J.K. Rowling's Revolution: The Birth of Harry Potter
The Man Behind the Phenomenon
When Joanne Rowling, otherwise known as J.K. Rowling, began writing the Harry Potter series in 1995, she probably had no idea of the impact it would have upon readers across the globe. Through 7 books, an 8-part film series, countless spin-offs, and various other projects, it's easy to forget, that all of it started with a woman and her pen. Viewers of the Harry Potter films and book readers alike owe J.K. Rowling a huge gratitude for inventing a world that had captivated and will continue to captivate many young and older people.
A Long and Winding Road
Rowling drew on inspiration from a variety of events in both her immediate and distant past to create the world of Harry Potter. One such source of inspiration being Rowling's own school life. She attended St. Michael's Primary School, a location that provided content for Hogwarts, as well as her college years spent at a pair of universities much like Beauxbatons and Durmstrang.
The Magic is in the Writing
In contrast to the fantasy and magic that the world of Harry Potter entails, the essence of it was, nonetheless, in the writing. J.K. Rowling blended the classic themes of good versus evil and a hero's journey with romantic comedy, coming of age, and personal loss into her books to create an enchanting story that lacked an archetypal hero or villain.
The descriptive words used by Rowling to bring her characters and settings to life were just as crucial to the saga's success as its unique brand of fantasy and magic. To this day, millions of viewers around the world can still remember the various locations, establishment, and characters the Harry Potter books and films brought about or immortalized.
A Magic Revolution
At the end of the day, the success of the Harry Potter integrated series was based on how it resonated with its fans all around the world. The series made an impact not only in the entertainment industry, but in people's lives. It created an incredibly strong an loyal community, embodied in the spirit of becoming a part of something bigger than one's self. Which is why, at its core, the Harry Potter saga was, is, and will always be, an act of revolution.
The birth of J.K. Rowling's brainchild brought revolution in the entertainment industry, and revolution in people's lives.
While other prolonged stories had been written, and have been since, the sheer scale and complexity of the Harry Potter series changed the landscape of fiction forever.
A Magical Legacy
The ongoing legacy of Harry Potter is that it is a story for people of any generation, one that transcends age, race, and gender. J.K. Rowling's creative genius was ingenious, allowing her to develop a world full of imagination, while still maintaining a certain level of authenticity that allows us to project our---and her--- innermost stories.
It is because of this unique combination of precise vision and creative genius that Harry Potter and its creator J.K. Rowling have firmly cemented themselves in the annals of time.