Why Harry Potter is the Chosen One
Harry Potter, the beloved wizard from J.K. Rowling's magical universe, is often referred to as the Chosen One due to a prophecy that stated he was destined to destroy the Dark Lord Voldemort. This title embodies not only his symbolic combat against evil but also the unique connection he shares with Voldemort and the embodiment of heroic qualities he displays throughout the series.
The Prophecy
The prophecy, foretelling Harry's destiny, is a pivotal element in the Harry Potter series. It claims that ‘the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives...’ This prophecy underscores the importance of Harry in the ultimate battle against Voldemort.
Symbol of Hope
Harry represents hope for the wizarding world. His survival against Voldemort's killing curse on his first birthday marked him as a symbol of resistance against dark forces. Many believe that he is the only one capable of defeating Voldemort, embodying hope and strength in the face of overwhelming adversity. Harry's story can be seen as a reflection of the human spirit's resilience in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Connection to Voldemort
The connection between Harry and Voldemort deepens as the series progresses. Both share certain abilities and a mental link due to the curse that marked Harry at a young age. This unique bond emphasizes Harry's role in the battle against Voldemort. The strength and loyalty shown by Harry in the face of danger illustrate the true nature of a chosen hero.
Courage and Sacrifice
Harry's journey is marked by themes of bravery, friendship, and sacrifice. He faces numerous dangers and ultimately chooses to confront Voldemort, embodying the qualities of a true hero. The climactic scene in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, where Harry willingly sacrifices himself for his friends and the greater good, solidifies his status as the Chosen One and fulfills the prophecy.
A Personal Journey to the Chosen One
My personal journey to the Chosen One began when the Harry Potter books gained popularity in India during my school years. Despite my love for reading, the books were too expensive and not available in the school library. My rich friends who owned the books were too possessive to share them. Growing up in a small town in Uttar Pradesh, English movies were not shown in the local cinemas, and movie halls were considered unsafe.
Now, as an eleven-year-old son asked me to gift him the Harry Potter series on his ninth birthday, and with the privilege of buying the series and watching the movies together during the pandemic, my curiosity was piqued. The word that stuck in my mind was the Chosen One.
Since childhood, I have believed that 'genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.' However, after reading about the importance of being the Chosen One, I began to doubt whether I had been told the wrong thing. Only a Chosen One can kill Voldemort and save the wizarding world. This made me question whether I was doing enough to be remembered for something significant.
I started checking the meanings of the words 'chosen,' 'selected,' and 'picked' and concluded that to be the Chosen One, we have to be in the list of available options. Unlike 'Selected,' where the selector makes the pool of options, 'Chosen' implies self-nomination. The next question is where do we fail? We fail to nominate ourselves.
How to nominate ourselves...
For instance, if I am passionate about cooking but have never presented my culinary skills to the world, I would never be considered a master chef. Similarly, I am passionate about singing but no one else has listened to me except me. I love painting but I have never showcased my paintings to anyone. The list goes on...
Harry Potter, if he were not so enthusiastic about the wizarding world, would never have left his simple life and fulfilled his destiny. We must nominate ourselves and not let the fear of failure or rejection hold us back. By doing so, we can achieve our true potential and be the Chosen One in our own lives.
God bless us everyone.