Harry Potter Nearly Ruined Me . . .

[@giacomogalbusera]

this video was incredible. I read the books twice in my lifetime.The first time as a nine year old kid,and the second one as a fifteen year old. And that second time struck me the way it struck you. I'm letting them rest again for quite some time (I'm now 19) and then I'll read them again. Those books are much more than a fantasy saga for kids and they have a deep connection with me as the person I am. Hearing people appreciate them from an emotional standpoint,like I did,makes me extremely happy. I don't think I'll ever be tired of Harry Potter

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

That’s what I like to hear!

[@celestialsatheist1535]

Same here. Read it when I was 13 now 19 . It single handedly birthed my book reading habit

[@nightmarishcompositions4536]

I read this series for the first time at 27 years old and was surprised how much I loved it. Love the character development, the raw emotion, the slow burn slice of life moments and surprisingly dark horror atmosphere.

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

I’m with you all the way, glad someone had a similar experience to me of first reading when they are older

[@bailatwerski2951]

You did create something very impactful you were able to put into words I felt about the Harry Potter book series. When my child was 9 years old reading Harry Potter and I want to know what he was reading I found myself as a 30-year-old woman at the time completely engulfed inreading every book. Thank you for creating this video and explaining things

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

Glad to hear I’ve had even an ounce of the impact this story had on me

[@trashcaninc.292]

Honestly my guy? This feels closer to a friend trying to pitch a TV show I should watch rather than a stranger explaining a movie series. Props honestly,subbed

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

I appreciate that, I really try to walk the line of being casual in my approach while still explaining deeper topics

[@jasonbourne7950]

Don't read the fanfics. Many are better written than the originals and million word plus. You don't have the time neither do I but I'm already trapped.

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

@@jasonbourne7950 😭😭

[@mrgreatauk]

Really enjoyed this love letter to Harry Potter. There are plenty of things that can be nitpicked in the series (and plenty of people lining up to do the nitpicking), but overall it is an immersive and engaging series with memorable characters that deals with some heavy themes and has a lot of truth in it. I read all the books as a kid but feel like I didn’t properly appreciate all of the different character motivations, politics, and relationships etc until I re-read it as an adult.

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

Absolutely, one of the series’s greatest aspects is that it grew up alongside the readers. Bringing in deeper themes and evolving into larger stories.

[@erinelizabethmsw5137]

💯

[@KennethThompson-du3vi]

Like the positive take here. So many haters that can barely write compound or complex sentences, let alone a story that has a generation following it.

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

I always try to focus on the positive. There is obviously times when you NEED to criticize things, and it’s important to not be afraid to share your opinion. However one thing I learned is that when it comes to various forms of art, so many “critics” are just angry people who would never create something themselves.

[@erinelizabethmsw5137]

Right??? Once something has been around long enough people criticize it, no matter how brilliant it is. I’ll always be on team HP.

[@johannesscholz2681]

What an amazing video thank you very much. I’ve been re reading the books lately and I loved every second of this video. Thank you. You truly made my day

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

Thanks I really appreciate it! I worked really hard on this one and am glad it’s having an impact on people

[@kyleethekelt]

Hurray. Pity other commentors have completely missed your point. I think there is a wider discussion to be had here, about respecting other people's cultures even if you don't agree with how they think or feel. One of the things which prevent my liking Hermione's character is her high-handedness towards the elves. Though supposedly well-intentioned, she attempts to trick them into a state which most of them would not choose if asked, making her no better than those she castigates for their treatment of them. The ability to have control over our own lives and make our own choices is crucial, even if others don't agree with those choices, and it is something which I, as a disabled person, battle all the time. That she regards these people as 'uneducated and brainwashed' even though their magical powers would leave her in the dust, that she responds so strongly to Ron's challenge, indicates her sheer self-righteousness and echoes the attitude of colonial powers everywhere. If you truly want ot help someone, start by respecting them as your equal and with a willingness to learn from them.

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

The insistence on tricking elves into freeing themselves always seemed odd, definitely a very patronizing way of approaching the situation.

[@julienserriere2395]

She is very intelligent but remember that she's still very young. She lacks wisdom to do things in the best way possible.

[@letonoska7348]

I always felt the same way! Out of all others she´s still the best when it comes to her views about their rights, but she herself doesn´t respect them. At all. And while I do think they are largely brainwashed by propaganda (as they look down on elves that want to be paid), that doesn´t excuse treating them like they don´t know what they want for themselves. I can´t stand a single character in those chapters, with the exception of Dobby.

[@lauramiller4939]

I was an adult before I read the books (August 2017-saw the movies and realized there must be lots of important stuff they couldn't cover). I then re-read them a bit over a year later and have been hooked ever since. You see, what makes them fun to re-read is discovering how much foreshadowing JK actually put into them. "Wow! She mentioned this way back here?!" Now, you can't iron out every wrinkle, but there are many that can be concluded without a ton of pretzel twisting your brain. One example is realizing when Aberforth acquired the other mirror. Btw, Half-Blood Prince is my favorite book, too! Good job!

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

The amount of planning that went into this series is incredible! Glad to see someone else appreciates half-blood prince as well

[@Juliax-h6b]

Yes half-blood prince is my fav as well!

[@Rihcterwilker]

There has been so many disingenuous "essays" dissecting HP in a bad light lately. It's so fresh to see some positivity about it, great video.

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

I think I benefitted with this from purposely avoiding other commentary online until after I was finished writing. I feel It really helped with preventing me from just becoming another parrot.

[@rizzcs6018]

Most of the hate comes from people that still have their panties in a bunch over J.K. Rowling stating a biological fact. 🤷‍♂

[@farfaraway4285]

I’ve read the books many times. And I am still listening to Audiobooks (Stephen Fry) in my car. I don’t watch the movies anymore, the Audiobooks are my movies.

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

That’s how I’ve lowkey become with LOTR there was a great set of audio books by Phil Dagaresh but apparently they weren’t licensed so they got taken down :(

[@aliens_capam]

I love the soundscape audiobooks, I still have a copy and relisten to it every few years. It's definitely one of the best ways to experience LOTR

[@erinelizabethmsw5137]

What a wonderful and thoughtful review! You nailed it. I’ll always love the HP series. Btw it’s Rowling like row your boat. ❤

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

❤️

[@kyleethekelt]

Kia ora William. This was a most interesting watch. I, too, only read HP for the first time as an adult. I was well into that stage when the series was first published but ignored it chiefly because my favourite author, the late great Sir Terry Pratchett, appeared sceptical. However, I picked it up one day in 2021 and it almost ruined me, too - even in my late middle age. Upon subsequent reads I have found it deliciously layered with myriad discussion points which your presentation captures beautifully. Rowling's characters are real enough to frustrate, annoy, empathise, comiserate and celebrate with - though I can't say that I feel the romanticism towards Snape that most fans seem to portray. For me, who grew up being abused in institutional care, I am all too aware of the insidiousness of authority abuse. Whilst playground bullying is a fight between equals, authority abuse is perpetrated by people who know they are doing wrong but who are protected from censure by that same authority. He demonstrates some interesting classic abuser behaviours. I've also found there seems to be a distinct difference between those of us who read this as a whole series in adulthood and those who first digested it over the decade in which it was first published. I hope this won't be your last read of HP, and I'm glad the gods of algorithm coughed up your video and that you felt strongly enough to return to KZbin. It's very hard to find sensible discourse on the HP fandom and your presentation was a refreshing change.

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

Couldn’t have said it better myself, and I definitely don’t plan on this being the last time I dive into this world. Both on the channel and in my personal life

[@Rinz-Aide]

You should do the Percy Jackson series next!

[@the0peratoR]

Dude this guy's voice explaining the intricacies of that series would be brilliant

[@zlatamatveeva5382]

I really don’t agree with miss J.K. world views but I still love the books. I just can’t pretend they’re not good, especially after trying to read ACOTAR. The writing and world building in HP is just great Edit: almost forgot about the very odd portrayal of slavery. J.K. is odd in places, like the wizard world trying to return to “pre war” status instead of revising the system that led to this in the 1st place. I just have a very complicated relationship with the series

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

Yeah Rowling has definitely said some WILD stuff, but you can’t deny the series is great. When it comes to the issues with political systems, just think of our own history. Europe tried to simply return to pre ww1 and did nothing to prevent the rise the individuals who caused the second.

[@jymbreitbach967]

​@@WilliamRoyallYTwhat has she said that's wild?

[@jingjong3684]

​@@jymbreitbach967 But of course you won't receive an answer.

[@averygumersell728]

Harry Potter is my favorite series! What’s your favorite Harry Potter book and why?

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

Half-Blood Prince, all the way! As I said in the video, it's covered with the lifeblood of the series and manages to bring everything together for a finale in such a great fashion.

[@averygumersell728]

@ Sorry, I didn’t know you said that in the video, I must’ve missed it, my bad!

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

Don’t be sorry, always love a chance to share my thoughts on things

[@toodlescae]

​@@WilliamRoyallYTmine too

[@priestessmikokikyo77]

Severus Tobias Snape went though soo much in his whole life, pain and suffering, a poor half blood, born to a witch pureblood mother and a cruel magic hating muggle father who beat his family. and Hogwarts that delbt him nothing but redicule, abuse and a hateful rively with a demented hateful Gryffindor James Potter and goons. He never had a chance to be happy, his whole life was cast into a darkness so black that i dont see how he could have been redeemed but he did, he vowed to protect lily's son, he turned into one of the greatest antiheros of the story, was he an asshole in the story Yes, did he do things that were not nice, yes but at the end he was a key figure who gave Harry the truth between him and Dumbledore and his love for Lily. Severus is the most important Slytherns in the story of HP. without Severus Snape would be their to protect him from great evil? im a slytherin woman who loves Severus Snape his backround is soo tragic nobody deserves abuse and suffering that Severus snape delbt with.

[@failurenotsorry6600]

yes!! 10000%!!

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

His arc is crazy, it’s the only time I’ve ever been successfully double faked by an author thinking same was bad, then good, then REALLY bad, to finally be revealed he was good all along

[@AlisonReacts]

Brilliant. This was utterly enthralling and you did a fantastic job through and through. Subbed.

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

Thanks so, much I really appreciate it!

[@bailatwerski2951]

Yes well I couldn't put the books down and I'm a 55-year-old woman in 2024

[@sea_air_ahhh5776]

I was 10 years old, just a couple weeks short of my 11th birthday, when the first movie came out. I went to see it in the theater and was hooked. I read the books after that and my journey started at the perfect time because I was the same age as Harry when I started the series. My brother and I both read the books and watched all the films in the theater and those times were the closest thing to real magic I’ve ever experienced. I still feel it when I reread them or rewatch the films. I was so sad when JK Rowling started saying things that offended a lot of people and tarnished the Harry Potter legacy. Personally, I separate the art from the artist in this situation, and I will always love the Harry Potter series. Some people try to find examples of transphobia, racism,misogyny, even anti-Semitism in the books just because they don’t like Rowling, and they try to guilt people like me for still enjoying the books, but I don’t find anything offensive in the books, and I will not be shamed for continuing to love something that has always brought me joy and projected positive messages.

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

Completely agree, nobody should be made to feel ashamed of enjoying a series of books that is objectively good, even if the author has said some things I disagree with. It’s also why I try to keep my own biases out of the deeper political themes I mention. I get that everything is political to an extent, but I just don’t think it’s worth alienating a portion of your audience over whatever private beliefs you hold.

[@the0peratoR]

This comment and the reply by the the video maker are 101% fax

[@failurenotsorry6600]

to be fair, there are actual cases of those things in the books.

[@sea_air_ahhh5776]

@@failurenotsorry6600 I've heard about those alleged "cases" and I don't interpret them that way. Those who do interpret them that way can choose not to read the books, but they shouldn't try to guilt others by acting like there are objectively offensive things in the books. All their examples and cases are things that are subjective and up to personal interpretation.

[@failurenotsorry6600]

@sea_air_ahhh5776 yes and no. there definitely some subjective things and i agree with you with the guilting people bit, but there absolutely some moments that just didn't age well or that are interpreted negatively by a majority of people (and rightfully so). in those instances, people are allowed to point them out, and there's actually quite a few that are objectively just not okay. it's not a case of "oh, i didn't think this was offensive so therefore it isn't offensive at all in my expert opinion," nor a case of "if you don't like it, then don't interact with it." respectfully, that isn't how it works, nor does it get rid of valid criticism.

[@XeiDaMoKaFE]

it getsvbetter every run i recmend the audiobooks , theres a couple versions online with ambient sounds and theyre amazing , stephen fry is the best version

[@jdpc9391]

Awesome Video, you have my thumbs and my sub! Harry Potter is the reason why i read books today. I was probably 15 when I started to reading the first book. Every summer, my parents would force me to read at least one book, picking from a choice given to me. Some i liked, so i hated but it was always feeling like a chore. Until my mother, one summer read HP1. I had them in my bookshelf (1,2 and 3) for about a year and never opened them. My mother heard about it so she decided to read the first one. Midway through she told me: You are reading this book when I'm done (No choice this time). I did... and then the second and the third one in the summer... Look it up, the fourth one was coming out soon. When it came out, it was almost twice the size of the 3rd one and I was hyped, i would have stuff to read for a while (That's the first time in my life that i felt that way about a large book). Back then, we had no idea how intense the 4th one would be... it's not like today where anyone as at least SEEN what Voldemort looks like or known a bit of the story. The cemetery scene blew me away... for everyone i knew, we knew Voldemort would come back at some point, but everyone was expecting it would be in the last book or something, not in the 4th book. Not think about this, you are lucky, you finished that 4th book and could jump right into the next one... I had to wait YEARS!! for each of them after that. The reveal of Snape's back story is mind-blowing but when i read the chapter the first time, i was 22 years old... took me almost 10 years to finally know the full story. I don't know anyone who read the book who hates HP, but for me (And tons of people my age) it was a coming of age! When Harry had to finally fight Voldemort, i was in college and getting about to go live by myself... 7 years after if first started the series. Harry Potter is my N1 book series of all time and Half-Blood is my second favorite book (if taken by itself) of all time (Best in the series) Thank for this video, you just made me remember so many memories!

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

I’m glad I could help! There’s times I wish I could’ve experienced the releases. I was lucky enough that I basically went in blind having no idea what happened after chamber of secrets

[@stefania8292]

Sono cresciuta con i film della saga e solo più adulta li ho finalmente letti. Non c'è nessun fantasy che mi da le stesse sensazioni ed emozioni di Harry Potter. Le persone che lo guardano giudicano quel poco che vedono nei film, visto che hanno una grande reputazione, ma non si fermano quasi mai a leggerli. In genere io non rileggo i libri, ma HP è una delle poche eccezioni. Più tempo passa tra una lettura di HP e l'altra, più dettagli mi dimentico e più magica e fantastica è l'esperienza di rileggere l'intera saga. Innamorarmi di nuovo dei personaggi, gioire per le loro vittorie e piangere per le vite perse. Così come anche mettere sotto inquisione la morale di questi personaggi. Ho amato questo tuo video, spero tu possa leggere altre saghe e commentarle. ⚡️

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

Absolutely, and I can’t wait to cover other series!

[@dominickamadeo]

Very good video. I am old enough and lucky enough to go to the last 2 book releases at BnN. Very special time and found memories. Thank you.

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

That’s amazing, wish I could experience those first hand!

[@auntiewewe972]

Like most short term discovers of the Harry Potter saga ( 1st - 2nd time readers , or picking back up after a couple years) its easy to become enthralled will Rowling's world. But after a few more times things start to break down. Plot holes, and sometime ridiculous plot points become all too common. You start to realize Rowling isn't that great a writer. Continuity is a huge issue. And after a while it becomes more and more obvious that Rowling interjects her personal politics into what becomes a real dark story. I've learned to separate art from artist with Rowling. And her constant tinkering with characters long after the series ended is tiresome. Yes its a fantastic world, and yes a lot of it is amazing. But after really going over this universe, and the more you visit it , things start to not make much sense. You realise how much is original, and how much has been done before.

[@Juliax-h6b]

No it's a very well written story with great characters and world

[@desupair]

26:28 i would argue that this is Snape's POV. Lupin and Sirius have said that Snape and James were rivals and would try to make fools of the other especially when it comes to Lily who they both have affection for. I can't fully give Snape my pity. He was a bully teacher. And this is not just to Harry. It was to *everyone* who was not a Slytherin. No amount of sad backstory is gonna excuse your current actions.

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

I get that, it’s one of those situations where you can understand why they became that way. However it doesn’t excuse their actions

[@failurenotsorry6600]

snape was definitely a product of his childhood honestly, and i sympathize with the guy for what he was subjected to. it actually makes sense why he's such an ass, and makes him my favorite character in the series.

[@sit-insforsithis1568]

Love Harry Potter. It got me into reading and other fantasy stories ! ❤ Harry Potter

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

it inspired me to start this channel again, and I am looking forward to building a community of people who love stories such as this.

[@sit-insforsithis1568]

@@WilliamRoyallYTare u going to make more Harry Potter videos ? I might sub 😊

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

Definitely

[@sifatshams1113]

I'm 34. Been an HP fan since I was 11. I'm soooo happy to see that this AMAZING series can still turn new readers into instant passionate fans. I was starting to worry that Rowling's bigotry would keep people away from this absolutely fantastic work of art.

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

I think the Rowling stuff will fade with time, I’m sure Tolkien, Lewis, Martin etc. all believed or have said things that I disagree with but it doesn’t make the art less impactful.

[@marinomele4575]

The fact that movie-only fans will absolutely misunderstand so many things in this vid is honestly funny XD Many would think he's exaggerating about Barty Jr, without even knowing he's a different person with a different story in the books!

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

I generally like the movies, but Barry Crouch Jr. was butchered in those films

[@georgejohnson7013]

Did we read the same book lol

[@julianladmano9158]

Such a beautiful video.

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

Thanks, I worked really hard on it

[@toodlescae]

In OOTP I think Harry was also suffering from some PTSD.

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

Hundred percent, been thinking about returning to this series in the future after deepening my writing and breaking down each book to an insane extent. Like make 7, 45 min videos instead of one

[@BeyonceCheetahGirls]

Commenting purely to show my appreciation for a proper analysis of the house elves/ slavery plot line

[@RobloxFilmsAndAnimations]

muggles: Harry potter is a kids book! its so bad! wizards:

[@rightinthedome9973]

I got the 7th book for christmas one year but i stopped reading after the 3rd book even though i owned the other 3. So i decided to read 4-7 and then 1-7 all in the span of two days

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

I was the same way 😭 I was reading like two of them a day

[@bailatwerski2951]

The Prisoner of Azkaban is my favorite book

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

Prisoner might be my second or third favorite, Deathly Hallows is up there

[@fknpandaman]

thought you were max euceda for a minute there on the thumbnail lol

[@greyjedi6430]

U ever thought of doing some voice overs or voice acting

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

Actually no, I have had friends in the past tell me I got a good “KZbin Voice” whatever that means

[@greyjedi6430]

@WilliamRoyallYT well they are correct u should do it and give me a small percentage for getting u too do it . E.a sports it in the game 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@crello9344]

Great video

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate the support. Being my first video back in over a year, I'm glad people enjoyed it.

[@Frog_896]

Nearly

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

I made it through tho

[@austeyen5628]

nearly headless?

[@phenixorbitall3917]

Amen

[@LemonsRage]

If HP almost destroyed you then The Wheel Of TIme will be a murder. I am not much into reading I rather listen to books as audio books. Let me tell you with TWOT I can get lost (especially at those really juciy parts) where I ca literally not go sleeping for hours until it's over.

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

Haven’t read it yet, but if it’s a murder I’m ready

[@LemonsRage]

@@WilliamRoyallYT Yes you defintly should! The wheel of time and Lord of the Rings create the foundation for modern fantasy. After reading TWOT I stared noticing aspects of the whole worldbuilding in nearly all modern fantsy series. The world building is really great! Maybe after finishing the first big arc you will again make such a fantastic video and then I'll be here again!

[@aliens_capam]

​@@LemonsRagethe wheel of time somehow just didn't engage me in the beginning, but you've convinced me to give it another shot

[@LemonsRage]

@@aliens_capam But don't get me wrong, only the books. The show is sadly really bad :(

[@dees3179]

For the wheel of time you’ll need someone to bring you food delivery. It’s a monster.

[@gattzflappa6306]

House elves cannot be understood without the context of British folklore and the "Brownie". House elves are brownies. Using chattel slavery to understand house elves is exactly where Hermione goes wrong. To two cannot be compared 1 to 1.

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

I have heard that was her inspiration for the creatures, and it honestly makes sense when you compare the two. I still thought it would be interesting to make the comparison, however, and discuss its influence.

[@Doness4q]

Brownies are a lot different than how House Elves are portrayed. For instance they do chores of their own free will and don't punish themselves.

[@JustinLe]

honestly calling them brownies makes it sound even worse

[@derlis_whatever7033]

It's so sad that j k Rowling taught a lot of us how to be a good empathetic person for her to go and do.the exact opposite these last years

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

😔

[@derlis_whatever7033]

@ let's not lie 😂😂😂😂😂

[@Keyboardje]

@derlis_whatever7033 No she didn't. She's not against anybody, she is empathetic towards WOMEN, and fighting to stop their rights and safety being taken away.

[@derlis_whatever7033]

@@Keyboardje 😂😂😂😂😂

[@almas4663]

She's still to this day a brilliant woman, standing for what's morally right and fighting against delusional perverts

[@andrewvanhorne4359]

Wait, you're actually calling Harry Potter good and well written and complimenting the world-building? That's BORING. I don't want POSITIVITY on my feed

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

I’m sorry I disappointed you 😔

[@SirSpenace]

I truly don't know how anyone can still read these books and get a whimsical sense of wonderment from anything they portray. From the racist tropes to the clear coding of Hermione as an "SJW" only to have her passions mocked by her "friends" to Harry doing absolutely NOTHING to challenge the world of prejudice and fear that led him to being locked in a closet....this series isn't it. Not to mention, JKR has gone off the deep end. There are so many other better series people can be spending their time (and money) on.

[@jack_yo]

SUCKS!!! Read an adult book, not some unimaginative, idea stealing, hack work. Not one shred of originality in the series. You obviously have not read anything written prior to this. So I guess ignorance is bliss.

[@Cjwize-144]

🤣🤣🤣 wow So I used to think the I gave it a watch and read different

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

Uh oh the “no fun allowed” squad has arrived

[@jymbreitbach967]

We can tell you used AI for your script

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

Sorry to burst your bubble but the script was written over the course of a couple weeks with a first draft and then a rewrite. There were times I considered using AI in the editing process, but found that it takes the “soul” out of the script anytime I tried to utilize it, no matter how little I told it to change. However out of all that wasted time, I got one good thing out of it, which was the sentence from 8:55 to 9:06. That is the only thing in this video that is AI.

[@jymbreitbach967]

@WilliamRoyallYT no there were several times that your vocabulary choices were obviously choices from chat GPT there are entire articles written about this, and you hit those high notes so many times... You ain't slick, do better

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

@ 🤣🤣

[@Rinz-Aide]

You should do the Percy Jackson series next!

[@WilliamRoyallYT]

That one’s definitely gonna be in the pipeline!

[@Rinz-Aide]

Wooh!