The first part of the Harry Potter book series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, can be analyzed through the different archetypes and myths present in the novel.
To get started, let's take a look at Harry's so-called Heroic Quest. As the story unfolds, Harry goes through the classic and mythical stages of a hero's journey. First of all, there is a call to adventure. In the story, Harry receives the letters from Hogwarts. The second is a separation from the known world. It shows in the part where Harry leaves for Hogwarts. The third is an initiation into the new world. This is evident in the Sorting Ceremony, where Harry undergoes a ritual similar to being placed through the Sorting Hat. Next is the presence of threats that can be seen in Harry's rivalry with Malfoy and also his encounter with the Mirror of Erised - both of which tried out Harry's character and desires. Another is the existence of a brotherhood which can be justified by the characters of Ron and Hermione. Advice from a mentor, through Hagrid and Dumbledore, the final showdown with darkness - Harry vs. Voldemort on the stone - After which comes a rebirth or resurrection thanks to Harry's victory over Voldemort and finally, the return Hero in the Old World - Harry returns to his house, but this time he knows who he really is.
The Sorcerer's Stone or what is also known as the Philosopher's Stone is a traditional piece of mythology that appears in Rowling's work. In the story, the stone was created by Nicolas Falmal, Dumbledore's partner, whose character is actually based on the story and legends surrounding the true French alchemist Nicolas Flamel. The stone, both in the novel and in the realm of alchemy, is described as a small red ball that can turn metal into gold and can also create an elixir that can grant eternal life.
The character of Lord Voldemort clearly illustrates the power of fear throughout the novel. In fact, most wizards, except Dumbledore, don't dare call him by name. Instead, he is called "The Unnamed One". In this way, Voldemort is taken as a metaphor for fear, which is a common element of humanity.
Most of the names of the characters in the novel have relevant meanings. One example is Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. His first name is derived from the Latin word alba which means "white". His last name is Old English for "bumblebee". In symbolism, white is synonymous with purity, so the director's name suggests honor and a hard-working nature. Another example is Professor Severus Snape. Severus is the Latin word for "severe" and "strict" - adjectives that can really be associated with the character of the professor.
In Harry Potter, there are four Hogwarts Houses. Gryffindor is the Hogwarts house to which Harry and his friends belong. Gryffindor is derived from Griffin, which means a fierce and legendary beast with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. And that's why this Hogwarts house uses a lion as a symbol. On the flip side, Slytherin, the rival house of Gryffindor, is actually a variant of "sliding," a method of travel for snakes, the very reason perhaps its symbol is a serpent.
In terms of archetypal men, Dumbledore is what we call, the leader. He is a highly respected wizarding leader and looks at his subjects very well. The Bad Boy, without a doubt, is Voldemort. And we can also say that Ron's character is apt to be the best friend archetype. Among archetypal women, The Boss may be associated with Deputy Headmistress McGonagall because of her standing in the school first and second, her wise character. The character of Hermione, on the other hand, can be classified as the archetype of the librarian. She has answers to almost all questions as she has read a lot of books and she can also be fierce when provoked.
Overall, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is a great novel that has captured the hearts of young and old for its myths and archetypes which bind all readers around the world.