The Mythological Names of Harry Potter
by Emilie
Of all the things in the Harry Potter universe, I find the names among the most interesting. They are unusual and seem to have a lot of thought put into them. Many of the names come from Greek and Roman mythology. I have listed some of the more interesting ones below. Note: I have used the Greek names for the mythological creatures unless otherwise specified.
Professors:
Argus Filch: In mythology, Argus was a creature covered in one hundred pairs of eyes. He was used by Hera to spy on Zeus, but was killed by Hermes. Hera then turned him into a peacock. Argus Filch always seems to know where the troublemakers are, almost as if he had a few extra pairs of eyes.
Remus Lupin: Remus was a son of Ares and twin to Romulus. They are the legendary founders of Rome. The twins were raised by wolves, which is fitting seeing as Remus is a werewolf. Romulus killed Remus in a dispute over the naming of Rome. In Deathly Hallows, Remus goes by the name “Romulus” during the Potterwatch segment.
Minerva McGonagall: In Roman mythology, Minerva was the goddess of wisdom, peace, needlework, and defensive war.
Pomona Sprout: Pomona was a minor Roman goddess of fruit trees, which is fitting because she teaches Herbology.
Aurora Sinistra: Professor Sinistra is the Astronomy Professor. In Roman mythology, Aurora was the Roman goddess of the dawn.
Sibyll Trelawney: In ancient Greek times, a sibyl was a prophet who under the influence of Apollo, prophesized without being consulted. It is interesting to note that Trelawney’s famous great-great grandmother was named Cassandra the seer who no one believed.
Other characters:
Alecto and Amycus Carrow: Amycus was a son of Poseidon and a nymph he was a skilled boxer and king of Bebryces. Alecto was one of the three Furies who punished people in Hades. Her name literally means “unceasing in anger.”
Merope Gaunt: In mythology, Merope was one of the Pleiades, or the Seven Sisters who were nymphs that attended Artemis. They all married gods, except for Merope who married a mortal. When they were put in the sky, Merope was dim out of shame for not having married a god.
Dedalus Diggle: Dedalus was an inventor who created the labyrinth on Crete. King Minos later imprisoned him and his son Icarus. In order to escape, Dedalus made wings out of wax for himself and his son. However, while they were escaping, Icarus flew too close to the sun and his wings melted.
Hestia Jones: In Greek mythology, Hestia was the goddess of the hearth. She gave up her seat at Mount Olympus for Dionysus. She featured more prominently in Roman mythology under the name of Vesta.
The Black Family:
Most Harry Potter fans know that many of the names on the Black family tree come from constellations, which in turn came from mythology. Rather than go over everyone on the family tree, I have decided to just hi-light some of the more important characters.
Phineus Nigellus Black: Phineus was a king of Thrace and a prophet. However, his predictions were too close to accurate. For this, Zeus blinded him and set the Harpies on him.
Andromeda Tonks: Andromeda was the daughter of Cassiopeia. Cassiopeia bragged too much about Andromeda, and Poseidon sent floods and a monster to punish her. Andromeda was sacrificed to the monster, but was saved at the last minute by Perseus, who she later married.
Narcissa Malfoy: The name Narcissa is the female version of Narcissus. In mythology, Narcissus was a beautiful man who was very cruel. As punishment, the gods made him catch a glimpse of himself in the water and he fell in love with his reflection.
Draco Malfoy: There are many myths with differing stories about Draco. In any case, Draco was a dragon who was put into the sky somehow or another.
Sirius Black: In mythology, Sirius was the faithful canine companion to Orion, the hunter.
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