Unpacking Mental Health in the Wizarding World: Insights from Hogwarts Legacy
Disclaimer: Full Nerd Alert!
Embracing the Power of Fiction: Finding Parallels in Our Favorite Stories
Attention my fellow witches and wizards! Grab your wands and join me on a thought-provoking journey through the Wizarding World and the popular video game, Hogwarts Legacy. Brace yourselves, for in this blog post we are delving deep into the game's intriguing mental health arc. Now, I must warn you, dear reader, I may go "full nerd" and lose some of you along the way. However, I implore you to stick with me, as this exploration uncovers fascinating connections even if you're not familiar with the game.
Unveiling Isidora Morganach: A Mysterious and Controversial Character
image created in Midjourney by @wisheduponstudio
Let us begin with Isidora Morganach, the blindly-optimistic adversary (I won’t say “villain” as she’s not the story’s primary antagonist) in Hogwarts Legacy. Isidora, a witch of immense power, delves into ancient magic in an unexpected way—focusing on the removal of emotional pain from her peers— which raises eyebrows among her fellow Keepers: Percival Rackham, Niamh Fitzgerald, Charles Rookwood, and San Bakar (not the Keepers from Quidditch, but the Secret Keepers of Ancient Magic—have I lost you already?). They express valid concerns about the severe long-term side effects of her use of magic (cognitive impairments, personality changes, emotional blunting), the frequency and carelessness with which she employs it, and most significantly, the irreversible nature of her actions. Isidora even notices these troubling effects herself, in a journal entry where she writes:
“I only remember his eyes. Empty. Empty of sorrow, yes, but also –”
Irreversible Procedures: Delving into the Consequences
In contemplating Isidora's character, it becomes evident that she shares striking similarities with Antonio Egas Moniz, the real-world inventor of the lobotomy (leucotomy). Moniz's controversial procedure pushed the boundaries of medical science, much like Isidora's actions in "Hogwarts Legacy." Both individuals raised ethical concerns and faced scrutiny regarding the long-term consequences of their practices. Moniz was once quoted as saying,
image created in Midjourney by @wisheduponstudio
A key difference here being that Moniz’s practice was actually first celebrated in the medical community, and he was even awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 1949. Would the Wizarding World as a whole have also celebrated Isidora’s findings if her work had become public?
It was not until later, when families began to notice the long term consequences that leucotomy/lobotomy had on those who had the procedure done, that questions were formally raised on the ethicality of the practice. For example, it was reported that a mother expressed concern to her daughter’s doctor, after the procedure had been done:
“She is my daughter but yet a different person. She is with me in body but her soul is in some way lost.”
Speculating on Alternative Treatments: Potions, Charms, and Healers at St. Mungo's
This parallel prompts an intriguing conversation about mental health within the Wizarding World, and I can’t help but wonder if the writers of Hogwarts Legacy drew heavy inspiration from these real-world events. We know from J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series that characters like Harry, Ron, and Hermione experience immense psychological challenges as they confront dark forces. They battle depression, anxiety, and the haunting effects of traumatic events. However, the books offer limited insight into means of addressing these mental health struggles within the magical realm.
Could potions and charms-based spells have provided relief, similar to medications developed by our own “Muggle” scientists through the 1950s and beyond? While the Hogwarts curriculum emphasizes defensive and offensive magic, the healing arts remain somewhat enigmatic. We catch glimpses of the healers at St. Mungo's, but their specific training and certifications remain shrouded in mystery, much like the secrets guarded by the Keepers of the game Hogwarts Legacy.
Looking to Fiction for Understanding
Considering these aspects, we can reflect on the words of Albus Dumbledore himself:
"It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
Even Severus Snape, a Hogwarts professor burdened by his own internal battle between “good” and dark magic, aptly advises,
"The mind is a complex and many-layered thing, Potter, or at least, most minds are."
Or, looking to a completely different fandom, quoting Ian Malcolm from Jurassic Park:
“Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.”
The choices we make in addressing mental health have profound consequences. It is imperative to explore different approaches, ensuring the well-being of individuals, and expanding our understanding of mental health beyond traditional methods.
image created in Midjourney by @wisheduponstudio
Drawing inspiration from our favorite stories, such as the Harry Potter series, we can uncover parallels that illuminate the intricate workings of the human psyche. As we delve deeper into these narratives, let us continue to seek understanding, question assumptions, and explore the moral complexities surrounding mental health. We can embark on a journey of discovery, utilizing the lessons learned from these beloved tales to navigate the challenges we face in our own lives. By embracing the insights found within our treasured stories, we can foster empathy, compassion, and support for one another, creating a world where the complexities of the human mind are acknowledged and embraced.
Shining a Light on Mental Health
Keep exploring, keep questioning, and may your journey through the Wizarding World be as enlightening as it is magical!
WARNING: SOMEWHAT GRAPHIC CONTENT
WARNING: THIS VIDEO CONTAINS SPOILERS
Savannah Newton is a mother, artist at Wished Upon Studio, and project manager/solutions tech with The Collab Team.
She is a proud Dis-nerd and Harry Potter lover, and loves to over-analyze plot points and metaphors within children’s movies and content.
