ABSTRACT
This chapter analyzes how Russian fans understand cultural allusions in the Harry Potter series, and how they interpret these in their own fanfiction. The chapter explores the folklore traditions in fan texts and their related archetypes in line with Joseph Campbell’s theory of “the hero’s journey.” As the research shows, the “universal hero” archetype is transformed in fanfics into the set of features called “heroism,” inherent for Harry Potter as a character. The chapter also reflects on the archetype of Voldemort as the snake-like opponent, as well as Albus Dumbledore as the “magical helper.” Notably, Dumbledore has been understood through the lens of “protest interpretation” in Russian fandom. Ultimately, folklore theory helps us understand fanfiction and its characters in new ways.
