[HPforGrownups] More Harry as Saviour

[Edblanning at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 37084

In a message dated 27/03/02 05:30:59 GMT Standard Time, 
lterrellgiii at icqmail.com writes:
> I think I just stumbled across something that, at the very least, interested 
> me.
> Within the Christian church, there is much importance assigned to the idea 
> of Christ's blood as a redeeming and rebirthing substance. I know its 
> figurative, but by his blood (his sacrifice) we gain, in their view, 
> immortality.  
> Lord Voldemort was regenerated (reborn) because of the BLOOD of his foe 
> (amongst other wonderful ingredients).... HARRY!  Another nod towards Harry 
> being a Christ figure?
> I'm not sure if there is any real significance here, but it makes for an 
> interesting note, at least.
> 

Sorry this reply is a bit late. I was having problems with my AOL connection 
yesterday.
Obviously the redemptive power of the Saviour's blood is a major theme in 
Christianity (and incidentally, not all Christians view this as figurative), 
but there are some very significant differences. The blood of Christ's 
sacrifice was *willingly* given, whereas, the incantation used by Wormtail 
specifically states that Harry's is the blood of the enemy, forcibly taken. 
It is Wormtail, the servant, who *willingly* gives flesh. Again, there is an 
inverse parallel, as Christ speaks of himself as the servant.
Now if there is a deliberate Christian parallel here, I think the differences 
are such that ultimately Voldemort will find that the formula does not work 
(similar to the speculation regarding the gleam - Dumbledore knows that there 
is a fault in the use of Harry's blood). It reminds me of The Lion, the Witch 
and the Wardrobe, where The White Witch knows the Deep Magic but Aslan knows 
a still older magic which assures his triumph over her.

I think also that there may be parallels between the use of Harry's blood as 
a commodity with magical properties and the similar corrupt mediaeval use of 
relics. Whereas many did make sincere pilgrimage and venerate relics, there 
was also a thriving, cynical trade in false relics, exploiting the 
vulnerability and gullability of people desperate for salvation, or cures for 
illness etc. What I am trying to say is that I think ultimately, JKR will 
make the point that immortality is not something that you can buy (or 
steal!). It cannot be gained through cynical, self-seeking activities, but is 
a gift. (Granted, I have a problem here fitting in the Flamels). The 
Philosopher's Stone was guarded in such a way that no-one who wanted the 
stone for his own benefit could get it, which may be a hint at her attitude.

Personally, I am not convinced that the series *will* play out as a Christian 
allegory, still less that Harry is a Christ figure, although I can see that 
it might work out this way. The series is certainly suffused with Christian 
nuance, however. If JKR is more religious than we had been led to suppose, 
then that would certainly explain it. To me, Dumbledore is the most obvious 
parallel, (nearly) omniscient, wise, moves in extremely mysterious ways, 
embodies (in his grey moments) those problems of *why does a just God let 
evil/injustice etc, etc happen*, powerful and awe-inspiring, but approachable 
(and twinkling!). He even looks like the picture of God I drew in my RE book 
when I was 7!)

Eloise (who is glad, Eileen, to note that she wasn't the only one thinking 
about HP during the Palm Sunday service. I was Caiaphas in the dramatic 
reading of the Passion and got to wondering whether he or Pilate was more 
like Cornelius Fudge!)


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