Harry Potter Theory

Welcome to Harry Potter Theory! This podcast features Harry Potter Theories, Fantastic Beasts Theories, Explanations, Top Lists, News, Character Backstories, Fan Fictions & More!

TV & Film
376
Dark History of the House of Black - Harry Pott...
Welcome to Harry Potter Theory. Today, we're going to be discussing the history and family tree of the Black family. You might not know this, but Sirius Black was more than just a powerful wizard who escaped the dungeons of Azkaban. By birthright, he was a member of one of the most powerful wizarding families in all of Britain.-In fact, the Black family line can be traced back through the centuries, and was celebrated as one of the proudest pure-blood families in the world. And by the time Sirius was born, he was one of the few male heirs that remained.-Which meant his passing, in the Death Chamber on the ninth level of the ministry of magic, marked the end of the Black Family line.-- But even that wasn't really the end for them.-Although the women of the family didn't typically keep their last name after marriage, they married into dozens of other pure blood families throughout England.-In some way, almost every Weasly, Potter, Lestrange, Lupin, and Malfoy could find a connection to the Blacks. Today, we're going to take a look at the very first recorded ancestor in Sirius's line, and trace the history of the Black family, from Sirius's own namesake, to the final male heirs. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
24 min
377
A New Beginning: What Happened to the Wizarding...
Welcome to Harry Potter Theory. Today we're going to be discussing what happened to the Wizarding World AFTER the climactic defeat of Lord Voldemort in the Deathly Hallows.- After a period of total chaos, a sudden silence fell over the Hogwarts grounds. The menacing lord of darkness, Voldemort, was finally defeated. Victory brought a fresh morning glimmer, marking an end to the fear and terror that the dark lord had spread across the wizarding world. But even though Voldemort's reign was short lived, his time in power was more than long enough to spread a veil of darkness over the once-vibrant wizarding world. Lives were lost, institutions crumbled, and the inhabitants of the wizarding world were reminded of what darkness was capable of. And in times like this, the darkest of times, it would be wise for the wizarding population to follow the sage advice of Albus Dumbledore, the man that always reminded us to "turn on the light".- Voldemort's defeat was a glorious occasion for the good guys, but as the light of victory settled a new (and colossal task) dawned on the wizarding world- the reconstruction of a fractured world and the healing of a society bruised by Voldemort's regime. But if the Phoenix has taught us anything, it's that it is after the fall from the flames that we rise again, stronger than ever. The ashes of defeat had fallen; now, it was time for the magical world to rise.- I've done a video in the past discussing what happened to each and every character from the series in the post war era *show video on screen*, but today we're going to be honing in on wizarding society as a whole. What happened to Hogwarts? The Ministry of Magic? Diagon Alley? Without further ado, let's uncover the rebirth of wizarding society. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
17 min
378
Why Wasn't James Potter His Own SECRET Keeper? ...
Welcome to Harry Potter Theory. Today we're going to be discussing The Potter Family, Godric's Hollow, Voldemort and October 31st 1981. Specifically, we're going to be tackling the question of WHY James Potter didn't act as his OWN secret keeper- instead entrusting the responsibility with known RAT Peter Pettigrew. Join me as we dive deep into the Fidelius Charm and the role of the Secret Keeper in the tragic events that led to the downfall of James and Lily Potter. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10 min
379
Why Fred and George Never Saw Peter Pettigrew o...
Welcome to Harry Potter Theory. Today, we'll be discussing why Fred and George Weasley never noticed Peter Pettigrew - aka Scabbers the rat - on the magically revealing Marauder's Map. I suppose to start with, we can address the question of: Why would they? Well, as we learn near the end of Harry Potter's third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the Marauder's Map has the capability to reveal each and every person roaming the hallowed halls of the school, regardless of their form. It represents witches and wizards with a dot that has a corresponding name - which is ALWAYS their true identity, again regardless of any magic that may make them appear differently when confronted in person. And it is through the Map that Harry discovers a number of unsettling secrets that have to do with the night his parents were murdered - including the fact that Peter Pettigrew, his father's mate who supposedly died that same night, is ALIVE. How does he discover this? He sees him on the Marauder's Map. But I'm getting ahead of myself... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8 min
380
Dark History of The VEIL - Harry Potter Explained
Welcome to Harry Potter Theory. Today we're going to be discussing the enigmatic gate of DEATH that is The VEIL. Now, if one were to venture through the corridors of the Ministry of Magic for long enough, they'd likely, eventually, find themselves standing before the enigmatic Veil - a haunting manifestation nestled within the Death Chamber of the Department of Mysteries.- And when faced with such an enigmatic wizarding structure, it's hard not to ask questions. What IS the Veil? Who created it? And how does the Veil connect to the wizarding world's understanding of life, death, and the beyond? Join me as we apparate through time and space, diving deep into the mysteries of the Veil and shedding light on its presence within Wizarding History. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
12 min
381
Why Didn't Voldemort Discover Snape's True Loya...
Welcome to Harry Potter Theory. Today, we'll be going for a deep dive into how Lord Voldemort never figured out that Severus Snape was a double agent whose true loyalties lay with Albus Dumbledore and The Order of the Phoenix. As revealed at the very bitter end of the Harry Potter series, Professor Severus Snape was one of the most successful turn cloaks to have ever lived. Becoming a follower of Voldemort - and officially a Death Eater - shortly after leaving Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Severus was a wizard deeply entrenched in the world of Dark Magic from a rather young age. Before he became enamoured with the Dark Lord and his teachings, however, Severus' first love was that of the Muggle-born witch Lily Evans. And so when Snape learned of a prophecy that inevitably sent Voldemort after the woman he loved, and set into motion a series of events that would result in her death, Severus chose to alter his allegiance and instead work for the very group of witches and wizards set on destroying Voldemort - while pretending to remain a faithful servant to the Dark Lord.- But how is it that the wizard many believed to be one of the most POWERFUL to have ever lived never managed to figure out that Snape wasn't truly on his side? Well, I believe that the answer to this question is actually a bit more complex than one might first think. To which end, I've put together a few ideas I've had on the subject, starting with... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8 min
382
Why Do Students Take a TRAIN to Hogwarts? - His...
Welcome to Harry Potter Theory. Today, we're going to be discussing the Hogwarts Express and the UK national rail network.- WIth a platform that's invisible / inaccessible to muggles, and a rail line that heads to a magical school in the Scottish highlands, you probably won't be surprised to hear me say that the railway trip out to Hogwarts is unusual to say the least. Trains play a pivotal part in Harry Potter, with platform 9 ¾ and the Hogwarts Express both playing a crucial role in Harry's first trip AWAY from the Dursleys, and off in to the Wizarding World. But, have you ever wondered HOW this magical railway ride fits in to a preexisting national rail network? The UK National rail network to be specific. Does the Hogwarts express exist entirely independently from the rest of these trains? Or, does it share some of the same tracks? Does it transport some of the same passengers? Is the Hogwarts Express able to magically avoid collisions? What gives? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10 min
383
Top 40 Harry Potter Plot Twists - Harry Potter ...
Welcome to Harry Potter Theory. Today we're going to be diving in to FOURTY- that's right, FOURTY, Harry Potter Plot twists. And when I say Plot Twists I am of course referring to unexpected turns in the story that surprised us. Moments that challenged the assumptions and expectations that had been built up throughout the narrative.- And when it comes to the Harry Potter story we have to give credit where credit is due- there are a LOT of twists and turns. From relatively mild to MAJOR, each of these plot twists contributed to a compelling story that left us full of intrigue and suspense. Before we get started be sure to comment some of YOUR favourite plot twists down below. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
13 min
384
20 Things EVERYONE Gets WRONG about Harry Potter
Welcome to Harry Potter Theory. Today we're going to be DIVING in to some common misconceptions about the wizarding world, uncovering aspects of the wizarding universe that even diehard fans sometimes get wrong. If you fancy yourself a Harry Potter expert, then sit back, relax and see if any of these Harry Potter misconceptions apply to you. Let's get in to it. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10 min
385
10 Magical Things from Harry Potter That Are RE...
Welcome to Harry Potter Theory. Today we're going to be discussing the intersection of muggle and magical- taking a look at some 'magical' aspects of the Wizarding World that also happen to...Exist in our OWN world?-From people to magical objects, join me as we unravel the magic that has existed around us all along. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
9 min
386
10 Harry Potter Theories That Change Everything...
Welcome to Harry Potter Theory. Today we're diving deep in the lore and unearthing 10 lesser-known Harry Potter theories that you *likely* haven't heard of before.-- These are the sorts of theories that'll make you think.."Huh, I never thought of that!" and might even hold the power to change the way you see the wizarding world. Anyway, let's get to it. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
14 min
387
Top 5 WORST Harry Potter Fan Theories - Harry P...
Welcome to Harry Potter Theory. Today we're covering the WEIRDEST theories out there- ranking them all the way up to the WEIRDEST theory of all.-I've covered a few of these on the channel in the past, but there are also some new ones. These are going to be explained fairly succinctly, but if you want the FULL version of one of these theories, you can find it on the channel's home page. Which weird Harry Potter theories do you guys know? Do you think you can guess them? Without further ado, let's get started. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8 min
388
The Ancient Magic Behind Harry Potter: 10 Real-...
Hey everyone, welcome to another installment of Harry Potter Theory. Today I've got something..a little bit different for you. Rather than delve in to the spells and curses from the Harry Potter universe that most of us already know so well, I thought I'd cross the barrier in to a whole other world of magic- magic that's been right in front of us for thousands of years. This video marks the first in a series where I'll be highlighting magic from the REAL world- taking a closer look at spells, curses and enchantments from civilizations all around the globe.- Starting today, join me as we embark on a captivating journey to the land of the Nile, where the ancient Egyptian civilization flourished with its enigmatic and mystical practices. Here, we'll dive in to the fascinating world of ancient Egyptian magic, exploring the spells, curses, and rituals that played an integral role in the lives of these remarkable people. From the grand pyramids to the mysterious Sphinx, the ancient Egyptians were masters of harnessing the powers of the universe, intertwining their daily lives with the mystical forces that surrounded them. Through the use of sacred texts, intricate rituals, and powerful incantations, they sought to communicate with the gods, protect their people, and ensure their passage into the afterlife. Without further ado, let us embark on this enthralling expedition into the magical realm of ancient Egypt and uncover the mysteries that have captivated the world for millennia. I also happen to have quite an intriguing (and relatively unknown) piece of information about ancient Egyptian civilization within the Harry Potter universe- so keep an eye out for that as well. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
15 min
389
Top 10 Darkest Moments LEFT OUT of the Films (P...
Hey everyone, Welcome to another instalment of Harry Potter Theory. Today, we'll be discussing ten more of the darkest moments of the Harry Potter series that were left OUT of the films. DARK Moments that never made it on to the silver screen. If you haven't watched Part 1 of this series, go and check it out afterwards:Top 10 Darkest Moments LEFT OUT of the Films.Now, onto today's picks for darkest moments that never made it from page to screen... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
14 min
390
History of Ilvermorny Magic School & Its 4 Hous...
Welcome to Harry Potter Theory. Today we're discussing the founding of ILVERMORNY school- North America's answer to Hogwarts. I'll be kicking things off by discussing the story of its founder, Isolt Sayre, then segueing into the FOUNDING of the school. Following that, I'll be breaking down the minutiae of EVERYTHING that we know about Ilvermorny- from it's own unique house system, to the school's grounds, to it's curriculum and MORE. Without further ado, I present to you the tale of Isolt Sayre and Ilvermorny school.- Isolt Sayre was an Irish witch born sometime around the year 1603 who spent most of her early childhood in the valley of Coomloughra, County Kerry.- Isolt came from two pure-blood wizarding families, the Sayres and the Gaunts. Her father was William Sayre, and her mother was Rionach Gaunt who came from the house of Gaunt. You may recognize the name Gaunt, and that's because it's the same family that Voldemort comes from - descendants of Salazar Slytherin himself. Isolt had an idyllic childhood. Her family lived in the beautiful countryside, everyone was happy and healthy, and her parents had a good relationship with their muggle neighbours. It has been expressed that Rionach and William would help their Muggle neighbours with magical cures for humans and livestock whenever possible. However, this idyllic life didn't last forever, as when she was five years old both of her parents died during an attack on the family home. Isolt was 'rescued' from the fire by her mother's estranged sister, Gormlaith Gaunt, and Isolt was taken to the neighbouring valley of Coomcallee, or 'Hag's Glen', where she was raised from then on.-However, as Isolt grew older she came to the realization that her aunt wasn't her saviour, she was in fact the murderer of her parents. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
20 min
391
5 Darkest Harry Potter Theories That'll Haunt Y...
Welcome to Harry Potter Theory. Today, we'll be discussing five of the DARKEST Harry Potter theories out there- diving into the mysterious and shadowy corners of the Wizarding World. Prepare to have your mind blown and your perception of Hogwarts forever changed. These chilling speculations will send shivers down your spine and may even make you question everything you thought you knew about Harry's magical universe. So, grab your wands, and let's embark on this spine-tingling journey together! Let's get started. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8 min
392
Ranking ALL Harry Potter Movies from BEST to WO...
Welcome to Harry Potter Theory. Today we're going to be ranking MY favourite Harry Potter movies from BEST to WORST. I think one point of distinction that needs to be made right away here is that these are NOT reflective of my BOOK rankings.- Over the course of a decade, the beloved book series was adapted into eight spellbinding films, captivating audiences worldwide and bringing the Wizarding World to life on the big screen. However, In the process of adapting the complex and intricate world of the books into a more visually-driven medium, many aspects of the books were omitted. Because the films are a 'less complete' package, and because of filmmakers' decisions to prioritize certain scenes over others, they make for quite a different experience- each possessing their own unique charms and quirks. The best way to describe the films would be a 'diluted' version of the books. HOWEVER, with that said, I'm still a HUGE fan of the Harry Potter films (yes all of them), and I have many positive comments about the way that each film was constructed. As we dive into this cinematic realm, we'll explore the highs and lows of each movie, taking into account the storytelling, visual effects, and the ways in which they either stayed true to or deviated from the original source material. I'll try my best to rationalize WHY I ranked them the way that I did, but forgive me if in some instances I'm unable to articulate myself properly and limited to explaining things with just a 'feeling'. I know that a LOT of you are going to deviate from my choices here, so before we get started be sure to comment YOUR best to worst in the comment section down below. Let's dive in. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
14 min
393
When Wizards DIE: Exploring the Wizarding After...
Welcome to Harry Potter Theory. Today we're discussing the Wizarding Afterlife- taking a closer look at what exactly happens to witches and wizards when they die. The line between the living and the dead is unquestionably a blurry one in Harry Potter. This is reinforced by the prevalence of beings that skirt these two planes of existence- Ghosts and Dementors are some of the first that come to mind. And with these blurred lines, the topic of death (which is also a key thematic element in Harry Potter) becomes even more alluring. In fact, one of the main messages of the Harry Potter books is that death is NOT absolute. It's also reinforced that it's not anything we should be worrying about. We're continually reminded that death is simply a part of LIFE, and that rather than obsessing over it we should instead shift our focus on seeking love and friendship- enjoying the time that we do have. Voldemort infamously tried to evade death - which is why his name is aptly derived from the french 'vol-de-mort' meaning 'flight of death'. But the lesson the books teach surrounding the inevitability of death is one that never quite resonated with our immortality-obsessed antagonist. Rather than embrace life at it's own pace, Voldemort devised all sorts of plans to achieve the ever-elusive goal of immortality.- On a side note- there are actually FIVE methods of achieving immortality in Harry Potter. If you're curious about them, check out my video 'all 5 methods of immortality in Harry Potter'. So life and death have blurred lines- but what exactly does that mean? What happens to a witch or wizard when they die? Why do some become ghosts? Is there an AFTERLIFE? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10 min
394
10 Things in Harry Potter Fans Can't Agree On -...
Welcome to Harry Potter Theory. Today we're discussing ten of the most controversial opinions about the Harry Potter series. These, of course, are opinions in which fans have long since battled over since the release of the novels, throughout the making of the films, and now more than ten years later. And since I love a good debate, let's get to it... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8 min
395
15 Character Deaths in Harry Potter: Book VS Mo...
Welcome to Harry Potter Theory. Today we're going to be comparing book with film. Specifically, we're going to be taking a look at the deaths of 15 Harry Potter characters and HOW these deaths were portrayed differently on the silver screen. We'll also be diving in to the implications for portraying these deaths differently.- When adapting a beloved book series to the big screen, filmmakers face the daunting task of translating the rich, intricate world of the source material into a visual medium, and Harry Potter is no exception.-With its complex characters, intricate plotlines, and magical elements, capturing the essence of the books while keeping the films engaging and accessible for a wide audience is a challenge.- The portrayals of character deaths, which often carry deep emotional weight and thematic significance, are not excluded from these challenges. Today we'll explore notable differences between the deaths of characters in the Harry Potter books and their film adaptations, discussing the impact of these changes on the story and the characters involved. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
12 min
396
Dumbledore's DARK Secret: Was He a Horcrux Crea...
Welcome to Harry Potter Theory. Today we're discussing whether or not the late, great - and highly revered - Albus Dumbledore ever created his own HORCRUX - before his untimely death. Knowing that creating a Horcrux is a bit of EXTREMELY Dark Magic that we've previously only ever heard about Lord Voldemort practising (and I suppose Herpo the Foul), how did a theory surrounding the incredibly well-respected Albus Dumbledore and Horcruxes even come to be? ...Let's dive in! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8 min
397
Everyone Gets This WRONG about Voldemort - Harr...
Welcome to Harry Potter Theory. Today we're discussing VOLDEMORT- peeling back the layers of his character and clearing up some misconceptions. In the magical world of Harry Potter, love plays a pivotal role in shaping the lives of its characters, often serving as a powerful force that triumphs over darkness. At the center of this darkness stands Lord Voldemort, a figure synonymous with evil and the antithesis of love- a man thought to be INCAPABLE of such an emotion. But.. What if I told you that it's actually a LOT more complicated than that? What if I told you that Voldemort's inability to feel love was actually a MASSIVE oversimplification that shrouds the intricate details lying underneath? And now for the best part..What if I told you that what I'm talking about is CONFIRMED by canon? If you, like me, wish to develop a deeper understanding of Harry Potter's most infamous villain- learning things about him that are widely overlooked- then sit back, relax and enjoy as we dive into the TRUE motivations of Lord Voldemort. It all started at the beginning. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10 min
398
Why Does the Sorting Hat Choose Half-Bloods for...
Welcome to Harry Potter Theory. Today we're discussing WHY The Sorting Hat selects MUGGLE-BORN and HALF-BLOOD students for Slytherin House in the modern era. If Salazar Slytherin was such an advocate for Pure-blood supremacy, how is it that, many centuries later, his own Hogwarts house allows half-bloods? Specifically, we're going to be tackling this question in relation to The Sorting Hat as the hat is ultimately responsible for student placement. The Sorting Hat, a magical artifact at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, has the essential task of assigning new students to one of the four houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin. Each house was founded by one of the four original founders of Hogwarts: Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw and Salazar Slytherin. ...Let's dive in. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10 min
399
Top 10 Darkest Moments LEFT OUT of the Films - ...
Welcome to Harry Potter Theory. Today discussing BOOKS vs FILMS - honing in on some of the darkest BOOK moments that, for varying reasons, simply never made their way on to the silver screen. While the film adaptations brought the magic of Hogwarts to life on the big screen, they were not without their limitations. In the process of adapting the complex and intricate world of the books into a more visually-driven medium, certain dark and unsettling moments were omitted or altered, leaving fans with a somewhat diluted version of Rowling's original vision. Today, we'll delve into these dark moments left out of the films, exploring the reasons behind their omissions and the impact of these changes on the overall story.- Let's dive in. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
14 min
400
Why Don't MORE Wizards Become Animagi? - Harry ...
Welcome to Harry Potter Theory. Today we're going to be discussing animagi- witches and wizards with the unique ability to transform in to an animal (and back again) at will. A single witch or wizard who possesses this ability is known as an 'animagus'.- The practice of becoming an animagus and transforming your body in this way is considered to be a specialized form of transfiguration- a branch of magic focused on changing the form and appearance of objects, creatures and people. Animagus is a combination of the word "animal" and the Greek word magus, meaning "animal wizard." Once a witch or wizard masters the ability to become an Animagus, they will 'adopt' an animal form that is closely linked to their personality and inner traits. But perhaps the most alluring aspect of animagi is the fact that there are, according to Hermione's research, only 7 known animagi from the last century. What I want to discuss further is...Why? How is it that this powerful ability is so underutilized in wizarding society? Why haven't powerful wizards like Voldemort and Dumbledore attempted it? Let's dive in. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
11 min