Myths about heroes involve early parental loss,
mentors, battles against evil, and night-sea journeys
during which self-awareness deepens. J.K. Rowling's
books about the hero, Harry Potter, share these plot
similarities, while they engender phenomenal
attention and commercial success. Using the methods
of depth psychological analysis, this book asks, "Who
needs Harry Potter, with his adventures, challenges
with evil and decision making?" We have invited
Harry, and he has shown up. This work posits that the
archetypal images within the novels represent
connections to the collective unconscious, and offer
meaningful commentary about love, loss, and
transformation in contemporary culture. Throughout
the chapters, excerpts from Rowling's books and other
works of literature illustrate theories of childhood
development, grief and loss, evil, and the
archetypal. Jung's theories about the shadow provide
a framework for understanding Harry's emerging self,
warts and all, as well as the personality of the
antagonist, Voldemort. Enlightening research and
reading for educators, psychotherapists, and Harry
Potter fans, especially for those who believe in the
power of story to transform.