Hi group,

Responding to my friend Hans' challenge, a long-time lurker comes forward. But first, a short introduction is in order:

- where you live : central Netherlands.
- your age, occupation : 50, physicist into education.
- your family : wife and three teenage lads.
- your religious/spiritual background : universalism, raised in liberal Protestantism.
- how you discovered Harry Potter : the boys did that, couldn't help getting involved.
- how bad your Potter mania is : barely bad enough for this list.
- how your family regards your Potter mania : we're about at equals.
- your opinion of the books' spiritual, moral, ethical or religious content : in my view not an 'opinion'-type issue. The books encode universal truths.
- anything else that might interest members : up to them to ask I guess; feel free to respond.

Now, on to my 'first impressions':

The Harry Potter series is a magnificent work of fiction (even to be labeled ‘exact fantasy'), of which Deathly Hallows forms the crown piece. A collection of universal truths, and as such applicable to any society, but especially to contemporary humanity.

Reality always supersedes fiction in every aspect. That being said, to appreciate fiction is the second best option for those whose with a compromised reality experience (e.g. as a consequence of world view dependency on the equivalent of a Ministry controlled Daily Prophet). A conscious effort has to be made, though, to establish a valid connection, clear and objective, between both realms.

The series then is a tragedy, relating of the consequences of the ego's addiction to power and supremacy, and of society's inability in the long run to stop or reverse this trait (for it being endemic). Albus Dumbeldore's 1945 victory over Grindelwald (as well as its obvious parallel in modern history, e.g. Nurmengard referring to the Nürenberg trials) gave only a false impression that world evil was contained. An all-encompassing crisis like the Hogwarts battle is inevitable, a time when every single member of society is challenged to the core and being forced to express allegiance. A time of decision, of truth, of all or nothing. A time of suffering for many, but with the rediscovery of real human values and, in the face of all losses, massive expression of heroism.

The epilogue relates an important aspect of such a colossal watershed event: within one generation, in some way or another, normalcy is restored. And the real heroes live inconspicuous, happy lives, far from extravagance, vanity or leadership positions. In contrast, they lead by example, manifesting their own Room of Love by cherishing family values and raising a healthy, strong and conscious offspring. The adjective ‘spiritual' (as opposed to ‘mundane') will loose its meaning; 'unbearable lightness of being' won't be an issue anymore. Living life to its highest fulfillment is pictured as the equivalent of what four centuries ago was referred to as the office of Gatekeeper.

There's a format problem, though. Life afterward will be very different indeed, in every single aspect imaginable. Specifically, all ailments of present-day society will be gone, unlikely to return in any foreseeable future. In turn, formidable new challenges will have presented themselves. In order to appreciate this important aspect, details like Ron finally getting his Muggle driving license are not helpful.

Very significant is the narration of the Ariane Dumbledore tragedy, the disastrous 'turning inward' of magical power in a child whose expression of those powers is being suppressed. Indeed, millions of kids with extended abilities are being born, children who are and will be instrumental in ushering in a totally transformed society, but who presently need comprehension and proper guidance in order to consciously accept and develop those ‘magical' skills. Recommended reading: ‘Star kids: The Emerging Cosmic Generation', downloadable from www.drboylan.com/starkidspdf.pdf . It's good to know that many millions of kids reading about Ariane will find comfort, solace and comprehension regarding their own abilities.

The Lord Voldemort (LV) betrayal by Narcissa Malfoy is awesome! She takes great risk when she lies to LV about Harry being dead. But in LV's arrogant and narrowed consciousness the need for a double-check doesn't emerge, as this was the only outcome to be expected.

Next, by summoning the Sorting Hat and setting it ablaze on Neville's head, LV tries to abandon all Hogwarts houses except Slytherin. That is, at the end of the Pisces era, the water element makes one last attempt to gain supremacy over the others. But moments later the real battle starts; in which, obviously, the Slytherins are faced with a profound challenge: a choice for Hogwarts means choosing against LV.

Anyway, as we learn from the epilogue, the four houses survive. Indeed, the rivalry between temperaments and the universe of alchemical reactions between them form the challenge that any valid learning experience needs, and a Hogwarts (or for that matter, any society) without them is unthinkable.

I'm left with one question though, or did I miss something? How exactly did the (original) Gryffindor sword return to its original position inside the Sorting Hat, so that Neville could finish off both Nagini and the last Horcrux? Previously, Griphook had taken the sword from Harry, who subsequently fled on the dragon's back. Did the Goblins in the meantime decide it had to return to where it belonged, and manage to return it themselves?

Thank you for bearing with me until the end.

Jan Kees

---

Hans Andréa wrote:

Dear members,

 

Our holiday is coming to an end and soon I hope to be back on the pitch to umpire the matches, as Iris would say. Apologies for not reacting in detail to the beautiful posts in reaction to mine.

 

I'd now like to ask all members who haven't written about Deathly Hallows yet to send us their reactions to it. I'm not asking for wonderful eloquent and carefully worked out analyses. I'm asking ALL members to send in their first thoughts and feelings, even if it's only a few sentences. Members who need help with their English can put at the top of their post: "please edit".

 

It's important that all members participate in this group. Of course we have the lurkers' list and if you don't want to participate you can ask me to put you on there. The list is in the "files" section on the Home Page.

 

I hope to see some posts from you all very soon.

 

Warm regards,

 

Hans

 

---

Yahoo! Answers - Get better answers from someone who knows. Try it now.