Introduction
‘Hogwarts Legacy,’ the highly anticipated video game set in the magical world of Harry Potter, has been under scrutiny due to its association with JK Rowling, an author who has made controversial comments, leading to a divide among fans. The game’s release raised concerns about its handling of sensitive aspects, such as trans characters and the portrayal of goblins. In this article, we will provide an in-depth analysis of how ‘Hogwarts Legacy’ addresses these contentious elements and how they are portrayed in the game.
Sirona Ryan: A Trans Character
As anticipated, ‘Hogwarts Legacy’ allows players to create a trans character by selecting their appearance and voice separately. The game introduces a non-player character (NPC) named Sirona Ryan, a witch whose name has sparked controversy due to the presence of “Sir” and the possibility of it being considered a masculine name. However, it’s worth noting that “Sirona” is also the name of a Celtic goddess.
While not a major character like Professor Fig, Natty, or Sebastian, Sirona Ryan is given substantial screen time compared to other NPCs. The game treats her with reverence as a powerful and trustworthy witch. Players can embark on quests specific to her character, exploring her history and journey of self-discovery while finding support among friends and others assumed to be family.
Goblins: Challenging Stereotypes
The use of goblins as main adversaries in ‘Hogwarts Legacy’ raised concerns about perpetuating anti-Semitic stereotypes present in some works of fiction, extending beyond the Harry Potter universe. Despite the initial worry, the game differentiates between Ranrok, the main antagonist, and other goblins who do not support his ideologies. Ranrok’s story revolves around tapping into vast stores of magic to fight back against the wizarding world, revealing a deeper theme of oppression present among wizards.
The game touches on the issue of wizards considering themselves superior to other magical races, including goblins, elves, centaurs, and mermaids. Although ‘Hogwarts Legacy’ might not delve profoundly into this topic, it does bring it to players’ attention. Furthermore, the narrative introduces a significant plot point involving Sebastian, who initially blames goblins for his sister Anne’s curse, but later learns that it was the work of a dark wizard, Rookwood, associated with Ranrok.
In this context, the game tries to portray the wizards as oppressive, while magical races rightfully express their frustration with such treatment.
Embracing Diversity
‘Hogwarts Legacy’ makes a conscious effort to embrace diversity, showcasing a more varied cast of characters compared to the original books. The game allows players to customize their character’s gender and race, promoting inclusivity and representation. Both students and professors at Hogwarts display a rich tapestry of racial backgrounds, expanding beyond the predominantly white cast in the original series. Moreover, the game introduces a witch mentioning her wife and features Sirona Ryan’s presence, highlighting the inclusiveness of the magical world.
Bridging the Gap
In conclusion, ‘Hogwarts Legacy’ strives to address and compensate for the controversies surrounding JK Rowling and her works. The game provides players with the opportunity to create diverse characters, including trans individuals, while introducing significant NPCs like Sirona Ryan, who contributes to a more inclusive experience.
While some may argue that the game falls short in fully bridging the gap, it is essential to acknowledge the efforts made to address sensitive issues and create a more diverse and accepting virtual world for players to explore.
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