Ashley Rubin
14 April 2024
Discovery
Pressman
The mermaid scene from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire displays the main character Harry Potter feeling fearful of the mermaids and then shifts to the mermaids being fearful of the sharks. This creates a connection between humans and merpeople by displaying the emotion of fear through both species. Creating a similarity between the species upholds the idea that people are not so different from mermaids as both species experience emotion. This idea proves that the boundaries between humans and oceanic life have been created by mankind from a place of fear. These boundaries can be broken by connecting humans with nature through further discovery and research of the ocean.
The scene begins with Harry Potter jumping into the depths of the lake to complete the second task of the Triwizard Tournament. As he is swimming he encounters a group of mermaids, a creature he has never seen before. The sight of these mermaids wielding spears fills Harry with fear. It is a fear born of the unknown as he doesn’t understand their intentions or capabilities, and the threat they pose adds to his sense of vulnerability. Just as Harry fears for his safety in the presence of these beings, the mermaids in turn react with fear when a shark suddenly appears. The group instantly swims away as they are now in fear for their life and want to escape the potential danger. The mermaids’ reaction to the shark mirrors Harry’s initial fear, emphasizing the unpredictability of the underwater environment and the instinctual response to perceived threats.
The importance of both Harry Potter and the mermaids experiencing fear in this scene lies in the fact that the species are more similar than different. When Harry initially encounters the mermaids he is experiencing fear not only because his life is being threatened, but also because it is being threatened by an unknown species. Harry does not know much about these creatures, which leaves him questioning what they are capable of. When the scene shifts and shows the mermaids also experiencing fear the creatures are humanized, creating a similarity with Harry. Both species are trying to survive in this circumstance. While they differ in the fact that the mermaids tried to harm Harry and he had just been completing a task for the tournament, they have the same end goal which is to make it out alive. Humans see unknown creatures, especially those of the ocean, as a threat due to their potential to inflict harm. The lack of knowledge surrounding these creatures is what poses them as a threat. This scene specifically shows the mermaids threatening Harry but it could have been out of fear that he would harm them. Mermaids are shown to experience the same feelings as humans in terms of the unknown. Just as Harry did not know their capabilities, they did not know his nor the sharks. Their initial instinct with Harry was to defend their own lives and when a more apparent threat showed up, they chose to leave. This feeling of fear is what makes these species so similar. By portraying fear as a common thread that connects disparate beings there is an emphasis on the similarities between individuals, regardless of their species or background. Both species are trying to survive in this circumstance and experience the same feeling of fear.
The similarities created between these species serve as a powerful commentary on the artificial boundaries that humans have created between themselves and the natural world, particularly the underwater world. The fear experienced by Harry and the mermaids underscores how these boundaries have been shaped by human perception and apprehension, rather than inherent differences between species. This prompts a deeper reflection on the origins of these boundaries and the potential for breaking them through greater understanding and connection with the ocean. Only around 5 percent of the ocean has been explored by the human species. This lack of knowledge and understanding creates a sense of mystery surrounding the water, leading to boundaries between life on land and life in water. As humans evolve in advancements of technology and scientific research there is great potential to break these boundaries down and create a world where we live in harmony with nature. Through initiatives such as marine conservation efforts, educational programs, and ecotourism, humans can create a deeper sense of connection with the ocean and its inhabitants, leading to empathy and respect for marine life. While it might not involve the discovery of mermaids, the understanding of the ocean can allow for a healthier environment and appreciation for the water which takes up 71 percent of the Earth. The fear of the ocean by mankind has stemmed from the lack of discovery. Humankind has been capable of exploring space for years due to the amount of money and effort that has been put into research. While there might still be technological advancements to be made before the ocean can fully be explored, there should be a more consistent effort put into these explorations. There is technology that is capable of exploring deep depths of water and it should be prioritized. Due to the current climate crisis, it is important to emphasize understanding the ocean and the impact these waters have made on humans along with the impacts humans have made on these waters. Putting the fear of the unknown aside here is extremely important to understand both history and the current state of planet Earth.
The mermaid scene in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world, particularly the ocean. The shared experience of fear portrayed by both Harry Potter and the mermaids highlights the similarities between species, challenging the artificial boundaries that humans have imposed between themselves and marine life. While only a fraction of the ocean has been explored, there is potential for humanity to break down these barriers through technological advancements and concerted efforts in research. In the face of the current climate crisis, prioritizing the exploration and understanding of the ocean is important. By overcoming the fear of the unknown and embracing curiosity, humanity can uncover the mysteries of the ocean and create a harmonious relationship with the natural world. This discovery is not only essential for the preservation of our planet but also for our understanding of history.