What “Harry Potter” Teaches Us About the Psychology of Prejudice (And How to Reduce It)
Prejudice runs rampant in the wizarding world, and metaphor can reveal to us both its sources and its solutions.
Tagged: House-elves
Why House-Elves Are Not a Metaphor for Transatlantic Slavery
House-elves are sometimes problematically seen as a metaphor for American and European slavery, but the brownie myth that inspired this creature reveals a more nuanced story.
Magic and Elves – Part 3: Magic and Omission
Is agency denied to house-elves or declined by them? There are several moments throughout the “Harry Potter” books that contradict the idea that house-elves are magically bound to obey their masters.
Magic and Elves – Part 2: The Hidden Potential
Voldemort underestimated the power of house-elves to his own detriment. This is the second article in a three-part series exploring social dynamics in the wizarding world and examines how house-elves are more intelligent and powerful than wizards perceive them to be.
Magic and Elves – Part 1: Establishing the Hierarchy
Discrimination within the wizarding world is prevalent. This is the first article in a three-part series exploring social dynamics in the wizarding world and forms a framework for understanding the social hierarchy between wizards and all magical creatures.
Top 20 Lessons We Learned from “Harry Potter”
In honor of MuggleNet’s 20th anniversary, here are 20 of the most important lessons the “Harry Potter” books taught us.
The United States of America: The Land of the Free House-Elf?
Is there a difference between the house-elves in America and Europe? MACUSA might be ahead of the curve on this issue.
Why “Order of the Phoenix” Is the Most Relevant “Harry Potter” Book Right Now – Part 2
The “Harry Potter” books are filled with allegories on racism and politics. This second article in a two-part series discusses how “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” has been invaluable in inspiring an entire generation of readers to be politically engaged and stand up against injustice.
Hermione’s Moral Development: From Good Girl to Activist
Hermione may start out as a teacher’s pet, but over time, she learns to break the rules in order to protect not only her friends but also the wider wizarding community.
