More about Harry's Holly Wand and associated symbolism (Talisman's post)

[kelleyelf]

No: HPFGUIDX 42864

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "erisedstraeh2002" <bdmorrp at b...> wrote:
> Felicia wrote:
> > May we assume therefore that it was just the luck of the draw 
***  edited *** and that it is a coincidence that both are made out 
of wood associated in some form with death i.e. *Holly and Yew*, 
*** edited ***
> > ~Phyllis replied: 
> My theory on why JKR chose holly as Harry's wand wood is because 
> holly is associated with Christmas, and I am of the belief that 
Harry is meant to save the wizarding world from evil as Christ was 
sent to save the world from evil. >>>>>>>>>>

 
Talisman replies:
I strongly agree that in matching Harry to a holly wand Rowling has 
provided a critical symbolic key to the HP series. Holly is 
traditionally associated with the cycle of death/rebirth, or 
reserection, being a plant that remains green in winter.  (An answer 
as well to those who have opined about Harry's death in threads such 
a "Horrible to Write.")

Holly is also associated with the Celtic sun-god Lugh, the patron 
of sorcery no less. (I noted before posting that the Lugh connection 
has been suggested by Ronale7; see earlier discussions of this myth 
in various threads by searching for "Lugh"). A reading of the myth of 
Lugh provides many fertile comparisions between the Celtic hero and 
Harry:  Oidche Lugnasa (Lugh's feast day) is HP's Birthday, July 31; 
Prophesy that evil king Balor (Lugh's grandpa) would be killed by 
grandson leads to Balor's failed attempt to kill Lugh; Lugh was 
brought up in the care of a master magician, to keep him safe; when 
Balor (a Fromorian) tries to take over the Tuatha de Danann, and has 
killed the Tautha king, Lugh emerges as the hero of the battle and 
the new king of his people.  hmmmm.

(Tangentially: The use of a Celtic myth that is specifically 
important to Scottish culture makes sense considering: Rowling is 
part Scottish; she wrote (writes?)from Edinburgh, Scotland; her 
writing was supported by a grant from the Scottish Arts Council; she 
set Hogwarts in Scotland (FBAWTFT, p.2); the Griffindor house colors 
and mascot evoke the Scottish royal flag: red lion rampant on a field 
of gold (make the red/gold into gules/or if you are into heraldry).

In addition to Holly and Lugh (as are all sun god types) being  
symbols of rebirth, let's not forget that lovely red and gold 
phoenix. Yes indeed, there is something to it.


Talisman


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