J.K. Rowling’s existential war with Voldemort since childhood. After HBO's Harry Potter TV show airs, hopefully, negative opinions on the series will change.

Although Harry Potter remains incredibly popular, some audiences clearly wish Harry had some exceptional talents that would make him appear more evenly matched against the forces of the Dark Arts. Rowling could indeed have portrayed Harry as a child-wizard prodigy, but instead, she chose to make him seem average or, at times, even in over his head. This was an intentional choice by Rowling, because Harry isn't actually supposed to be the most talented or best wizard of his age. Despite being “the chosen one”, the point of Harry’s story is one of determination and heart, not skills or natural ability.

Harry Potter's "Untalented Wizard' Complaints Ignore That Harry Is Supposed To Be Average

We’d Have Nothing To Root For If Harry Was A Wizard Prodigy

Most of the intrigue of the Harry Potter universe comes from the tension built watching an inexperienced wizard work to defeat the most powerful dark wizard of all time. If Harry had an easy road ahead of him defeating Lord Voldemort, then the books would be too predictable. The stakes of the Harry Potter books are only so high and intense because Harry is facing such insurmountable challenges. Watching Harry hone his wizarding skills and even war strategies throughout the series not only makes him a likable and relatable character but reveals much more about him than being super powerful ever could.

Harry was written to be an average kid that was targeted by chance; this is what makes him the “chosen one”. Fate chose Harry to save the wizarding world and he rises to the challenge instead of crumbling under pressure (that’s a lot to expect from a kid). Being an average wizard and an underdog makes Harry’s heroism that much more impressive, because he has to tap into his bravery, heart, and grit to defeat Voldemort; all more interesting qualities to read about than natural talent. The real chance Harry could lose this war keeps us turning pages.

Harry Potter Works Because Its Hero Is The Chosen One By Chance

Fate Picked Harry But His Choices Made Him a Hero

Harry was targeted by Voldemort because of who his parents were ( of the Order of the Phoenix), not because of who he was as an infant. A prophecy foretold by Sybyll Trelawney and overheard by Severus Snape predicted a child would be the downfall of Voldemort, but there was really no clear indication who it would be until Harry survived the killing curse. Other children with parents in the Order could have also fulfilled the prophecy, namely Neville Longbottom, but ultimately Voldemort chose him. Harry didn’t ask to be chosen, making his effort towards victory mean way more.

Harry may have been “the chosen one”, but he is only such a legendary hero because he chooses to be brave when he could easily run away.

Readers love Harry Potter so much because he lacks supernatural or prodigal skills, not in spite of it. Harry’s averageness is what makes it so impressive and irable that he is even willing to dedicate his life to defeating Voldemort. Harry and his friends are not without fear throughout the series. In fact, the children are often scared of their odds against Voldemort, which makes them more sympathetic characters. Harry may have been “the chosen one”, but he is only such a legendary hero because he chooses to be brave when he could easily run away.

Harry Potter's Story Would Be Way Less Interesting If He Was Talented & Special

The True Magic Lies in Harry's Journey, Not His Gifts

​​​​Harry Potter is special (he carries a seven-book series, after all), but again, it's because of what he overcomes throughout the books. Being orphaned as an infant and abused by his adopted family sets him up for a difficult life that is only exacerbated when the fate of the wizarding world is put on his shoulders. His harrowing backstory and growth throughout the series makes him exciting to root for because it’s not muddied with privilege or entitlement and instead displays his strength and determination. These qualities are relatable and give readers a sense that they’re also capable of greatness.

Perhaps the most powerful theme of Harry Potter is the power of choice; that our choices define us, not our inherited qualities. This messaging captured the hearts of millions, but only because nothing indicated Harry had good odds against Voldemort and he did the right thing anyway. If Harry had been born with fantastical abilities, he wouldn’t need to rely on the importance of bravery, resilience, friendship, or hope, which are all defining qualities of this story. J.K. Rowling kept the Harry Potter series interesting by forcing Harry to earn his victory, ultimately making it more rewarding.