Uncovering the Mystery of Grawp: A Giant's Journey Through Hogwarts and Beyond
A deep dive into the enigmatic character of Grawp, the giant half-brother of Hagrid Discover what the movies left out about his presence at Hogwarts, his role in the forbidden forest skirmish, and his continued impact on the wizarding world throughout the series What does the future hold for Grawp and the rest of the giants?
Film adaptations of bestselling book series often leave out crucial plot points that readers would have preferred to see on screen. Harry Potter is no exception to this, and despite having eight films to cover seven books, there are still many aspects that were left out. One of the most significant examples of this is the portrayal of Grawp in Order of the Phoenix. In the movie, Hagrid's giant half-brother is reduced to just another dangerous creature on school grounds. However, in the books, Grawp plays a crucial role in the larger narrative surrounding Hagrid's past and Voldemort's plan to take over the Wizarding World.
Giants
In the Harry Potter universe, giants are portrayed as towering human-like creatures, standing between 20 and 25 feet tall. While they are not known for being sociable, they do live in tribes, each led by a chief known as a "Gurg," and are capable of learning human languages. The similarities between giants and humans, including their physical resemblance and unexplored secrets, provided the groundwork for the creation of fan-favorite character, Rubeus Hagrid.
After Voldemort's resurgence during the Triwizard Tournament in Goblet of Fire, Dumbledore tasked Hagrid and Madame Maxime, the half-giant headmistress of Beauxbatons, with a crucial mission of seeking out the giants. These magical creatures possessed immense physical strength and resistance, making them formidable opponents, and had previously joined forces with Voldemort during the First Wizarding War. Dumbledore's goal was to convince them to refrain from making the same mistake again.
Grawp at Hogwarts
Despite the interference of Death Eaters, Hagrid and Madame Maxime's mission to gain the allegiance of the giants yielded valuable information. It was during their stay with the giants that Hagrid discovered the passing of his mother, Fridwulfa, and the existence of his half-brother, Grawp. However, the reunion with Grawp was not a joyous one as he was badly mistreated by the other giants due to his smaller size. In their culture, size was equated with power and health, and thus Grawp was deemed a runt.
Hagrid brought Grawp to Hogwarts without his consent, fearing for his half-brother's safety and not wanting to lose his only remaining family. He attempted to teach Grawp human manners and English over the course of several months, but the endeavor was largely unsuccessful. Grawp's violent behavior resulted in numerous injuries, particularly towards Hagrid, as he struggled to cope with being kidnapped and taken away from his home.
After being put on probation by Dolores Umbridge, Hagrid was left fearing for his job security. In a moment of vulnerability, he confided in Harry and Hermione about his younger brother Grawp, who he had been keeping restrained in the Forbidden Forest. Hagrid made them promise to care for Grawp in the event that anything happened to him, as he no longer trusted Umbridge to do what was right.
Umbridge's arrogance and ignorance led her straight into the hands of Grawp, who was fiercely protective of Hagrid and his friends. Grawp's immense size and strength proved to be too much for Umbridge and her team of ministry officials, and they were easily overpowered and sent running. Grawp's loyalty and bravery in protecting his loved ones was a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.
The vile Umbridge received a taste of her own medicine when a group of angry centaurs attacked and bound her, dragging her deeper into the forest. However, when the centaurs turned their hostility towards Hermione, Grawp intervened, searching for his brother and disregarding the centaurs and Umbridge. In the face of their attack, Grawp chased off the centaurs, allowing Harry and Hermione to escape.
Grawp Throughout the Rest of the Series
Although the movie follows a similar plot, those who have not read the books may be left wondering about the fate of the giant after the events of the Order of the Phoenix. Interestingly, Grawp continued to make appearances in the book series despite being entirely omitted from the films.
During the Battle of Hogwarts, Grawp played a crucial role in the fight against Voldemort's forces, which was left out of the movies. As the castle was attacked by giant spiders, dark wizards, and evil giants, Grawp joined the battle and fought against his own kind to protect his brother. Although he survived the battle, he was left hungry and survivors in the Great Hall showed their gratitude by throwing food into his mouth from a broken window.
What's Next for Grawp and The Giants?
The upcoming Max original Harry Potter series presents a promising chance to revisit some untold storylines that were left out of the film adaptations. The Harry Potter universe is vast, and there are numerous plot points and characters that deserve a closer examination. For example, delving into Grawp's backstory, exploring Hagrid's origins, and shedding light on the crucial role giants played in the Wizarding Wars could add a new layer of depth to the narrative.
