Arts & Culture

An Ode: 20 years of Harry Potter

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Harry Potter is a series of fantasy novels written by J.K Rowling which first appeared in 26th June, 1997 after being rejected by several publication houses. The books have found immense popularity, critical acclaim and commercial success worldwide. The series has now been translated into multiple languages including French, Irish, Spanish, German and Swedish to name a few. They have attracted a wide adult audience as well as younger readers, and are often considered cornerstones of modern young adult literature. As of May 2013, the books have sold more than 500 million copies worldwide, making them the best-selling book series in history, and have been translated into seventy-three languages. The last four books consecutively set records as the fastest-selling books in history, with the final instalment selling roughly eleven million copies in the United States within twenty-four hours of its release.

The plot of the story needs no introduction, it seems that almost every young adult in this generation is familiar with Harry Potter, and his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, studying at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Their struggle against Lord Voldemort, the dark wizard who killed Harry’s parents has become an urban legend. Even after 20 years of Harry Potter’s first appearance, the hype created around this magical tale has persisted over time. As our generation grew, we saw parts of us and our lives reflected in the character’s laughter, tears, struggles and determination. A part of us waited with bated breath for our Hogwarts letter to arrive as we yearned to be a part of their magical world. We fantasized about being on Platform 9 ¾ , using Floo Powder, disappearing into the Room of Requirement, exploring Hogsmeade and Honeydukes, eating our hearts out at the grand feasts, possessing a Marauders Map, fighting in the resistance against Lord Voldemort and hoping for a love as deep as Severus had for Lily.

Harry Potter and his story lives amongst us and our hearts. It is a story we grew up with and we hope our future generations would grow up with as well. Today, we celebrate 20 years of Harry Potter in our lives, and here’s hoping we celebrate this momentous occasion again in another 20 years from today.

Till then, I solemnly swear that I am up to no good!

Feature Image Credits: YouTube

Joyee Bhattacharya

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Journalism has been called the “first rough draft of history”. D.U.B may be termed as the first rough draft of DU history. Freedom to Express.

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