20 Facts Every Harry Potter Super-Nerd Should Know
11. The Death Of Hedwig Represents Harrys Loss Of Innocence
In any coming-of-age story which Potter, despite its many other inclinations, most certainly is there generally is a symbolic event of the young heros actual coming of age the loss of his childhood innocence to signify his transition into adulthood. In Harry Potter who, it seems, never really had innocence in spades, from the untimely death of his parents, to the neglect and abuse he suffered as a child, to the sociopathic Dark wizard out for his blood, to pretty much every parental figure he ever had kicking the bucket at one point or another Rowling revealed that the heartrending death of Hedwig in Deathly Hallows was the final and official symbol of Harry losing his childhood innocence. This notably coincides with his coming of age to 17 and his leaving school to enter the real battle against evil. Especially with Hedwig being a constant comfort to Harry and one of his first real steps into the Wizarding world at age 11 the death of the owl was a hard-hitting reminder that our hero has grown up at last.
Canadian student. Spends probably an unhealthy amount of time enthusing over musicals, unpopular TV shows, and Harry Potter. Main life goal: to become fluent in Elvish.
