Keeper of the Keys

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 113246

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "arrowsmithbt"
<arrowsmithbt at b...> wrote:

> Kneasy:
... heavily edited...
> 
> Right from the begining of my 'Potter Period' back in 2000, I've
> wondered at that 'Keeper of the Keys' title; posted the same 
> question last year. Nobody came up with anything new though. 
> I'm still wondering if 'Keys' means more than we generally assume.
> 
> Kneasy

bboyminn:

Let's not forget that 'Keeper of Keys' is not something JKR made up.
First it is really, in ancient and olden times there really were
people who held the title 'Keeper of Keys'. It's history, and a castle
like Hogwarts would logically have a 'Keeper of Keys'.

It also appears in books, poetry, fantasy, myth, fable, and legend. A
search of Google for... "Keeper of Keys" -harry -hagrid (where '-'
means not -harry = not harry) yields 1,250 hits. Also,... Britian
"Keeper of Keys" will yield about 170 hits.

Myth, fable, and Legend-
- JANUS - In ancient mythology, the treasures of the gods were
protected by JANUS, the "Keeper of Keys", and "Custodian of
Treasures". Looking both forward and back, this ancient figure could
see in all directions, preserving and protecting all that was important.

-the month of January - Roman god of beginnings and endings. He is
usually represented with two heads, one facing backward, the other
facing forward.  Janus  symbolizes the principle of looking back to
the past to understand the present in order to shape the future.

>From an ancient myth about Poseidon (actually a play)
"Hecuba, Queen, Mother of Hector become an elderly
Keeper of keys: a porter at the door: a baker of bread."

'Keeper of Keys' By Bernice L. McFadden
'Keeper of Keys' a Charlie Chan Mystery
Janny Wurts - 'The Cycle of Fire' Series including 'Stormwarden',
'Keeper of Keys' & 'Shadowfane'.

-Keeper of Keys Riddle-
I am the keeper of keys that unlock no door,
And I am quite natural with my feet on the floor.
I'm proud and I'm perfect, and I look really grand,
And I can tickle your fancy if you lend me a hand.

Who or what am I? (sorry, I don't actually have the solution)

-Frogs - a comedy in one act by Aristophanes-
"Everything is falling into place," gasps Dionysos. "Like a well-made
play." Then, due to a misunderstanding with Aeakos, Pluto's keeper of
keys, Dionysos finds himself in imminent danger of violent death."

- From Pagan Liturgy - Summer Solstive Ritual-

Priest:

    Hear now the benediction
    of the Evening Star,
    spoken softly by the Keeper of Keys
    to the Doors of Dusk in the Moon-shade
    of purple-shrouded twilight: 

- Silver Dragon Academy - a Goth website (I think)
"Your animal Spirt is the Gray wolf. The Gray wolf is the keepers of
keys to the human spirt and the guide through life."

The French word 'Concierge' translate to English mean 'The keeper of keys'

In addition, the 'Keeper of Keys' is mentioned in the Christian Bible.

I wish I could have found more factual and historical references, but
with 1,250 to search through, and limited time and energy, this is the
best I could do.

Not sure what that adds to the discussion, I guess primarily a
reminder to people that 'Keeper of Keys' is not a unique concept to
JKR, and I would suspect, but can't prove at the moment, that there
are people today who have the title 'keeper of keys'.

Steve/bboyminn (was bboy_mn)