The Potter Discussion: Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts and the Wizarding World Fandom

Greek Mythology in Harry Potter!

October 08, 2023 Sound Owl Media Episode 202
The Potter Discussion: Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts and the Wizarding World Fandom
Greek Mythology in Harry Potter!
Show Notes Chapter Markers

In this episode, we discuss different Greek myths that appear in Harry Potter. Enjoy!

Topics/Summary:
·      2:25 The Basilisk and Medusa. Medusa has snakes for hair and the basilisk is a snake. They both petrify with their eyes. But what would happen if they looked into each other eyes? There’s no way to know for sure, but Medusa was die instantly and the basilisk would begin to petrify but would live because Medusa would die for it could turn to stone entirely. 

·      8:33 Hermione. Hermione was the daughter of Helen of Troy, and there are some parallels in their love lives. Hermione of Troy was set to marry Orestes, her cousin, but during the Trojan War, she was instead promised to Neoptolemus, the son of Achilles. They got married, but he was soon killed and Hermione could marry Orestes in piece. This resembles Hermione Granger’s experience was Cormac McLaggen and Ron? No one dies, but it takes a war for Hermione of Troy to finally be with Orestes, and so it does for Ron and Hermione. Read more here.

·      15:01 Professor McGonagall and Minerva. Minerva was the ancient Roman goddess of wisdom and defensive war. She also looks over metal work, pottery, and using materials for good. McGonagall did just this when she cast Piertotem Locomotor and brought the statues to life.

·      18:26 Quirrell and Janus. Janus was the Roman god of beginnings and endings, gateways and entrances. He is sometimes called Janus Quirinus which also happens to be Quirrell’s first name. Janus has two heads as well, with one head telling the truth and the other not. Sound familiar?

·      22:42 Fluffy and Cerberus. Cerberus was a giant three headed dog that guarded the Underworld. Fluffy is a giant three headed dog that guarded the Sorcerer’s Stone. This is a simple one. 

·      24:56 Trelawney and Cassandra. Cassandra was a Trojan princess who was cursed by Apollo to be able to see the future but never be believed. That already sounds like someone we know. We also know that Trelawney has a great-great-grandmother named Cassandra. Maybe sight runs in the family.  

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Intro
The Basilisk and Medusa
Hermione
Professor McGonagall and Minerva
Quirrell and Janus
Fluffy and Cerberus
Trelawney and Cassandra