J.K. Rowling is a name that is synonymous with the word wizardry and magic. Her series of seven books about the boy wizard, Harry Potter, has been read by millions of people all over the world. It has been translated into over 80 languages and has been adapted into major motion pictures. The Harry Potter series has been a tremendous success, but have you ever wondered what inspired J.K. Rowling to write Harry Potter? In this blog post, we will delve into the story behind the creation of Harry Potter.
The Seeds of Inspiration
The story of Harry Potter’s creation began on a delayed train in 1990. J.K. Rowling was traveling from Manchester to London when the idea of a young wizard popped into her mind. She spent the next four hours scribbling notes on a napkin, outlining the story of a boy who discovers he is a wizard. Rowling had been thinking about the character of Harry for several years and finally put pen to paper to begin crafting the story.
In an interview, Rowling revealed that the idea of Harry was sparked by the death of her mother. Her mother had died months earlier and the grieving process had left Rowling feeling lost and alone. She had often found comfort in daydreaming and the idea of a young boy who was also alone in the world and who ultimately triumphed over evil was a comforting one.
At the time of the Harry Potter’s creation, Rowling was a single mother living in poverty. She was struggling to make ends meet and was suffering from depression. Writing Harry Potter was a form of escapism for her, a chance to lose herself in a world of magic and wonder. The character of Harry Potter would become her lifeline, helping her to weather the difficult times.
The Influence of Mythology
Rowling was also heavily influenced by mythology when creating the world of Harry Potter. She drew upon the traditions of Greek and Roman myths, as well as the legends of King Arthur and the tales of the Brothers Grimm. The idea of a young hero battling against impossible odds was not a new one, but Rowling’s take on the concept breathed fresh life into it.
The world of Harry Potter was grounded in mythology. Rowling created an entire history for the wizarding world, complete with its own set of customs, traditions, and beliefs. She also drew inspiration from real-life locations and landmarks, including the architecture of Oxford University and the Scottish Highlands. This imbued the story with a sense of authenticity and helped bring the wizarding world to life.
Personal Experiences
Rowling’s personal experiences also played a significant role in the creation of Harry Potter. The character of Hermione Granger, for example, was based on Rowling’s own experiences as a young woman. Hermione was a strong, independent character who was unafraid to speak her mind. She was also a bookworm, with a fierce love of learning. Rowling herself had been an avid reader as a child and was always at her happiest lost in a good book.
Similarly, the character of Professor Albus Dumbledore was inspired by two men who had been a part of Rowling’s life. The first was her grandfather, who had been a kind and gentle man, much like Dumbledore himself. The second was a former English teacher of hers, who had taken her under his wing and encouraged her to pursue her love of writing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the story behind the creation of Harry Potter is one that is deeply personal and rooted in the experiences of J.K. Rowling. The character of Harry Potter was born out of grief and a desire for escapism. The world of wizardry and magic that Rowling created was inspired by mythology and real-life experiences. It is a testament to Rowling’s skill as a writer that she was able to weave all of these disparate elements together to create a story that captured the hearts and imaginations of millions of people around the world.
FAQ
Did J.K. Rowling get inspiration from Lord of the Rings?
J.K. Rowling and Lord of the Rings are two of the most popular literary works of the twentieth century and beyond. Fans of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings often compare the two, and questions about whether J.K. Rowling got inspiration from J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterpiece have been raised since the publication of the Harry Potter series. While there are similarities between the two works, it is difficult to establish any evidence to support that Rowling’s work was directly inspired by Tolkien’s.
Firstly, J.K. Rowling has never denied having read The Lord of the Rings, as she grew up as a reader of fantasy novels. However, she has never stated that Tolkien’s work was the sole inspiration behind Harry Potter. In interviews, Rowling has mentioned that she was influenced by a host of other works, including books written by Roald Dahl, C.S. Lewis, and E.Nesbit, among others.
Secondly, the themes in both works are different and reflect the differences in the authors’ lives. The Lord of the Rings is rooted in Tolkien’s experiences of war, and his love for languages and mythology. On the other hand, Harry Potter, while it does explore themes of life and death, largely focuses on the experiences of young people growing up and finding their place in the world.
However, there are some similarities between the two works that can be acknowledged. These similarities include the use of magic, mythical creatures, and the existence of an evil force that threatens the world. Nevertheless, such themes are common in the fantasy genre, and there is no reason to believe that Tolkien’s and Rowling’s works are the only ones that use them.
While similarities between The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter exist, there is not enough evidence to suggest that J.K. Rowling was intentionally inspired by Tolkien’s work. Rowling has never denied having read and enjoyed The Lord of the Rings, but she has emphasized the unique inspiration and creativity that went into creating the world of Harry Potter. both books stand on their own as literary masterpieces, and it is possible for fans to appreciate them without making unnecessary comparisons.
What mythology is Harry Potter based on?
J.K. Rowling’s beloved fantasy books, Harry Potter, are well-known to be located in a world of magic, spells, and mythical creatures. One of the surprising and intriguing aspects of this fictional universe is the fact that it draws its inspiration from various mythologies across the world, including ancient Greek mythology.
From the conception of the wizarding school, Hogwarts, its Houses, and the Sorting Hat, to the characters like centaurs, mermaids, and mythical beasts like dragons, griffins, and even unicorns, that populate its pages, the influence of Greek mythology, is felt throughout the series. Rowling’s appropriation of the centaurs also broaches a number of themes which come again and again in Greek mythology such as prophecy and destiny.
The idea of the Hogwarts Houses, which were an important part of student life, also have the echoes of Greek mythology, drawing inspiration from the classical elements, namely, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. It wouldn’t be difficult to connect the emblem of Ravenclaw, a wise, intelligent creature like the raven, to the messenger of the gods, Hermes. Similarly, Slytherin’s serpent, much like the serpent who tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, is often associated with negative connotations.
The concept of Horcruxes, items used throughout the series by the antagonist as a way to achieve immortality, also has its roots deeply embedded in ancient mythology. Horcruxes are reminiscent of the Greek myth of Achilles, who was said to have been dipped in the waters of the River Styx, holding him by the back of the heel, thereby making him nearly invincible. Reversely to the idea of Horcruxes, Rowling draws inspiration from the myth of the phoenix, which is said to have the ability to be reborn out of the ashes produced by its own death.
Additionally, words that are typically associated with magic in the Harry Potter universe, such as spells, enchantments, and potions, are all deeply related to Greek mythology. The general concept of magic is highly influenced by the mythical tales of the Greek gods and their attributes.
While it is fair to say that much of what J.K. Rowling has incorporated into her magical world has been influenced by multiple mythologies across various cultures, the prevalence of Greek mythology is undeniable. From the creation of the fictitious school of Hogwarts, with its four Houses and Sorting Hat, to the mythical creatures and beasts that populate the series, the Greek mythological influence pervades the entire Harry Potter series, making it a richer, more complex and relatable work of fiction.
Was Harry Potter Inspired by the worst witch?
There has been much speculation over the years as to whether J.K. Rowling’s hugely successful Harry Potter series was inspired by Jill Murphy’s popular series of children’s books The Worst Witch. The tie-ins between the two series are easily spotted – both focus on boarding schools for young witches and wizards, and their magical adventures. However, Rowling has never officially acknowledged that Murphy’s work was an inspiration for her own writing.
The Worst Witch was first published in 1974 and had become a best-selling series by the time Rowling sat down to write her first Harry Potter story. There are several similarities between the two series, including the magic school setting, young protagonist, magical creatures, flying broomsticks, and a villainous teacher. However, there are also many differences. For instance, the world of Harry Potter is much darker and more complex than The Worst Witch, which is aimed at a younger audience.
Jill Murphy, the author of The Worst Witch, has spoken publicly about the similarities between her work and Rowling’s. However, she has also been careful to say that she does not believe Rowling copied her, and that it’s possible for two authors to come up with similar concepts independently. She said in an interview, “It would be nice, I suppose, if people would say thank you. Rowling has never contacted me. But I think it’s just coincidence.” Murphy has also been complimentary about the Harry Potter series, stating that it has done wonders for children’s literacy.
While there are undeniable similarities between The Worst Witch and Harry Potter, it’s impossible to say for certain whether Rowling was influenced by Murphy’s work. Some aspects of the two series are very similar, while other elements are quite different. It’s possible that Rowling drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including other fantasy novels and mythology. Nonetheless, The Worst Witch remains a beloved and influential children’s series in its own right, and it’s clear that it paved the way for many magical adventures to come.
Did Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings come first?
The release dates of the most popular fantasy series, Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings, may stir up some confusion for some people who are struggling to determine which one came first. While there are similarities between those two worlds of wizards, magic, and mystical creatures, they originated from different authors and were published years apart.
The Lord of the Rings book trilogy was published by J.R.R. Tolkien starting in 1954. The series is set in the world of Middle-earth and follows the hobbit Frodo Baggins on his quest to destroy the powerful and dangerous ring that belonged to the dark lord, Sauron. The books became widely popular, especially among the fans of fantasy and science fiction literature, and were later adapted into films directed by Peter Jackson. The Lord of the Rings films grossed over 2 billion dollars and won 17 Academy Awards.
On the other hand, Harry Potter, a series of novels by J.K. Rowling, was first published in 1997. The series gained immense popularity and became a cultural phenomenon in the early 2000s. Harry Potter follows the adventures of an orphaned boy named Harry Potter who finds out that he is a wizard and begins attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The series follows Harry’s journey as he and his friends fight the evil wizard, Voldemort. The Harry Potter books were also adapted into films and became a huge commercial success, grossing over 7 billion dollars worldwide.
The Lord of the Rings came first, with the trilogy starting in 1954, while Harry Potter was not released until 1997. Despite having different storylines and characters, both series of novels created fan bases that continue today and have brought the magical world of fantasy to life for readers across the globe.