Wizards… Assemble!
Have you ever noticed any similarities between Harry Potter characters and the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Avengers? I have. While I in no way claim that they are one-in-the-same, I think that some of these similarities deserve recognition. Without further ado, I present to you Earth’s mightiest heroes, er, wizards!
Harry Potter and Steve Rogers, a.k.a. Captain America
Both Harry and Steve were bullied significantly in their youth, Harry by his Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon, and cousin Dudley and Steve by basically everyone but his best friend Bucky Barnes. Early in life Steve and Harry were both vastly underestimated, but they stayed true to their morals and kind nature and became arguably two of the strongest characters in popular culture. Both men follow the mantra of “do what is right, not what is easy” and are fiercely loyal to those they care about. They are the toughest fighters for their respective causes, Harry against Lord Voldemort and Steve against Hydra. Because they are so loyal and strong, they are natural leaders for Dumbledore’s Army and the Avengers.
Hermione Granger and Tony Stark, a.k.a. Iron Man
Hermione is arguably the most intelligent student at Hogwarts at the time of her attendance. Tony is incredibly smart, with his only rival within the Avengers being Bruce Banner. These two characters are very headstrong, cool under pressure, and resourceful. Where would Harry be if it weren’t for Hermione? Tony’s resourcefulness is the entire reason there is an Iron Man at all. These two can take a problem and solve it. While both characters have a tendency to come off as arrogant know-it-alls, they are still incredibly caring people. Hermione creates SPEW in her fight for the fair treatment of house-elves while Tony creates the Iron Legion specifically to protect civilians when he cannot. These two are imperative to the success of Dumbledore’s Army and the Avengers.
Ron Weasley and Clint Barton, a.k.a. Hawkeye
Both Ron and Clint are blunt, honest characters that thrive on adventure. They both have their loyalties tested – Ron when he leaves Harry and Hermione in the Horcrux search and Clint when he is mind-controlled by Loki’s scepter – but both come out more motivated and loyal than ever. Additionally, both characters have moments when they doubt their contributions to their respective groups. Ron consistently compares his own abilities to those of Harry and Hermione and always feels that he comes up short. Similarly, Clint is the center of many jests between members of the Avengers and takes a moment to question whether they even need him there. Realistically, both characters are essential pieces to their causes. Ron’s return to the Forest of Dean saves Harry’s life, and Clint’s strength is what pulls the Avengers through in Age of Ultron.
Draco Malfoy and Loki Laufeyson
Draco and Loki are incredibly ambitious characters. These two will stop at nothing in order to achieve their wicked goals. However, they often do not fight their own battles. Draco relies heavily on Crabbe and Goyle for the majority of his fighting needs, while Loki enlists the Chitauri to take over New York. Look even closer, and we see that these characters are really puppets to a larger, more evil cause. Draco becomes a Death Eater and is used by Lord Voldemort to fight his battles within Hogwarts. Loki was sent by Thanos to conquer Earth on his behalf, which he would have been greatly rewarded for. Don’t get me wrong – these characters are plenty bad and misguided on their own, but their participation in a greater evil makes them weaker than they appear. They both talk a big game, but in the end, Draco needs rescuing from Harry, and Loki ends up in prison on Asgard after an embarrassing beating from the Hulk.
Albus Dumbledore and Nick Fury
While each character goes about it in a very different way, Dumbledore and Fury are the undeniable mentors to their heroes. Dumbledore mentors Harry through his years at Hogwarts and is imperative in his understanding and eventual defeat of Lord Voldemort, provides Hermione with books that prove to be essential to the cause, knows Ron well enough to give him the Deluminator to guide him back to his friends, and gives confidence and counsel to all of his students. Fury assists Steve in settling into a new time period, convinces Tony that he is a good man for the Avengers initiative, gives Barton the tools he needs to provide safety for his family, gives Natasha reassurance of her good nature despite her past, and gives Banner the tools and space he desires to be [or not be] the Hulk. These two are keen observers and truly know and care about their teams. They challenge authority, Dumbledore with the Ministry of Magic (on numerous occasions) and Fury with the World Security Council and SHIELD.
Ginny Weasley and Natasha Romanoff, a.k.a. Black Widow
Ginny and Natasha are the tomboys. They are strong, athletic women and incredible fighters but have a caring nature hidden beneath their bold façade. Ginny’s power is consistently renowned, and Natasha is a top spy for SHIELD. While these characters are typically not the ones making the plans, Ginny participating in the break-in to the Department of Mysteries and Natasha always following orders from Fury, they are entirely capable of planning pivotal events because of their cleverness and ability to think on their feet. Ginny and Neville rally together to hide students in the Room of Requirement while defying the Carrows, and Natasha discovers a way to bring Bruce out of the Hulk on the spot… and how to bring the Hulk out when she needs him.
Neville Longbottom and Bruce Banner, a.k.a. The Hulk
Both Neville and Bruce are incredibly kind characters. They are unassuming, reserved, and patient. Each character is advanced in a particular field, Neville in Herbology and Bruce in bio organics. They are always willing to help out but typically stay out of the fighting as long as they can because they both doubt the good they can contribute to their causes. Neville does not see himself as a bold fighter, capable of the brave acts that Harry is, while Bruce does not feel in control of his own strength when the Hulk takes over and fears for those around him. However, when both characters show up to the fight, their contributions are massive. Neville beheads Nagini the snake, and Bruce helps create the Vision while the Hulk typically takes out 5x more bad guys than the other Avengers.
While these characters and their universes are incredibly different, some of the similarities are uncanny. What do you think?
