Lumos
Harry Potter, of Harry Potter fame, has turned 35 years old today. The birth date is one of the many things that he shares with his creator, JK Rowling. Born on the 31st of July, 1965, she is mostly known for having the best Pancake recipe in Gloucestershire. Also, the fact that she created a magical universe so vast and appealing that children and adults alike have enjoyed it also contributes to her popularity. Harry Potter has a tremendous fan following, and the series may very well become a classic as the years go by.
However, how did this veritable woman become who she is? On her birthday, let us examine the circumstances which led to her greatness.
Rowling grew up in England, surrounded by books. She loved reading, and had always wanted to become a writer. In fact, she wrote her first book at a very young age. It was an aptly titled book on a rabbit called ‘Rabbit’.
After schooling, she went on to the University of Exeter, where she studied French and Classics. Indeed, that is very evident in her work, as seen by the brilliant names given by her to various objects and spells, Mimbulus Mimbletonia anyone?
The Humble Beginnings of Potter
The whole genesis of Harry Potter happened on a delayed train ride from Manchester to Kings Cross London. Well, if JK Rowling had lived in India, perhaps the idea for Harry Potter would have come long ago. Jokes aside, this train ride proved very beneficial for her, and Kings Cross Station finds a place in all her works.
She arrived in Edinburgh in 1993 with a baby daughter in tow, carrying only her suitcase. However, the contents about that suitcase were about to change her life. It had the first manuscript of Harry Potter and The Philosophers Stone.
She sent her script to countless publishers, until she got back a letter in the affirmative. She describes that letter as the best moment of her life. From then on, it was just like magic (pun intended). Bloomsbury agreed to publish for her, which then became an instant bestseller. Her life literally turned around.
Just like Harry Potter discovered that he was going to be a wizard, Joanne found out that she was destined to become one of the greatest and most loved writers of her generation, and if that is not proof that magic exists, then I don’t know what is.
At this moment, JK Rowling is not only one of the most loved authors in the world, but also one of the richest. This is in spite of the fact that she donated most of her money to various charities across the world.
As Dobby once remarked, “Dobby has heard of your greatness, Sir, but of your goodness, Dobby never knew”. It is evident that JK Rowling created Harry Potter. Perhaps, it can also be argued that it was Harry, in fact, who created JK Rowling. On this day, we thank JK Rowling for not only introducing us to the magic of the wizarding world, but also to show us that light can also be found in the darkest of places, if one knows where to look.
Nox.
