Since the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in 1997, JK Rowling's best-selling series has become enormously popular, evidenced in part by its translation into more than seventy languages ​​(Plunkett). As its popularity increased, it was held in correspondingly higher regard until Harry Potter finally joined the likes of Peter Pan and Robin Hood, and Rowling's series was unofficially labeled Children's Literature . Because of this station, it is treated more seriously and examined more analytically. This attention illuminated allusions and patterns that impose additional layers of meaning on the story. The Harry Potter quest, detailed across seven books and thousands of pages, includes archetypal characters, situations, and structure of a classic epic. The main character of a classic epic is the epic hero. This hero is usually male and performs courageous, even superhuman, feats that "determine the fate of a nation" (Stephens). He “must undertake a long and dangerous journey, often involving a descent into the underworld,” during which his “endurance, courage and cunning are tested” (Characteristics of an Epic Hero). A journey to the Underworld is usually accompanied, at some point, by “epic games” and one or more “visions of the future” (Stephens). Although the hero's friends may be great warriors, "he undertakes a task that no one else dares to undertake" (Characteristics of the Epic Hero). In the course of his development, the hero goes through three stages, each consisting of several steps: first, the hero leaves the known world; then he undertakes research, transforms and reaches maturity; and finally, the hero must return to the known (The Hero's Journey). The plot ultimately... middle of the paper... lunkett, Suzanne. "JK Rowling Announces New Book; Harry Potter Fans React." June 23, 2011. The Washington Post. June 6, 2012 .Rowling, JK Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. New York: Scholastic, Inc., 2007.—. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. New York: Scholastic, Inc., 2003.—. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. New York: Scholastic, Inc., 1997. Stephens, Jimmy. "Archetypes: student notes and exercises". August 2007. June 9, 2012 "The Hero's Journey." Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. June 8th 2012 .