Superheroes in Children's Literature

Everyone loves a superhero. Some of the earliest writings were about superheroes because these heroes give people hope and someone to love and to root for. Some of the earliest heroes were Hercules, Achilles, Beowulf, Odysseus, and King Arthur. Not written for children, these stories were often watered down so that children could enjoy them too.

What makes a superhero in children's literature or even adult literature? Most superheroes have many qualities in common. Most super heroes are raised under mysterious circumstances and grow up with no idea that they actually are. At some point in their growing up period, they start to learn some secrets about their powers and their parents. Eventually the superheroes find a quest that they must undertake to save their world. They take the quest willing and have some close comrades to help them complete the mission. Ultimately, the superhero must meet the evil enemy and kill him so that the world will be safe again. Other characteristics of the superhero are that he is modest, courageous, has special or super strength. Often he is misunderstood until he completes his quest and saves the world.

One of the most recent superhero to take over children's literature is, of course, Harry Potter. He is a perfect fit for the superhero genre of books. If you haven't finished the books, be advised that there may be SPOILERS.

Harry Potter leaves with his Aunt and Uncle, the horrible Dorsey's and their really spoiled son Dudley. He lives in a cupboard under the staircase and has been told that his parents died in a car accident. Suddenly, his whole life is turned upside down when Hagrid from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He finds out the unexplained events in his life were actually his emotions creating magic. He is thrilled to learn that he no longer has to live with the Dursleys during school. Instead he is going to a boarding school to learn to be a wizard. He also learns that his parents were killed by an evil wizard name Voldermort who had also tried to kill Harry. He received his scar from Voldermort trying to kill him. Harry's mother's love for him and her decision to die for him protected Harry from Voldermort spell. Instead Voldermort is diminished and powerless.

Harry learns that he is a pretty powerful wizard and that his quest to eventually kill Voldermort or be killed by him. Through countless adventures, some funny, some very dangerous, Harry is always brave and doesn't want his friend Ron and Hermione in harm's way. They insist on helping him especially as he loses his mentors Professor Dumbledore, Serious Black, and other members of the Order of the Phoenix. Although Harry doesn't seek the limelight, he is constantly called either crazy or courageous depending on who is doing the talking.

In the final confrontation with Voldermort, Harry is victorious because he is courageous, smart, self-less, and ready to die in the process. Fortunantly for the world of wizardry Harry is able to kill Voldermort and live a peaceful life. Certainly, he is one of the greatest of all superheroes in modern children's literature and even crossed over to adult literature.

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