Free Diomedes Essay Example

The contemporary “hero” that I want to focus on is Harry Potter from the Harry Potter Series. The story of Harry Potter spans seven books, and we meet him just as he begins his journey as a wizard. Harry Potter, in my opinion, falls under the “heroic” standards in ancient mythology because he fits the basic criteria of a “hero” and is similar to Diomedes from the Iliad. It is apparent when we learn of Harry’s infancy and his tragic childhood that includes losing his parents, surviving a horrible attack that should have left him dead, and defeating the most powerful villain all while still a baby in his crib. Harry goes through many trials and obstacles after he finds out he’s a wizard and is admitted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; he fortunately doesn’t go through them alone because he has two best friends to accompany him. Harry Potter fits the description of a “hero” because of his prophetic birth and separation from his parents in infancy, his exile into “muggle life” in hopes of hiding him from any danger, and being raised by his aunt and uncle. Though Harry isn’t a king or a noble, the criteria of a hero still resembles the rest of his plot line, after learning that he is a wizard, Harry returns to the wizarding world and adventures pop up in which he defeats other dangers. Harry also has his fall from “grace” and his state of mind enters a dark state which results in him leaving once more. Potter returns with a vengeance and right when he is needed most, dies albeit partially, and returns once more to save the day. Diomedes and Harry are quite similar because Diomedes continues his fight after being wounded and not growing up completely with a father. Athene answers Diomedes prayers after he is wounded and gives him strength and courage to continue his fight, it is quite similar to Harry having the spirits of those he loved who perished--his father, mother, Sirius Black, and Remus Lupin to give him strength and courage to end the battle at Hogwarts.