Entertainment

21 Times 'Harry Potter' Taught Us About Courage

by Sam Rullo

For Harry Potter fans, May 2 is a very important day. Just like we all think of Harry on July 31 and know that Oct. 31 is more than Halloween, May 2 holds extreme significance as the date of the Battle of Hogwarts, the epic fight detailed in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows that put an end to the Second Wizarding War and the Harry Potter series. This year marks the sixteenth anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts, so what better way to commemorate the day then to reflect on one of Harry Potter's most important values: courage.

When you think of courage and bravery within the world of Harry Potter, you might first recall Harry's many battles against Voldemort or some of the daring adventures he, Ron, and Hermione went on, like riding a dragon or taking on a troll during their first year at Hogwarts. But J.K. Rowling spent seven books teaching Harry Potter fans that courage isn't defined by the risks you take or danger you encounter.

Harry isn't the series' only courageous character and some of its bravest moments had nothing to do with Voldemort or any other threats. In honor of the Battle of Hogwarts' anniversary, here's all the times that Harry Potter taught us what true courage is.

Courage Is...

Not Caring What Anyone Else Thinks

Facing Your Own Insecurities and Fears

Stepping Up When People Need a Leader

Fighting Evil with Joy

Moving Forward

Being There For Someone Until the Very End

Putting Your Friends First

Asking Before Someone Else Does

Being Tough When You Have To

Not Letting Fear Get in the Way

Knowing Love and Friendship

Doing the Right Thing No Matter What

Choosing the Right Path, Even When It's More Difficult

Admitting to Your Mistakes

And Trying to Make Up For Them

Doing What Needs To Be Done

Showing Up When Someone Needs You

Always Standing By Someone's Side

Protecting Those You Love at All Costs

Accepting Your Fate

And Finally, Knowing That It Takes a Great Deal of Bravery to Stand Up to Your Enemies, But a Great Deal More to Stand Up to Your Friends

Thank you, J.K. Rowling, for showing us the many faces of courage.

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