[HPforGrownups] Re: Christianity in HP? (WAS: Dumbledore's Death)

[Metylda]

No: HPFGUIDX 151049

--- Tonks <tonks_op at yahoo.com> wrote:
> I have hoped that people of other religions might
> look closely at 
> the books and show us other symbols from their own
> religions. I am 
> sure that JKR is writing for everyone, young and
> old, from every 
> race and tongue, etc. And the message is a universal
> one of God's 
> Love. 


bamf here:

Not being Christian, one of the things that does
bother me is that people always assume that Ultimate
Sacrifice for the greater good always equates to
Christianity and Christ dying on the cross.  For me,
being Heathen/Asatru, the scene in book six of Albus
drinking reminds me more of Odin drinking from the
well of Mimnir to gain knowledge, as well as Albus's
death reminds me of Odin hanging himself from the
Ydrassil, the tree of life, to gain the knowledge of
the runes.  It was with these gifts that Odin came to 
know the future, although he did not reveal it.  Odin
knew what would happen at Ragnarok, and tried to best
prepare the people involved, similarly to a certain
headmaster we know, as well as knowing his own fate -
that he would also die at Ragnarak.  Some sources also
tell us that Odin will be reborn and help shape the
second world to come. 

Albus, though, also has many characteristics of Thor,
too.  Thor is the Thunder God, but he was also the god
of the common people, whereas Odin was more the god of
the 'upper crust' so to speak.  Harry and many of the
students, as well as the general population in HP,
take comfort in Albus's mere existence.  Dumbledore
makes time for anyone who wishes to meet with him,
from the most lowly first year to heads of state.

There are probably more instances, however, these are
what I came up with off the top of my head.

Ta!
bamf

There is no snooze button on a cat who wants breakfast.

*****

Me t wyrd gewf

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