Caretaker, Friend, Scapegoat: The Rubeus Hagrid Story

Critical Magic Theory: An Analytical Harry Potter Podcast

This is not just a story about a lovable half-giant. It is a story about the monsters society teaches us to see—and the people we discard because they fit that image.
In this episode of Critical Magic Theory, Professor Julian Wamble unpacks the complicated legacy of Rubeus Hagrid, part giant, full heart, and perhaps the most beloved yet overlooked character in the series.
We follow Hagrid through the lens of his contradictions: too old to be their friend, too kind to be safe, too visible to ever truly belong.Drawing on survey responses and the brilliant minds of some of the Chronic Overthinkers, we explore whether Hagrid is a good teacher, a good friend, and a good Gryffindor. But most powerfully, we reframe Hagrid not just as a gentle presence, but as a case study in how society scapegoats those whose bodies do not conform to the norms of safety and power.
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