Heraldry and Medieval Animal Symbolism in "Harry Potter"

Seminar paper from the year 2018 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Literature, grade: 2,0, http: //www.uni-jena.de/ (Anglistik), course: Animals in Medieval Literature and Beyond, language: English, abstract: Was J.K. Rowlings choice of heraldic animals for the Hogwarts houses purely coincidental, or is there a deeper meaning behind the lion, snake, eagle and badger, interwoven with the characters of her charges? This question permeates a captivating analysis of the Harry Potter saga that goes far beyond mere childrens literature. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of heraldry, the ancient art of coat of arms, and discover how its rules and traditions may have influenced the design of the Hogwarts coats of arms. The journey takes us from the battlefields of the Middle Ages, where coats of arms were once used for identification, to the dormitories of Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, where they shape the identity of entire generations of students. It examines whether the author adhered to the strict conventions of heraldry, or whether she consciously interpreted them to convey subtle messages. But the analysis is not limited to formal rules; it delves deeper into medieval animal symbolism. What does it mean when a lion represents courage and bravery, a snake embodies cunning and ambition, an eagle symbolizes wisdom and ingenuity, and a badger combines loyalty and diligence? The connection between these archetypal animal images and the personalities of Harry Potter, Draco Malfoy, Luna Lovegood, and Cedric Diggory is meticulously examined to discover how Rowlings characters reflect the traits of their respective pets. Were the protagonists deliberately drawn to embody the values ​​contained in the coat of arms? Learn how the author weaves medieval myths and symbols into her magical world to create a story that is both entertaining and profound. This analysis invites you to see the Harry Potter books with new eyes and disco