The Hero Archetype An Exploration Into The Common Traits...

The Hero Archetype: An Exploration into the Common Traits of Fictitious Heroes through the Analysis of J.K. Rowling s Harry Potter and the Philosopher s Stone There is a common belief that all fictional heroes are different. After all, different situations require different methods and skill sets. Despite their differences, many heroes in works of fiction have three specific similarities: mysterious parentages, difficult childhoods, and the discovery of their destinies. These three traits make up the hero archetype. The hero archetype is present in both modern day fiction, as well as tales of old. The main character of the novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher s Stone by J.K. Rowling, is a prime example of the hero archetype. Orphaned from infancy, Harry endures a difficult childhood isolated from his true world until the discovery of his destiny: he is to become an exceptional wizard. The traits described within the hero archetype are significant because they produce a hero of a specific nature, ulti mately allowing said hero to achieve their destiny. One of the most common traits exhibited by heroes in works of fiction is mysterious parentage. The hero s parents are typically important people who possess special powers or another special trait of sorts. The parents are sometimes royalty, and sometimes gods—no matter who the parents are, they always have one specific thing in common: the hero does not know them. In the novel, Harry s parents are talented and