Harry Potter and Its Connection to Mythology

One very distinct case of Mythology inserting itself into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the character of Minerva McGonagall, a teacher throughout the series. Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom as well as strategic warfare, is a very popular Roman goddess, due to her extremely admirable qualities. Her constant outsmarting of all who stand before her is present in just about every myth in which she takes part. She was birthed by Metis, whom Jupiter had swallowed, and thus she popped out of Jupiter's head. Minerva McGonagall shares her name with the Goddess of wisdom because of her cunning intellect displayed throughout the series as well as her capability in battle, similar to her namesake. Her being bestowed this name informs the reader of the personality and what to expect from this character, and thus enhances the story being read; the reader, now knowing what to expect of them, and having an understanding of who the are as a person, doesn't need go through pages of character development for a side character in this massive narrative.

Brian Tierney
https://harrypotter.fandom.com/wiki/Minerva_McGonagall
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minerva