The topic of heroes is a common theme in language arts classes, due to the many types of heroes. There are three types of heroes: the epic, tragic, and classic. Each type refers specifically to an era, style, author or characteristic of these heroes. If we look at what a hero means, though, they all seem to be one in the end.
It is common to mislead the title or set unrealistic expectations regarding heroes. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling is a classic example of this. He is often described as a “classic hero” and a normal person with specialized talents that make them special or different. He is just an ordinary boy thrust into a world full of magic and witchcraft. Harry Potter is the most well-known example of a “classic” hero. But Harry is trying hard to live up to what it means to be a hero. Heroes are viewed as more than just heroes. There are many classifications of heroes, and each one is different. But the real question is: What is a hero? However, the question is still what makes a hero? Robert Cipriano (CEO of The All Humanity Group), an organization that strives to improve the lives for everyone, said that “there is a variety of heroes that] shows us anything’s possible, [heroes] which…demonstrate a bravery…not common…heroes with the ability to overcome adversity…the strength to thrive.” The number of people who can be considered heroes increases tremendously when you apply this to Harry Potter. Every character displayed courage no matter what life throws at them. Snape was brave enough to kill his friend, boss and teacher to prevent Malfoy’s blood from getting on his hands. Snape’s cover was not broken by Dumbledore, Dumbledore the wise and steadfast man. Professor McGonogall and the other teachers who stood against Dark Lord were saved by what they loved. Hermione was able to stand up for herself and be a witch despite being doubted by all who were around her. Ron saved Harry from certain doom in the first book. They were all heroes, but they didn’t realize it. That is what a hero looks like. They don’t need to be called a hero, they are just one. Everyone has an implicit bias about what a hero is, as we have seen. There is also a tendency to expect certain things. In a recent article on stereotypes and their effects, Psychologist Noam Spancer asserted that, “stereotype-based expectations…stymie individual freedom and achievement.” This is seen from Harry’s first introductions into the wizarding world when Hagrid,the giant groundskeeper tasked with helping Harry, takes him to the Leaky Cauldron. Everybody reacts differently to Harry’s name. Customers all go quiet when he is mentioned. Some even walk up and thank Harry for his presence. Harry, who “killed” Lord Voldemort in this new magical world, is treated as a celebrity right after his arrival. Twelve-year-old Harry, who was raised believing he was not important, suddenly finds himself a celebrity. He may have set an example for the future, especially as he is still young and impressionable. These wizards are proud of him, while his classmates consider him a hero. Young Malfoy wanted Harry as his friend and warned him about the families with which he should not be friends. Harry had been given fame, hero status and popularity because of his actions when he turned fifteen months. Harry would not be free if he had this in his life. He must live up the expectation that he will be a hero. He was born a wizard and his destiny was decided from the beginning. He just had to attempt to fit into the shoes of his destiny and follow the footsteps of those who believed in him.
Harry is often considered a hero for his “”
hero’s journey”. The idea of the hero’s journey is based on Joseph Campbell’s 12-step journey. Hermoine is a muggle from which she was born. Her parents did not know magic existed and she had a normal childhood. Hermoine received a letter on her 12th birthday that would change her entire life. Although Dumbledore was not an active part Hermoine’s life, he trusted her enough to lend her the time-turner. The magical device was able to allow the user to go back to the past. Buckbeak, Hagrid’s Hippogriff saved her from the jaws. Hermoine did not die and she returned to life. However, Harry was always there for her in his trials. Although she may have not given up her life, Hermoine allowed her parents to forget her in order to protect them. While it was the cost to war, Hermoine still had to make a tremendous sacrifice for the greater cause. Ron, who is afraid of spiders and accompanied Hermoine into the forbidden forest to try to understand the attack on their school, was not forgotten. Ron managed to take out the locket despite being very sad and upset by the locket as the trio attempted to explain and destroy the horcruxes. Hermione assisted them in destroying another horcrux. Ron was raised in a wizard household and his normal life changed when he met Harry. He learned through Harry, school and Hermoine, even though he didn’t have a mentor. Ron, like Hermoine was always there for Harry and remained loyal. He is also the hero in this story. J.K. Harry Potter is definitely a tale full of heroes. It should not be limited to one person. No matter how small or big the role, everyone in this magical story has one. The only way to determine one’s worth is to predetermine what it is that they should be. We don’t know if Harry had been “the chosen” or not. Would he have still gone the extra mile to help others? Harry Potter isn’t just about one hero who fails to live upto his expectations. It’s also about the many heroes who go to great lengths to protect what they love.