what makes a hero? (wasRe: The magic power of love.)

[sofdog_2000]

No: HPFGUIDX 80569

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Doriane" <delwynmarch at y...> 
wrote:
> > Can you be a hero if you do something that doesn't risk your 
life?  


Sof: I tend to think of heroism from a classical standpoint: "By 
definition, the hero is the one who finally accepts the call [to 
action] and confronts his destiny, his true being." – David Adams 
Leeming, "The World of Myth"

Harry is a hero because he accepts a call to action whenever one is 
presented. He refused to stay put and wait for Dumbledore to return 
in SS. He insisted on going to get Hermione in the girls bathroom, 
rather than informing a teacher. In CS, Harry insisted on going down 
the chute into the Chamber of Secrets. He didn't wait to see if Ron 
wanted to be first to go after his sister nor enlist the elder 
Weasley's in the rescue. He just jumped. Likewise his many feats in 
the TriWizard tournament, giving Norbert to Charlie's friends, and 
rescuing Sirius. 

In many of these circumstances, Harry could easily have passed the 
information on to someone else. (It made no sense at all for Hermione 
and Harry to be out after hours getting rid of Norbert when Hagrid is 
free to roam the grounds.) Harry never abdicates responsibility when 
it comes down to it. Thoughtless, but absolutely brave.

The same is true of Ron and Hermione, largely. Hermione is a thinker 
and planner which is why she insists on calling in true authorities. 
At the same time, she's still there for the team in the clinch. 

As for Ginny, Neville and Luna. Their insistence on rescuing Sirius - 
their membership in the DA - is essentially heroic. They are 
presented with a problem and they agree to deal with it.