The purpose of this study was to attempt to predict if Harry Potter is a re-creation of King Arthur and if the ending of the Potter stories will mirror that of King Arthur. This research focused on one series of King Arthur books written by Howard Pyle and the Harry Potter series written by J.K. Rowling. A content analysis chart was created and implemented to compare the two series of books. A content analysis chart was completed, first of the King Arthur series and then of the Harry Potter series. This archetypal chart was used to map the characters, themes, setting and plots of the two series. The data were compared and analyzed. The researcher determined a parallel between the King Arthur and Harry Potter series. The researcher then predicted the ending of the Harry Potter series based on the ending of the King Arthur series. The literary patterns found add to children’s understanding of literature. The past works, as demonstrated by the King Arthur Legend, influenced current works, as demonstrated by Harry Potter. This allows children to build upon what they have already read and relate it to future literature.

To find related research in UNI ScholarWorks, go to the collection of School Library Studies Graduate Research Papers written by students in the Division of School Library Studies, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, College of Education, at the University of Northern Iowa.