What is mythology exactly? This is a question that I plan to answer over the next 8 weeks or so through the exploration of various archetypes. This said, I want to begin with a bit of a brief introduction to the world of archetypes, and how mythology comes into play where you would least expect it.
Everyone knows mythology, but does everyone see mythology in everyday novels, films, comic books, etc.? To start off with, here's an example that most people should be able to relate to: Harry Potter. A worldwide phenomenon about a young wizard and his journeys through a series of seven novels, and a story that I, personally, have been fascinated with since the age of 11. Whether you have read the books an insane amount of times (I went through a phase from about grade 5 to 7 where I read the entire series about 9 times), or you wait patiently for the movies to come out; you know the story...or do you? While the whole story of an orphan boy discovering that he is much more than ordinary is a captivating one, it is also a very typical archetype with many references to mythology.
Harry's departure begins the moment that his parents are murdered by the evil Lord Voldemort, beginning the 17-year journey to finish what was started. This is the Call to Adventure part of his departure. This, as in most archetypes is followed by the Refusal of the Call, but interestingly enough, this choice is not made by Harry, but rather by his Aunt and Uncle who want to "stamp the magic out of him" and who abuse him and show him nothing but resentment in the 11 years that follow. It is on the night of his 11th birthday that his Supernatural Aid, in the form of Hagrid, the friendly half-giant, comes and shows him who he truly is ("You're a wizard, Harry"). Then comes the Crossing of the First Threshold, when Harry finally steps into the world he never knew he belonged to (Trip to Diagon Alley). He finally enters the last stage of departure, The Belly of the Whale, when he climbs aboard the Hogwarts Express, unknowing that he will never be the same when he returns.
Harry's introduction to the magical world of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is his Initiation. Over Harry's next six years at the school, he endures the Road of Trials (at this point, it is impossible for me to explain 6 books worth of trials, so you may just have to read them) and nearing the end of his sixth year, he meets The Goddess (who happens to be his best friend's sister - awkward!). After the Atonement with the Father (Dumbledore) Harry realizes what he must do and the severity of the situation he must take on, and throughout the seventh book, he starts a journey (journey in a journey) to finally complete his quest of defeating Voldemort. Nearing the end of the seventh book is Harry's Apotheosis and the Ultimate Boon, which, to avoid ruining the book or movie for those who are unfamiliar, I will not explain in detail, but if you have read the seventh book, these details are quite easy to pick out.
Harry's Return is not explained in detail, but the final part of it is in the epilogue, that being Freedom to Live.
As you can see, the basic plotline of Harry Potter is very connected to mythology, and I can tell you in all honesty, that this is just the begining of the similarities and I will most certainly continue on with those on a later date. Now, although I may have ranted for a while, the whole point that I was trying to get across is that once you are able to identify the basic qualities of archetypes, you will be able to see them in almost all literature (even the ones that you enjoy). It really shows you a whole new level to the things you love to read and watch.
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