The Patronus charm has a crucial role across theHarry Potterfranchise.The Patronusis used as a defense against Dementors and acts as a guardian to the witch or wizard who summons it. When successfully cast, a fully formed Patronus will appear in the form of a silver animal. Each animal is unique to the witch or wizard who conjures it, which means that the animal often has a personalized meaning to the conjurer. For example, Harry’s stag Patronus demonstrates his spiritual connection with his father. A Patronus can significantly reflect its conjurer’s personality. It’s also possible for strong emotions to transform the shape of a Patronus. For example, Nymphadora Tonks’ Patronus transformed into a wolf because of her love forRemus Lupin, which likely also explains Lily Potter’s doe Patronus. Each Patronus is incredibly unique and can reveal a lot about a character.
Despite the complexity of the spell, audiences see multiple Patronuses throughout theHarry Potterfranchise, even if only briefly. Ginny Weasley’s Patronus appears in the form of a horse, whilst Hermione’s is an otter. It’s no secret that Luna Lovegood is one of the most beloved characters across the Harry Potter series – but what exactly is the witch’s Patronus, and what does it reveal about her character?
RELATED:Harry Potter: Why Is Snape’s Patronus a Doe?
When do we first see Luna’s Patronus?
Audiences first see Luna’s Patronus duringHarry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. In a memorable scene, we watch as Harry teachesDumbledore’s Army(DA) how to cast a Patronus – despite the charm’s complexity. During Harry’s teaching, he explains to the DA that “A full-bodied Patronus is the most difficult to produce”. As seen throughout Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry is aware of how difficult it is to successfully cast a Patronus. He keeps reminding his pupils: “This is really advanced stuff guys”. Whilst other students are struggling with the charm, we see Luna successfully cast a full-bodied Patronus – a tribute to her exceptional magical abilities. Although Harry tells Luna that she needs to remain focused, her Patronus appears for the longest time, showing her incredible concentration and skill. After all, Harry himself says “Your Patronus can only protect you for as long as you can stay focused”.
After Luna successfully casts the charm, her Patronus appears in the form of a hare. The hare then dashes about the class, causing students to duck out of its way – but what is the reasoning behind Luna’s Patronus, and how does the animal link to her character?
What does Luna’s Patronus reveal about her character?
Hares are highly intelligent creatures – much like Luna. Although she is often underestimated, Luna is an extremely talented witch. After all, she is in Ravenclaw – Hogwarts’ brainiest house. Hares are curious creatures, a trait which is mirrored in Luna’s willingness to learn. Luna is famed for her knowledge on an array of subjects –ranging from Thestralsto the mystical Nargles. InHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, it was Luna who helped Harry locate theLost Diadem of Ravenclaw- a clear display of her intelligence. Luna’s Patronus reflects this wisdom and her exceptional magical abilities.
The hare is a quick-witted and strong animal. They can be fierce when under attack – much like Luna bravely fighting against the Death Eaters. Hares are also known for being solitary creatures. Luna isn’t afraid to show her independence. She often stands out from her classmates, but Luna isn’t ashamed of this and refuses to follow the crowd. However, hares can sometimes be seen in small groups. Whilst some of Luna’s peers can be unkind to her, she expresses an unwavering sense of loyalty to her close friends, keeping a small but intimate circle.
A hare Patronus is quite an unusual one, conveying Luna’s unique personality. Some fans have even theorized that Luna’s Patronus offers a connection toAlice’s Adventures in Wonderland– the beloved children’s novel written by Lewis Carroll. Like Alice, Luna often appears to have stumbled into a different universe. Within Caroll’sThrough the Looking Glass, the White Queen announces: “Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast” – a quote which Luna certainly embodies. Throughout the franchise, Luna constantly advocates for all things bizarre, as seen through her firm belief in the existence of Nargles. It is well-known that a hare is one of the central characters inAlice in Wonderland.Alice, the embodiment of the fantastical, was led into Wonderland by a hare. This makes Luna’s Patronus a perfect match for her dreamy personality.
Luna’s Patronus also connects to a significant Harry Potter character -Nymphadora Tonks. Before transforming into a wolf, Tonks’ Patronus was originally a jackrabbit, which is a species of hare. Both Tonks and Luna are known for their whimsical personas and are two of the most eccentric characters throughout the entire Harry Potter characters, so it’s fitting for the two personalities to share a similar Patronus. It seems like the hare is a symbol for the eccentric, which makes Luna’s Patronus an incredible fit for her unique, intelligent, and strong character.
