#484: Fictional Orphans and Their Purpose in 'Harry Potter'

Welcome Slug Club member Shyam! He, too, has gotten a letter from the author! MuggleMail includes MORE casting of gingers, Sorting Hats, Slytherins and Aussies. Could the eventual Potter TV show be on network television, rather than a streaming app? Our main discussion this week is about orphans in literature! Why are there so many, and how are they alike? Are there benefits for authors wanting to start a hero off with a blank slate that makes orphaning them appealing? How does Harry's orphan status affect him? What would change if Lily and James survived? What about Voldemort? He, too, is an orphan, but he and Harry are so different, or are they? We examine some other notable orphans: Batman, Superman, Anna and Elsa from Frozen, James Bond and even Jane Eyre! For Quizzitch: Who invented the spell Muffliato?? You can join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! This week's episode is brought to you by BeachBody. Text 'mugglecast' to 30-30-30 to receive a free trial! Bonus MuggleCast this week is us reading the new trailer for our show! Live to tape, including bad impersonations and the public debut of Southern!Hagrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices