Written in the Stars: Astronomical names in the world of Harry Potter
Part 4: Centaurus
So far in this section, we have dealt with proper character names in regard
to astronomy and myth; here, I will delve into Centaurus. While it is not
a "proper" name of an HP character, it may still hold clues that
give us valuable information about the Centaurs of the HP series, especially
Firenze.
Centaurus is an enormous constellation in the southern sky.
Within it's broad boundaries (stretching all the way to the Milky Way) you
can find the closest star to our sun. It also houses it's own meteor shower,
and numerous galaxies. The gigantic proportions (and it's only the ninth biggest
constellation) and varied heavenly bodies of this constellation make it one
of the most famous in astronomy, astrology, and myth. *Centaurus is sometimes
confused with Sagittarius, another Centaur constellation that represents war,
passion, and vengeance.
In Greek mythology, Centaurs (half-men, half-horse creatures)
were first depicted as a race of bloodthirsty, savage barbarians. They knew
very little of compassion, and cared nothing for the more supposedly "refined"
and educated ways of the humans and Gods alike. Put simply, Centaurs liked
to fight, and it was not above them to kill anyone or anything in their path
at their leisure or design. However, not all Centaurs retained this violent
reputation. There was one Centaur in particular who stood above the rest,
and was renowned for his wisdom, divination skills, and peaceable, scholarly
attitude. In myth his name was Chiron (it should be noted that there are many
variants in myth of the name "Chiron") and he was revered as a great
teacher, and an amazing companion to all who had the privilege of knowing
him. *In some myths he is the son of Hera (Queen of the Gods) and Ixion (a
mortal); in others he is the son of Chronos (Saturn/Light/Sun/Heat) and Phylira
(sometimes noted as a sea nymph). Either way, he seems to be the product of
opposing forces or personalities, making him a "balance" of sorts,
between mortality and the divine, light and dark, good and evil. Maybe it
was this "balance" between opposites that made him so inherently
wise. In many cultures, especially Eastern, perfect balance between opposing
forces within the soul is actively sought; it seems that Chiron was the very
essence of yin and yang using this example.
*In some myths, Chiron was raised by Apollo and Artemis (brother and sister
twin/opposite Gods). Through them, he learned not only how to be peaceful
and compassionate, but also gained a great love of philosophy, music, divination,
and astronomy. Chiron grew into a beautiful and kindly Centaur, the exact
opposite of his more violent brethren. It is said that Chiron was a tutor
to the legendary hero Hercules, and a great friend to the adventurer Jason
(of "Jason and the Argonauts" fame). In some myths, it is Hercules
who accidentally kills Chiron with an arrow; he feels so terribly for his
actions that he begs the Gods to place Chiron in the heavens as the Great
Centaur. In other myths, it seems that Chiron, in an effort to guide Jason
on his quest, put a picture of himself into the sky for the Argonauts to follow.
If we look closely into these myths, we can easily see the parallels
between Firenze and Chiron. While the other Centaurs of the HP universe strictly
adhere to their own code of loyalty (even to the point of violence), it is
Firenze who helps Harry; it is Firenze who gives Harry valuable information
(much as Chiron tutored and advised Hercules and Jason). Firenze pays dearly
for this "breach" of loyalty, and for the disregard of the Centaurs'
rule not to become involved in human affairs. The other Centaurs viciously
kick him out of their sanctuary (the forbidden/dark forest). He is then estranged
from his home and family, and comes to live at Hogwarts, where he teaches
Divination at Albus Dumbledore's request. It is easy to see Firenze as a modern
day Chiron. Both of them are famous for their tutelage to heroes, their love
of mortals (humans), and their extensive knowledge of divination. Both of
them boldly go against the others of their kind in order to be helpful and
compassionate. Firenze and Chiron are exceptions the rule; and once again
prove the great power of choice, a recurring theme in HP series. We have seen,
as the series progresses, a more violent side to Rowling's Centaurs; they
have even threatened to hurt and/or kill any humans who continue to meddle
in their affairs and invade their home. The defection of Firenze from their
ranks has made them defensive and angry. In this way, they mirror the barbaric
Centaurs of Greek myth…one can only hope that they can come to some kind
of truce or agreement with the humans that live so near to them. As strong,
fierce warriors, they could be invaluable allies in the war against Voldemort.
Maybe Firenze and possibly Dumbledore, in their wisdom and compassion, can
bring these two factions together for the greater good. From what we can glean
from the myth of Chiron, it may be entirely possible that Firenze will be
a unifying factor between the Centaurs and humans. It is also very possible
that Harry may have something more to learn from Firenze…after all, in
the first book of the series, it was Firenze who predicted the seconding wizarding
war with his famous, cryptic quote, "Mars is bright tonight".
(Side note: Mars/Ares is the God of War)
(*Some of the mythological/astronomical information in this
article is from http://www.winshop.com.au/annew/)
