“Judaic lore mentions that the phoenix achieved its unique status as an immortal bird because it refrained from bothering the overburdened Noah during the Flood voyage” (Linderman). Out of the ashes, a new phoenix would rise, becoming a potent symbol of “immortality, resurrection, and life after death” (Linderman).Īs such, it achieved some prominence as a religious symbol.
Originally a crimson and gold bird of ancient mythologies of Egypt and Greece, the phoenix lived for 500 (or 1461) years, and as its death approached, it built itself a “nest of aromatic wood,” set a fire, and “was consumed by the flames” (Lindermans). The phoenix has been a powerful literary and religious symbol for thousands of years. After exploring the first five books along the lines of this figurative death/resurrection motif, I will conclude with Half-Blood Prince, since it serves to springboard us into the final book and is so incredibly significant, being the real rising point of Harry’s status as hero. I will then argue that Harry progresses through a figurative death and resurrection cycle in each book, teaching him, in effect, to live and die well. We will then hear various “perspectives on death” from the series’ three most prominent archetypes: the wise old man (Dumbledore), the shadow (Voldemort) and the hero (Harry Potter). All of the subsequent content will be linked to this central symbol. We will begin by exploring the symbol of the phoenix and how it relates to the theme of death.
Working primarily in mythological categories, I intend to investigate how Rowling teaches this theme. Ultimately, Rowling wants to teach us that a life lived out of sacrificial love makes death not something to be feared, but “the next great adventure” (Rowling, Sorcerer’s 297). That this theme is central to the books can be seen in the multitude of plot twists, words of wisdom, and symbols, not the least of which is the phoenix, that speak directly to the issue of death. So what does she want us to learn about death? Rowling has said that death is “possibly the most important theme” in the books (Rowling, “Harry Potter and Me”). There is hardly a more universal human experience than death, and its chilling finality has caused fear in not a few hearts and minds. I'd love to hear your responses.įrom The Epic of Gilgamesh to Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the question of death has been explored in the pages of literature, not least in mythological works. I posted this at my blog looking for critical response, and my critical readers didn't show up! I'm looking to expand and improve on this essay.