Today is an auspicious day for Potterheads the internet over. It’s the birthday of someone who many of us hold near and dear, or at far arm’s length, but none can deny his importance in the overall story. That’s right, it’s Severus Snape‘s birthday, and internet queen J.K. Rowling, his erstwhile creator, had some wise words to share as she wished her beloved and reviled character a happy birthday today.
Been wondering how to mark Snape's birthday without starting an argument. Here's to him, the big hero/bully. He really was the best/worst.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 9, 2016
At best, Rowling really can simply be diplomatic in this case. There’s not much more she can do. Severus Snape is one of the most dividing characters in the series as fans either flock to his side and sigh happily over his heart-broken “Always” in the final book, (This is not a spoiler – it has been years.) or reject him because he was, after all, a terrible bully all his life regardless of whether he did the things he did for a misplaced love for Harry’s mother. Snape has long been a controversial character in the Harry Potter universe sparking off debates left and right. Just last year, Rowling herself acknowledged the dichotomy of his character when discussing the fact that Harry named his son in his Potion teacher’s honor:
Snape is all grey. You can't make him a saint: he was vindictive & bullying. You can't make him a devil: he died to save the wizarding world
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 27, 2015
Snape died for Harry out of love for Lily. Harry paid him tribute in forgiveness and gratitude. https://t.co/MPXBgUApa3
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 27, 2015
Regardless of your feelings for Severus Snape and his legacy, you must be able to at least recognize the humor in Rowling’s birthday wishes if only because she so clearly learned how very much the internet does not like or loves this character. She wanted to acknowledge his fictional birth but knew it was akin to stepping onto a hornet nest. I never want her to fall out of love with these characters if only because I so enjoy seeing her small insights on the world via social media.
Are you wishing Snape a happy birthday yourself or are you spitting on the ground in his memory? Tell me in the comments below!
HT EW
Image via Warner Brothers
