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  #1 Stephen Marley on 28 Jan 11

   

  Although written specifically about the Harry Potter series, David Colbert's The Magical Worlds of Harry Potter: A Treasury of Myths, Legends, and Fascinating Facts offers valuable insight on the literary genre of fantasy as a whole. One chapter in particular, titled "What Kinds of Nightmares Created Voldemort?," sheds light on the role of the villain in fantasy epics and the various traits typically possessed by the archetypal villain. According to Colbert, "Nothing brings out a great hero as much as a great villain" (249). This assertion proves especially true in fantasy novels, which typically revolve a battle between the forces of good and evil. A hero facing a pathetic opponent is nowhere near as interesting as one who combats the physical embodiment of all evil. Therefore, it is essential that the archetypal villain be evil and compelling, for it is their very work and existence that fuels the hero and consequently the entire fantasy genre. Due to its status as an archetype, the role of the villain is associated with several key traits that emphasize a villain's evil nature. They are often aged beings in the sense that they participated in past conflicts prior to the emergence of the tale in which they appear. To further their enigmatic nature, they are often beings of mystical and supernatural origins, possessing powers greater than those of any human and even of the hero himself. Their existence tends to reflect a decline in morality of the society from which they emerged, a society which they seek to rule in many cases. These traits are among the few mentioned by Colbert in his discussion of the villain.
  Although written as an analysis of the Harry Potter series' main villain, Lord Voldemort, "What Kinds of Nightmares Created Voldemort?" provides insight on the role of the villain that can be applied to the archetypal villain in general. Colbert's initial focus does not prevent this message from being conveyed to the reader, thus making his writing applicable beyond what he intended. His discussion is short and simple, providing a brief overview of the information without elaborating or expanding upon it. It is by no means meant to be an analysis of the archetypal villain, but rather offers a brief look at the various traits of the villain as well as why they are important to the genre. This makes it a valuable source for basic information, but not for in-depth analysis.

   

  <div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">Although written specifically about the Harry Potter series, David Colbert's The Magical Worlds of Harry Potter: A Treasury of Myths, Legends, and Fascinating Facts offers valuable insight on the literary genre of fantasy as a whole. One chapter in particular, titled "What Kinds of Nightmares Created Voldemort?," sheds light on the role of the villain in fantasy epics and the various traits typically possessed by the archetypal villain. According to Colbert, "Nothing brings out a great hero as much as a great villain" (249). This assertion proves especially true in fantasy novels, which typically revolve a battle between the forces of good and evil. A hero facing a pathetic opponent is nowhere near as interesting as one who combats the physical embodiment of all evil. Therefore, it is essential that the archetypal villain be evil and compelling, for it is their very work and existence that fuels the hero and consequently the entire fantasy genre. Due to its status as an archetype, the role of the villain is associated with several key traits that emphasize a villain's evil nature. They are often aged beings in the sense that they participated in past conflicts prior to the emergence of the tale in which they appear. To further their enigmatic nature, they are often beings of mystical and supernatural origins, possessing powers greater than those of any human and even of the hero himself. Their existence tends to reflect a decline in morality of the society from which they emerged, a society which they seek to rule in many cases. These traits are among the few mentioned by Colbert in his discussion of the villain. <br /> Although written as an analysis of the Harry Potter series' main villain, Lord Voldemort, "What Kinds of Nightmares Created Voldemort?" provides insight on the role of the villain that can be applied to the archetypal villain in general. Colbert's initial focus does not prevent this message from being conveyed to the reader, thus making his writing applicable beyond what he intended. His discussion is short and simple, providing a brief overview of the information without elaborating or expanding upon it. It is by no means meant to be an analysis of the archetypal villain, but rather offers a brief look at the various traits of the villain as well as why they are important to the genre. This makes it a valuable source for basic information, but not for in-depth analysis.</div>

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  #2 Stephen Marley on 28 Jan 11

   

  Colbert, David. The Magical Worlds of Harry Potter: A Treasury of Myths, Legends, and
  
  Fascinating Facts. New York: Berkley Books, 2004. Print.

   

  <div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">Colbert, David. The Magical Worlds of Harry Potter: A Treasury of Myths, Legends, and <br /> <br /> Fascinating Facts. New York: Berkley Books, 2004. Print.</div>

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