Elves
The elves in Harry Potter play a big role. Not only in the interactions with the main characters but also with things that you would never really consider.
The most popular elf in Harry Potter has to be Dobby. He is prominent in the books and the movies. You instantly fall in love with him and, unless you are a heartless monster, are pretty much crushed when he dies. He unwavering loyalty to Harry is heartwarming and he offers lots of laughs while reading the book. He is quite the character.
Next of course is Kreacher. Kreacher was once Sirius Black’s house elf, but when Sirius died, his service was transferred to Harry. At first, he was very resistant to it, and in the movies, you can see the internal struggle that Kreacher has when he has to comply with an order from Harry. However, what you don’t get to see in the movies is that he eventually learns to respect Harry. Harry shows him the respect that he never got from Sirius, and Kreacher slowly changes his alliances from the Black’s to Harry. He even starts to respect Hermione, which is a huge accomplishment if you recognise how much hate he has for her at the start. My favourite line from him is in book 7 when he is hitting Mungdungus over the gead with a frying pan, “perhaps one more master, for luck?” Haha!
There is another elf which is left out of the movies entirely – Winky. Winky is such a character and it’s a shame that she wasn’t included in the movies. She first appears during The Goblet of Fire, as the house-elf to Minister Fudge. She is linked to chaos and revolt at the quidditch world finals when the dark mark first appears in the sky and the minister sets her free from his household. She is eventually taken on at Hogwarts, with a little help from Dobby, and then turns to drink and basically turns into a lush. Drunk Winky is a sad pathetic soul, but the care that Dobby gives her is so touching.
Of course, one of the main things that people have an issue with about the house elves would be their treatment as basically slaves within houses – and especially within Hogwarts. In the books, Hermione starts and organisation to fight for elf rights (S.P.E.W – the society for the protection of elvish welfare) which was completely left out of the movies. When you read the books, the elves are written to be totally content in working for no money, and actually almost shun Dobby since he works for a wage when he is hired at Hogwarts. They can’t understand why he would embarrass their race by accepting payment for working. So I’m not sure if I can side with Hermione in working for their betterment if they are genuinely happy the way things are. Maybe they truly are happy in their situation in life?
I am a heartless monster. It was sad when Dobby died but he stressed me out from the start. And my kids cried at the sight of him. Way too creepy for them at the time… there were nightmares!
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Oh no!! I’ve never seen Dobby like that. I can’t remember how I felt when I first saw him. But book Dobby is so much better than movie Dobby.
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Yes… when they first saw him on the screen, neither of them had read the books yet…
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Me either. But that is so sad that they had nightmares!!
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I still have nightmares about a couple of random creatures from the Buffy the Vampire Slayer tv series… lol
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hehe! I never watched that one. Now I think I am glad of it.
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It’s easily one of the best shows I’ve ever watched. But there are 2 creatures that totally freaked me out! Not bad for 7 seasons!
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The movies didn’t do any justice to Kreacher. I was so mad that they’d left out the part where he changes his attitude to the duo. And of course, to Winky! I wonder what happened to her. I like to think that after the Battle, Kreacher eventually goes on to be the Potter’s house-elf who gets paid because Hermione terrorizes Harry to do so! Maybe Ron and Hermione would have taken in Winky. I was so sad about Dobby’s death! I cried so much when I read that chapter.
Can’t quite say that S.P.E.W is wrong. Maybe all that those elves needed was a little awareness. But then again when it comes to Hermione, I’m a bit biased. She can never be wrong!!!
Can’t wait to read tomorrow’s post. What’s it going to be – Fred Weasley or Filch, or Fat Friar or Fang??? Or something else entirely??
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Oh, those are lovely thoughts for after war! Although, I’m not entirely sure that Kreacher would accept any payment – even after he learned to respect Harry. You are so right that the movies didn’t do him any justice!
And tomorrow will be someone else entirely! 😉
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Hermione would probably have persuaded him. 😂 Too bad the movies never showed that side of Kreacher! Ohhh, someone else entirely!!!! Can’t to read tomorrow’s post. 😁
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Thanks! Your comments are always so supportive I’m glad you have been enjoying the posts so much!
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It’s my pleasure 😃
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Dobby annoyed me when he first showed up in Chamber of Secrets but I was crushed when he died. I love how Kreacher gradually changed, your favourite line is one of mine too. I still feel really sad thinking about how he’d be waiting for Harry, Ron and Hermione to come home after their trip to the Ministry.
And I have many issues with the Goblet of Fire film, one of which is the cutting out of Winky. I’d have loved to have seen her on screen. But then again, perhaps my mental picture of her is better. That said, I’m looking forward to seeing the illustrated version of the book. 🙂
Cait @ Click’s Clan
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I just read that part about the trio not going back after the ministy! It makes me sad too!
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Dobby was so loyal to Harry. It was very sad when he died. Kreacher was great too. I think Sirius was extremely unkind to him. Kreacher changed with Harry. WeekendsInMaine
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I don’t think Winky being omitted from the movies was a huge loss to be honest, most of her story felt like filler, but I was kind of annoyed that Kreacher’s change of attitude wasn’t included
Debbie
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You are right she was mostly a filler but she also explained croutches home life a little bit more which i think was needed just a bit
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