Mythology entertains, relates history, and conveys man's relationship to god and the universe. Mythology provides individuals with life models and establishes a connection to the people from whom an individual is descended. Works of modern literature that incorporate mythology and universal themes and archetypes provide a guide, a contemporary guide, to dealing with the problems faced by all people. Homer first established the hero and journey archetypes in 800 B.C. and authors continue to utilize them today. In literature, heroes are important and interesting characters who are role models and who teach the reader important lessons about the human condition. The mythological connection and the archetypes of the hero and journey are presented here in the context of "The Lord of the Rings" and "Harry Potter," two incredibly popular cultural icons of literature, through which the timeless lessons of mythology are transmitted to a modern audience.