2. Instances of mythopoeic fantasy visible in J. K. Rowling Harry Potter

''' Existence of the Secondary World '''

 One of the characteristics of mythopoeic fantasy is the existence of the secondary world. This well-known constructed universe is governed by its own rules and principles. In mythopoeic novel, the alternative world is treated as a real one. J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter displays this particular aspect of the mythopoeic fantasy genre. However, here, the existence of the secondary world is simultaneously accompanied by the existence of the parallel universe- primary world. A reader is presented with both, the magical and Muggle world. Notwithstanding the fact that they are attached to each other, they are given equal importance. We may observe this phenomenon through the whole series of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter.



 “Non-magic people (more commonly known as Muggles) were particularly afraid of magic in medieval times, but not very good at recognising it. On the rare occasion that they did catch           a real witch or wizard, burning had no effect whatsoever. The witch or wizard would perform a basic Flame-Freezing Charm and then pretend to shriek with pain while enjoying a gentle, tickling sensation. Indeed, Wendelin the Weird enjoyed being burnt so much that she allowed herself to be caught no fewer than forty-seven times in various disguises.” (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, p. 7 )



 “Then he could get the rest of his money out of his vault and ...begin his life as an outcast. It was a horrible prospect, but he couldn’t sit on this wall for ever or he’d find himself trying to explain to Muggle police why he was out in the dead of night with a trunkful of spellbooks and a broomstick.”  (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, p. 30)



 “But – Professor, my aunt and uncle – you know, they’re Muggles, they don’t really understand about – about Hogwarts forms and stuff,’ Harry said, while Ron egged him on with vigorous nods. ‘If you said I could go –“(Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, p.113)



 "Harry was used to getting onto platform nine and three quarters by now. It was a simple matter of walking straight through the apparently solid barrier dividing platforms nine and ten. The only tricky part was doing this in an unobtrusive way, so as to avoid attracting Muggle attention." (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, p. 143)



 "But Hogwarts is hidden, said Hermione in surprise, 'every one knows that...well, everyone's who's read 'Hogwarts: A History' anyway(...) It's bewitched, said Hermione. If a Muggle looks at it, all they see a mouldering, old ruin with a sign over the entrance saying DANGER, DO NOT ENTER, UNSAFE." (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, p. 107)