Harry Potter Mythological Names

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Subject: Harry Potter Mythological Names Mon May 23 2011, 15:01

As many of us know, J.K. Rowling chooses the names of her characters very carefully, often using Latin root words and mythology to support her character's personalities and actions.

For this class, you'll need to take a closer look at a character from the Harry Potter books whose name relates to mythology. Answer the following questions from your research.

1. Which character did you choose?

2. How does their name relate to mythology? Please give one myth that relates to that character/name.

3. Why do you think Rowling picked this name for them (refer to specific examples in the books!). Please make this at least 200 words.

4. Do you agree with her choice? Does it fit the character? Why or why not? Please make this section at least 250 words.

This class can earn you up to 250 points! Enjoy!

Subject: Re: Harry Potter Mythological Names Wed Jul 20 2011, 15:39

1. Which character did you choose?
Nymphadora Tonks

2. How does their name relate to mythology?
The first part of her name is derived from the term 'Nymph', who are the spirits of nature in Greek mythology.

3. Why do you think Rowling picked this name for them (refer to specific examples in the books!).
I think J.K.Rowling meant to attribute meaningful names to each and every one of her characters - Nymphadora is a very unique name, and I think it fits the character perfectly. Tonks is, without a doubt, a very unique girl, just from her gift of being a metamorphmagus but also because of who she is as a person - nobody quite compares to her in the books. Physically speaking, nymphs, as deities, generally appear as young and pretty girls, and all those attributes can easily go along with Tonks' appearance, as she is described in the books as that of a pretty young woman when she is not changing her looks. Nymphs are also meant as protectors, and her auror career obviously qualifies her as such, as much as her role by Harry and the Order's side. Nymphs are also described as freedom loving, and this is what Tonks fights for alongside with everybody else, freedom from the dark times they live in.

4. Do you agree with her choice? Does it fit the character? Why or why not?
I most definitely do agree. Tonks is by far my favorite character of the series, and I think that all the uniqueness that goes along with her name affects the personality that was given to her. Alternatively, the second part of her name, 'Dora', comes from the Greek 'Doron', meaning gift, and Tonks was that in many ways. She was a gift of hope for her parents, a pure blood mother who chose the love of a muggle-born in spite of her family. She was a gift of hope for Remus, who most likely didn't believe he'd ever find someone to be with, and her personality in itself made her a gift of joy for all her friends. Another connexion that can be made is that of her son's name, Theodore, meaning 'gift of God' - as deities, nymphs are related to divinity. All in all, Nymphadora Tonks' name is one that, in my opinion, was very defining as to who she is and Rowling couldn't have made a better choice as to how to name her.

Subject: Re: Harry Potter Mythological Names Wed Jul 20 2011, 17:23

MarieC - Excellent! Very nice writing and I love that you looked at all aspects of her name and gave plenty of examples, and went above and beyond to talk about her son.

You recieve 100 points. Outstanding

Check class records for totals.

Subject: Re: Harry Potter Mythological Names Wed Jul 20 2011, 18:31

1. Which character did you choose?
Remus Lupin

2. How does their name relate to mythology?
Remus, in Greek mythology, was the twin brother of Romulus. Their mother Rhea had to keep their birth a secret, and the twins ended up being nursed by a mother wolf. In mythology the brothers are credited with being the founders of Rome (although most often brother Romulus gets the sole credit). The brothers argued and fought, and Remus was slain by his brother Romulus.
Lupin is derived from the word lupine meaning wolf-like.

3. Why do you think Rowling picked this name for them (refer to specific examples in the books!).
When Professor Lupin arrives at Hogwarts as the latest in the line of doomed Hogwart's DADA teachers, his name is a huge clue as to his nature. As a child, Remus was attacked by werewolf Fenrir Greyback, and since then he has been cursed to transform into a werewolf at the time of the full moon. If ever there had been a wizard born to be a werewolf, than Remus Lupin was that wizard. Both his first and last name have strong connections to wolf mythology. Rowling is rarely subtle when it comes to naming characters, she wants the reader to guess at Lupin's true nature, even having his bogart appear as the full moon. Hermione figures out that the DADA professor is a werewolf after Snape teaches them about werewolves- conveniently while Lupin is out sick during the time of the full moon. But the clues of his affliction are presented form the very beginning to the observant reader.

4. Do you agree with her choice? Does it fit the character? Why or why not? Please make this section at least 150 words.
I think Rowling did a fantastic job picking out Remus's name! More than any name in the Harry Potter world, Remus Lupin's is a perfect fit. With two names referring to wolves, it's inevitable he'd end up a werewolf. The name is perfect because the one thing he longs to hide from is his werewolf affliction, and yet he can never get away from it- even his name is a clue as to his nature. Lupin hates his condition, it has kept him from a normal life for so long, and it is only through the power of love that he is finally able to overcome his fear of rejection. And then there's the Remus and Romulus connection- Remus is the quieter, less loved, overshadowed brother. In a way James, Sirius and even Wormtail are all Romulus, although Remus seems content with his less shinier role. When Wormtail betrays the Maruader's brotherhood, James, Sirius and ultimately Remus die. It might be Antonin Dolohov who wields the wand that delivers the killing blow to Remus, but Wormtail set the entire series of events into motion because like Romulus he wanted all the glory. So not only does Remus Lupin's name spell out his nature, it also dooms him to die.

Subject: Re: Harry Potter Mythological Names Wed Jul 20 2011, 20:35

Rigby Dumbledore - Fantastic! Good summary of the mythological background and I loved your connections, especially the one between Lupin and the other Mauraders—very insightful!

You recieve 100 points! Outstanding

Check class records for totals. Harry Potter Mythological Names 436937

Subject: Re: Harry Potter Mythological Names Thu Jul 21 2011, 00:07

amortentia773 wrote:: As many of us know, J.K. Rowling chooses the names of her characters very carefully, often using Latin root words and mythology to support her character's personalities and actions.

For this class, you'll need to take a closer look at a character from the Harry Potter books whose name relates to mythology. Answer the following questions from your research.

1. Which character did you choose?
Narcissa Malfoy
2. How does their name relate to mythology?
From Narcissus who was so self absorbed that he fell in love with his own beauty, stairing at himself for hours at his reflection in the pond only to eventually drown while attempting to kiss himself.
3. Why do you think Rowling picked this name for them (refer to specific examples in the books!). Please make this at least 150 words.
The Malfoys, and Narcissa in particular may be guilty of narcisstic behavior and mindsets. They value what is like unto themselves and think they are the beautiful people. Anyone else is either someone to be used, a reflection on them or to be discarded. Vain yet beautiful, like her mythological counterpart, Narcissa is generally cold and manipulative, but with her immidiate family seems capable of fierce loyalty and protectiveness, perhaps as they are seen as an extention and reflection on herself. She is willing to lie to save them like when she lies to Voldermort about Harry being dead after he informs her Draco lives.
She writes off a shopowner and shop when she sees they allow non purebloods in it. Though she also talked Lucius into having Draco attend Hogwarts rather than Durstang as it was closer to her even though the other is more pure blood focused. She agreed with the deatheaters yet didn't actually join them nor get the mark, she was on her side and the side that kept her family safe. Her lying to and betraying Voldermort was what kept her and her family out of Azikiban after the battle. She chose someone, Lucius, who reflected herself well. She spoiled Draco sending him gifts each year.

4. Do you agree with her choice? Does it fit the character? Why or why not? Please make this section at least 150 words.
Yes, the name is apt for the character. She embodies many of the narcistic qualities as explained in the last question. Mythology is a great source for writing, as many myths are also archtypes which resonate on a spiritual/psychological level. Narcissus was important enough to name a personality disorder after. Narcissa and Lucius act as a great examples of where Draco gets some of his upbringing from, they have had a strong impression on the boy. In his own way, Draco has the love of a protective mother as well, leading to the trope of not so different between Harry and himself. But his father's influence leads him more to the darkside, though Narcissa with her pureblood attitude and haughty ways as normal may have had their effects as well. She was a Black sister origanolly; she was not one who was a fan of deviation, unless she was the one doing it. She was Slytherin and embodied many of it's qualities. Though, I could see some Hufflepuff love, Gryyfindor bravery or Ravenclaw witt in there as well. But yes, the Slytherin ambition and pride were present.
This class can earn you up to 100 points! Enjoy!

Subject: Re: Harry Potter Mythological Names Fri Jul 22 2011, 11:27

Gloria Malfoy - Well done overall, but a little more focus on how the myth of Narcissus relates directly to her would have been more beneficial in the third question. However, your examples were good and your response to the fourth question was well reasoned. Good job!

You recieve 85 points! Exceed Expectations

Check class records for totals. Harry Potter Mythological Names 436937

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