Harry and Christ - other beliefs (longish)

[Nisha]

No: HPFGUIDX 78280


{{{{Now, none of this is 
> Christian at all, but a Christian reader will be able to read it as 
> a sort of "premonition" of the bigger story of Christ's sacrifice.  
> But it's a perfectly good theme all on its own, and it's 
widespread 
> in lots of other cultures.  (Actually, the part that struck me was 
> the fact that this festival marks the death of a mother!}}}}

I agree.
I find that the themes found in HP are universal. I think people of 
every culture find similarities with their own religion/mythology. 
Mythologies are similar in many ways. One way to look at it is 
through the idea of the "Hero's Journey" which is used 
consciously and sub-consciously by many writers, movie 
makers and creatives. I think HP is no different and that Rowling 
has encompassed the universal values and the reality of cruelty 
in life very well. The idea of choice and consequence are very 
important ideas for both children and adults to learn. 
As for the 'death of a mother', Harry has a connection/protection 
from his mother even after her death which I feel will become 
significant later on. His mother gave her life so that he could live. 
It fits in very well with the cycle of life found in mythologies. Also 
JK Rowling is probably incorporating her own life experience as 
well, which is touching. Perhaps the greatest magic in life and 
death is Love after all.

Nisha