This article suggests that the worldwide, multiage appeal of Harry Potter may lie in the way
these stories of magic meet the needs of readers to find meaning in today's unmagical
contexts. The imaginative appeal and symbolic efficacy of the books for children are
examined in terms of Bruno Bettelheim's The Uses of Enchantment. The development of
Harry Potter as a hero in the mythic/fantasy tradition, which allows young adults to grasp a
sense of hope for meaning and triumph, are explored in terms of Joseph Campbell's Hero …

young Harry and his witch/wizard friends studied magic. Visitors can ride a replica Hogwarts
Express train that transported gifted youngsters from the Muggle (nonmagical) world to
Hogwarts, and they can wave interactive wands as they explore sections of Diagon Alley
and other re-creations from the books and popular film series. The immersive “worlds” were
an instant success, with attendance at the Hollywood park increasing 60 percent when the
Potter attraction opened. If that doesn't make Harry Potter seem like a pop-culture …