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| < Time Travelling and Turning ~ Prophecy as a temporal anomaly. |
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 Posted:
Wed Jun 01, 2005 12:44 pm
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Joined: 17 Feb 2005
Posts: 3
Location: Denmark
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Rowling's recent answer of the FAQ Poll question has left a number of open questions with respect to the nature of Prophecy in Potterverse.
It is clear that the information content of a prophecy is not merely time-travelled information from the point in space-time when the prophecy is already fulfilled, and it is also clear that the prophecy in itself is not indicative of a deterministic ordering (time may still be deterministic in Potterverse, in which case it is merely the prophetic power that doesn't know the outcome).
One way to look at the prophetic power would be to adopt a view similar to that which Frank Herbert suggests in the Dune books, where the prophet sees not just one future, but a multi-dimensional time-tree, with branches at major and minor decision points.
Another way to look at prophecy is inspired by physics, where nature itself can seek towards a more stable state by emitting some energy (for instance in the shape of a light quantum). Could we imagine Potterverse acting in the same way, emitting a prophecy to a receptive mind in order to enter into a more stable temporal state (for instance one with fewer branches, if one believes in the alternative history model).
So, how does prophecy work in Potterverse?
What is the impact of prophecy on the way time and causality works in Potterverse?
Enjoy!
Troels Forchhammer |
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| Posted:
Fri Jun 17, 2005 8:48 pm
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Joined: 17 Feb 2005
Posts: 300
Location: Jedi Temple, Upstate NY Chapter
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| Troels wrote: |
| Another way to look at prophecy is inspired by physics, where nature itself can seek towards a more stable state by emitting some energy (for instance in the shape of a light quantum). Could we imagine Potterverse acting in the same way, emitting a prophecy to a receptive mind in order to enter into a more stable temporal state (for instance one with fewer branches, if one believes in the alternative history model). |
Wonderful essay!!!
This second way of looking at prophecies it most interesting, I think. A lot, however, depends on how/what one defines as nature & also stability. From VM's point of view, he should win & "nature" should favour him...... but only if "nature" sees death & destruction as stability. Unfortunately, from the "fewer branches on the temporal tree" point of view, a great many people dying would seem to give less possible futures (literally).
Another perspective on "nature" & prophecy has been portrayed in the Star Wars movies/stories. Anakin Skywalker was believed by some to be the "One" of prophecy, who would bring balance back to the Force. My interpretation of this is that he was, in fact, the "One" & by becoming a Sith & destroying the old Jedi Order, he did bring the Jedi back into harmony with the Force. This underscores that prophesies are not always what we interpret them to be (I've seen MacBeth referenced to support this as well).
I think that the prophecy made right before Harry's birth has had many repercussions that might be looked at in terms of maintaining the balance of "nature" (defined as maintaining life as we know it, I suppose, & keeping the bad guys in check, Star Wars-fashion). The prophecy caused VM to try to kill Harry, resulting not only in his temporary defeat (breathing spave for the good guys) but also in creating his nemesis- Harry. The prophecy has also kept VM diverted- perhaps even chasing his own tail, by consuming him with the desire to know the full content. This fixation has allowed Harry to finally learn about the prophecy & also driven VM out into the open, perhaps sooner than he intended (& without the knowledge he was desperately seeking). I don't believe that JKR will use the prophecy the way George Lucas has in Star Wars, but I do think that the prophecy is serving the same purpose of driving, diverting, and distracting the bad guys so they may be set-up for defeat. |
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