 
'Twas an interesting read at the least. But you do have grammar mistakes.

Posted on 12/16/2006 at 2:12:00 AM

 
Excellent analysis. I enjoyed reading this. :)

Posted on 12/14/2006 at 1:12:00 PM

 
LOL I bet you suckers did not read all 6 pages. He basically is saying He thinks Harry Potter will not be killed off and he explains why. Keep the analyzing to the adults.. kiddies

Posted on 12/14/2006 at 9:12:00 AM

 
what ????

Posted on 12/14/2006 at 7:12:00 AM

 
sound gud but jkr is beter writer than that ! she can think of something more interesting!!!

Posted on 12/14/2006 at 4:12:00 AM

 
what a load of junk

Posted on 12/14/2006 at 12:12:00 AM

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