Monomyth

The hero I chose was Harry Potter. His story, like The Hero with a Thousand Faces began with a call to action. Throughout the series, Harry is approached in different ways. For instance, owl letters, Dumbledore, the house elf, and what not. He is called to action because of his unknown history of being one of the most powerful wizards. After he accepts the call, to escape the horrible living situation with his aunt, uncle, and spoiled cousin, Harry encounters one his protective figures, Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts Wizard School. I see the "crossing the threshold" as the train station Harry has to take to get to school because he has never experienced it before, and didn't even know it existed. The road of trials for Harry include bullies, dealing with his popularity, and learning magic. The thing supporting him in his battles are his two close friends and magic. Harry Potter doesn't really meet his "goddess" until later in the series. He goes through his ups and downs with both of his very close friends though. "Atonement with the father" can be observed throughout all of the books, when Harry is triggered by different thoughts and emotions concerning his dead parents. "Apotheosis" for him is when he sacrifices his life for pretty much everyone he encounters, when facing evil. I think Harry's "ultimate boon" is his magic and newfound feeling of confidence when returning to the "muggle" (human) world he once lived in. The reason for Harry's "refusal of the return" is because he has found a place where he is a lot more content than at his relatives. An example of Harry "losing his ego" is when his friends refuse to contact him through owl mail for a long period of time, while he is stuck at the muggle house. "The crossing of the return threshold" is exemplified every summer when Harry must return to his aunt and uncle's house. Eventually, he has to force himself to remain there due to safety precautions. Harry has to perceive both worlds then, and it is difficult for him because he knows he has the power of magic, but is not allowed to use it outside of school. Finally, the "freedom to live" is shown when Harry ignores the school's demands, and uses his boon upon his relatives in an act of revenge.