Joseph Campbell defines a hero as "someone who has given his life to something bigger than himself." Throughout the epic poem/film the heroes ' life lessons have prepared them for the obstacles they face on the journey. Campbell 's definition is proven throughout J.K Rowling 's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer 's Stone and Beowulf translated by Seamus Heaney. Heroes begin their journey by being chosen by a force, they then face a desire for acceptance that causes a vulnerability, but then ultimately transcend death. Harry and Beowulf both were chosen by supernatural forces, separating them from the average person as well as guiding them to their destiny. The wand that chooses Harry just so happens to have a feather from the same phoenix as Voldemort.
…show more content…
No other wizard survived the wrath of Voldemort, yet Harry did twice. "All the people he 's killed…he couldn 't kill a little boy" (Rowling 12). As a baby and in the dungeon, Voldemort aimed to kill Potter yet failed. Harry 's lightning bolt scar symbolized Voldemort 's defeat and Harry 's resistance. As a baby, Harry really was defenseless and Voldemort was a powerful rogue wizard, yet he still was overpowered. In the dungeon, Voldemort may have been weakened, but Harry was still young and untrained. Regardless, Harry 's touch overpowered Voldemort and helped Harry avoid being killed, once again. From the night of his parent 's murder, Harry gained the scar but he also gained the power from goodness and sacrifice. His scar displays his parent 's loss, but how it contributed to who he became. He was the boy who lived, and Voldemort can never forget that. Despite his eventual death, Beowulf transcends death through his story and reputation. From Beowulf 's point of view, he viewed the dragon as his final way to show his dedication to his people and prove himself. Although with backup he may have lived after the battle, he now gets to be immortal through his tale. While dying, he asks Wiglaf to show him his treasure and gives directions for his funeral. Beowulf knew he was going to die before the battle began, he allowed destiny to take it 's place and become a legend for what he had accomplished. "For a man should praise a prince whom he holds dear and cherish his memory when that moment comes" (Heaney 213). Beowulf 's memorial will serve to show his greatness and bravey, and he was to be remembered as a great king and military leader. Both heroes transcend death, whether figuratively or
No other wizard survived the wrath of Voldemort, yet Harry did twice. "All the people he 's killed…he couldn 't kill a little boy" (Rowling 12). As a baby and in the dungeon, Voldemort aimed to kill Potter yet failed. Harry 's lightning bolt scar symbolized Voldemort 's defeat and Harry 's resistance. As a baby, Harry really was defenseless and Voldemort was a powerful rogue wizard, yet he still was overpowered. In the dungeon, Voldemort may have been weakened, but Harry was still young and untrained. Regardless, Harry 's touch overpowered Voldemort and helped Harry avoid being killed, once again. From the night of his parent 's murder, Harry gained the scar but he also gained the power from goodness and sacrifice. His scar displays his parent 's loss, but how it contributed to who he became. He was the boy who lived, and Voldemort can never forget that. Despite his eventual death, Beowulf transcends death through his story and reputation. From Beowulf 's point of view, he viewed the dragon as his final way to show his dedication to his people and prove himself. Although with backup he may have lived after the battle, he now gets to be immortal through his tale. While dying, he asks Wiglaf to show him his treasure and gives directions for his funeral. Beowulf knew he was going to die before the battle began, he allowed destiny to take it 's place and become a legend for what he had accomplished. "For a man should praise a prince whom he holds dear and cherish his memory when that moment comes" (Heaney 213). Beowulf 's memorial will serve to show his greatness and bravey, and he was to be remembered as a great king and military leader. Both heroes transcend death, whether figuratively or