The Stag as Symbolic of Godric Gryffindor (WAS: Harry's Patronus)

[erisedstraeh2002]

No: HPFGUIDX 44799

Richelle wrote:

> Anyway, to rephrase my question slightly, the particular form his 
> patronus took was apparently unusual, according to Dumbledore, who 
> at the time didn't know James was an animagus (Malfoy & co as fake 
> dementors at Quidditch game).  So therefore all patronuses must 
> take a form unique to the person they are defending.  Which means 
> it must've come from somewhere in Harry's subconscious.  Did he, as 
> a 15 month old or younger, see his father as a stag?  Is this how 
> he subconsciously associated protection with a stag?

Now me:

Thanks, Richelle, for giving me an opportunity to expound upon one of 
my favorite HP theories!  Here's what JKR has to say about animagi 
(AOL 2000 chat):

Q from 'Narri': "Does the animal one turns into as an Animagi reflect 
your personality?"

JKR: "Very well deduced, Narri! I personally would like to think that 
I would transform into an otter, which is my favorite animal. Imagine 
how horrible it would be if I turned out to be a cockroach!"

Since the patronus takes the form of James' animagus, is it too far 
of a stretch to think that the stag may also reflect Harry's 
personality, since Harry is James' son and presumably has inherited 
some of James' personality traits?  Even Sirius says "You are truly 
your father's son." 

I also think the stag is representative of what I believe to be James 
and Harry's descendancy from Godric Gryffindor.  St. Godric is 
represented in art with a stag by his side, and there are several 
legends about St. Godric's associations with stags (including one 
where St. Godric affords a hunted stag protection, which to me is 
representative of how the Fidelius Charm works).

~Phyllis