Harry Potter Series Turns 20: Wizardry Keeps Generations Gripped

Author JK Rowling has created a universe brimming with girl power, from the smallest creatures to the largest. They’re teachers, students, warriors, villains, and philosophers, and they make Harry Potter one of the most feminist works of the last several decades. And she celebrated the 20^th anniversary of the release of the first harry potter book by tweeting-

20 years ago today a world that I had lived in alone was suddenly open to others. It's been wonderful. Thank you.#HarryPotter20

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 26, 2017

A fan replied to this tweet by saying:

That world became part of my world. I still love #HarryPotter #HarryPotter20 https://t.co/ypkwMMcdmp

— Nkosi (@nkosi___) June 26, 2017

Fans have tweeted about their support to the series, claiming it to be their home and their support stick through ups and downs.

Cannot believe it's been 20 years of Harry Potter. It is my life and my home. Always. #harrypotter20

— Beth (@BethEdwardes1) June 26, 2017

Celebrating the 20 years of Harry Potter, Mumbai Police launched a poster in the Potter theme-

Safety isn't only the responsibility of 'the chosen one' but everyone! #SafetyFirst #HarryPotter20 pic.twitter.com/a5SVObDRxM

— Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) June 26, 2017

Adding to the social media celebration, Facebook launched a new feature where a wand will animate the status in the colours of the houses if it includes the words- Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff. Twitter too is adding to the fan love by introducing a new emoji with the hashtag #HarryPotter20. The emoji is the iconic round glasses with the lightning bolt scar too.

A young girl from Mumbai who has read the series multiple times quotes a scene from the book, illustrating her favourite female character.

"Is it true that you shouted at Professor Umbridge?"

"Yes," said Harry.

"You called her a liar?"

"Yes."

"You told her He Who Must Not Be Named is back?"

"Yes."

Professor McGonagall sat down behind her desk, frowning at Harry. Then she said, "Have a biscuit, Potter. Whether Professor Minerva McGonagall is leading resistance forces against Voldemort in the Battle of Hogwarts or teaching students Transfiguration, she wields power with intelligence and grace. She’s loyal, hardworking, and has seriously mastered the art of restraint. And whether she’s nose-to-nose against Dolores Umbridge or commanding troops in the battle of Hogwarts, she’s one feisty witch we can’t help rooting for.

POWERFUL WITCHES

Talking over the older generation, Molly Weasely is one of the most powerful witches who has garnered our respect. She chose career is to put her skills to work to raise a family, but when her children are in danger, this affable and good-humored witch goes into full beast mode. And absolutely no one can miss the scene where she pulls her wand out to kill Bellatrix Lestrange.

However, Bellatrix Lestrange though a follower of Voldemort, shows immense loyalty to her master and blind faith in the path she follows. She has stood up for herself and her faith, thus earning the title of the most faithful to Voldemort. His death ironically comes minutes afters hers.

But absolutely no one can miss the female heroes of the series- Luna Lovegood and Hermione Granger.

WEIRD GIRLS ARE GREAT

One needs a lot of courage to be known as the “weird girl” in a school of witches and wizards.  Luna Lovegood is the poster child for being yourself and knowing that the people who really matter will have no trouble seeing your value. She has witnessed death first-hand but that did not get to her. Instead she chose to walk out of it and help with the order of the phoenix. Luna’s kindness, compassion, and fearless individuality has been a helping hand to many characters in times of dire stress.

Coming to Hermione Granger, a non-potterhead will also salute to her bravery, wit and intelligence. She is known to bring innovation to her spells and pull her friends out of death defying situations. Hermione, just one small child thrust into a new world, learns that it isn’t all magic. She discovers that even worlds with Unicorns and love potions can be built on suffering, class warfare, and intense racial strife. Her voracious appetite for learning, combined with a can't-be-bothered approach to beauty norms, have made her a long time feminist icon. Even though she wasn’t born into a wizard family, she quickly adapts to the ways at Hogwarts, proving to be one of the greatest witches of all times, and one of the most powerful female characters in fiction.

THE FEMALE CHARACTERS

Female characters of the Harry Potter series have been a backbone to numerous characters and have saved lives of many. Their bravery, wit, sacrifice, compassion and goodwill has saved the fate of Hogwarts and kept the heart of the readers. There is no doubt that one cannot write a thesis alone on the female characters of the series.