History of House Elves - Harry Potter Theory

[@HarryPotterTheory]

MORE long format videos: kzbin.info/aero/PLB5djWCQq2_e0UCOmVbhRP8HkxetpzXUV

[@mikeylicksit]

dobby, the house elf who made me cry more than once i'm not ashamed to admit.

[@SnarkNSass]

Right there in the movie theater 😭 Dobby💖💔💖

[@AngelaSmith_1970]

Same 😢

[@LyleFrancisDelp]

Get a grip! Elves don’t exist and Dobby never existed.

[@genageeraert8039]

Same

[@genageeraert8039]

@@LyleFrancisDelppeople can still be connected to a character

[@RedwoodTheElf]

before even watching this, I can tell that House Elves originated from legends of Brownies and other "Chore doing Faeries" who would do chores around your house as long as you leave them some food out at night. Shoemaking and cleaning faeries are the more common of such beings.

[@AngelaSmith_1970]

I love how some house elf magic is far stronger than some human magic

[@davidioanhedges]

All House Elf Magic is a far more powerful than that of most Wizards, all without a wand, or words ...

[@meacadwell]

Which could be why the wizards of old subdued them in the first place.

[@ginnyjollykidd]

Even goblins have talents far greater than wizards. House elves might not want to carry wands, but goblins certainly resent the ban foisted on them by wizards. It would be interesting to see goblins manufacturing their own unique wands. Their forging magic should be indicative of their abilities.

[@ginnyjollykidd]

I can imagine goblin wands from noon-forged steel like Diane Duane depicted in her _Young Wizards_ series.

[@TheWanderingFire]

Rowling's "house elves" always seemed to me to have been inspired by the concept of the "house guardian" in Scandinavian folklore. They were small humanoid creatures who lived in farmhouses. If the residents of the farm treated the guardian well, they would protect livestock, small children, and help out with tasks around the farm and farmhouse. Some older farmhouses even have tiny doors in the attic for the house guardian's use. If a family disrespected their house guardian enough, they would leave, and the farm would become unprosperous.

[@marcusfridh8489]

In the brittish isles they would be known as brownies

[@39zack]

In Norwegian we call them "husnisse" and "fjøsnisse" The lore around "fjøsnisse" is much as you say, an guardian of the livestock animals and so on. You treat it well, the animals do well. You treat it wrong, accidents happens, animals gets sick. It was common to set out food and treats for the "fjøsnisse", specially around Christmas.

[@ravenbelote1801]

In Eastern Europe the helpful house spirits are called Domovoi. They are considered to be protective ancestors, and they will leave if not treated well, or ignored.

[@Other_Jeremy]

You give her way too much credit. I'm certain J.K. Rowlings idea for house elves came directly from Santa's elves.

[@RowanWolf22]

Pretty sure they are based off the British Brownies, since the school is set in U.K and even the school houses are based of the very real school houses here 😅 It is covered in the video around 2/3 of the way. There may be similarities, but in this specific thing, I believe it’s Brownies. It’s stories we grew up on after all.

[@RianShafer]

I always like your take on things but going on the writing side of this magical world, JK studied a lot and all through the lore of several countries. On topic here, House Elves are dead ringers for the Irish lore of Brownies, right down to refusing pay, what they may or may not wear, things the accept or find insulting, and what keeps them around or will cause them to leave those they CHOOSE to help. Check it out. I'm glad you brought that up.

[@Lebronny_-]

Same as house guardians in Scandinavia nearly every country will have similar folklore on most topics 👍

[@OublietteTight]

I adore the Brownies in the film Willow! Maybe Brownies were the original nudists? Haha. Do not insult their bodies by implying they should cover up? Hahaha

[@bookworm7076]

The section on house elves in mythology was very informative and shows that J.K. Rowling received inspiration for the wizarding world from several mythologies and folklore. Now that's what I call dedication to your craft!

[@b.g.5178]

Can’t wait for the one on goblins. The Hogwarts legacy story is amazing. I know it’s not publicized , but for the amount of detail in that game, JK had to have helped a little.

[@Straitfever]

I have been listening to you for years now and very much enjoyed this particular video. Your comments about House Elves (not explored nearly enough in the Harry Potter series), especially Kreacher, made me wish again that we had seen more of Kreacher and his life. I love your voice and pronunciation, melodic and beautiful. Thank you for the enjoyment, much appreciated.

[@sydguitar99]

I wish in the movie they showed the Elves that worked for Hogwarts, it would have added an excellent dynamic to the story

[@danajohnson5993]

If you look up “hob goblins”, you will find creatures very similar to house elves. These creatures often help people while they aren’t looking and stick with one house. When people attempt to do something nice for them like leaving them clothes, they take it as an insult and leave, never to return. I was looking up the word hob, which referred to the Crane like thing in a fireplace used to hang kettles on for cooking.

[@j-bob_oreo]

crane

[@danajohnson5993]

Thanks, I saw that on re reading.

[@made-line7627]

All I can think of is the terrifying hobgoblin dance from the Simpsons

[@lozzavermy]

There is also similar folklore around something called a "brownie" but obviously that would be racist to include that.

[@danajohnson5993]

Re: Brownies, Racism as we know it is the result of the need to be better than someone else, and is a form of insecurity. Being able to rejoice in our differences rather than denying them makes me think of Harry’s relationship with Dobby, whose differences were crucial to Harry’s survival. I always remember Morgan Freeman’s line in Robin Hood “Alah loves wonderous variety”. I would hope the Girl Scouts of America don’t think of Brownies in a racist way, though I don’t know the history.

[@thomasrape4616]

I think the inspiration for house elves was the mythical brownies of Scotland.

[@mrow7598]

Fan theory Dobbie died because he broke a promise to Harry. In the 2nd book Harry asked Dobbie not to save his life again but in the 7th Dobbie goes and saves Harry's life. Which meant be broke a previous order. So the knife the Bella threw, Dobbie intentionally allowed it to him him as punishment for breaking the promise to Harry about saving his life.

[@sandycove777]

😢

[@gcolombelli]

Such a pity movie Dobby didn't use different clothes after being freed.

[@rodneyhaney3157]

That was Hollywood's idea. Dobby wore different clothing in the other books after Goblet of Fire.

[@erikaworkman3744]

I agree - other than giving him the pair of shoes in DH, it would've been nice if the film version had been allowed new clothes.

[@OublietteTight]

At least he should have worn the sock?

[@gcolombelli]

@@OublietteTight IIRC Dobby got a taste for using better clothes and for that, the other elves who worked at Hogwarts weren't very comfortable near him. Not every elf embraced their freedom as gladly as Dobby, remember Winky? My memory is a little fuzzy on the details, but I think you can find this in Goblet of Fire. Maybe Dobby's clothes were the ones Hermione made for the elves to find when she was all busy with that SPEW thing, I don't recall much.

[@OublietteTight]

@gcolombelli I am half remembering and half learning pretty much the entire Wizarding World. There is so much depth to the stories. I will never retain it all. Hahaha. Especially as it jostles for space against Downtown Gotham? The Ring! Damn it Jim, use The Force because everything that has a beginning has an end. Smirk... even for Mickey. Sayonara from Z! Cue sound track for "Heavy Metal"! (Love it/ Hate it or we have Disney memorized)

[@clfoster82]

I always wondered...if house elves aren't paid, then why don't more wizarding families have one? Like what prevents the Weasley family from having one in that case?

[@rickershomesteadahobbyfarm3291]

They are probably very expensive.

[@clfoster82]

@@rickershomesteadahobbyfarm3291so you mean like there's an up front cost to "buy" the elf and their lineage, essentially? I suppose I hadn't thought of that since they aren't paid a salary directly. Like when Dobby tells Harry in GoF that he's been traveling the country looking for work ever since he left the Malfoy family, but the only thing preventing that was the fact that he wanted to be paid. I know there's an office at the Ministry that deals specifically with House Elves, but the only 2 out of work elves we come across are kinda just out looking for work on their own. Dobby and Winky both end up working at Hogwarts (well, Winky kinda just drinks) on their own. Dobby made the agreement directly with Dumbledore...so more questions than answers now for me haha. Do freed elves just have to make their own way? Then there's nobody to pay up front? I don't imagine there's been very many overall, but given the fact that we see two freed over the course of just a few years, it might not be that uncommon after all. So it still might stand to reason that some families could end up with a House Elf even if they aren't swimming in galleons - they just have to find themselves an out of work one.

[@lynarystic]

In the Harry Potter series it is explain the house elves are attracted to large dwellings. To banish them , you give them clothes

[@jakdekayen]

I don't think the Weasley's were the type to have a servant A helper, maybe but i don't see them taking pleasure in knowing they own another sentient being, I don't think Arthur would like it especially after seeing how horribly other wizards tend to treat them. I'd like to think, in my own little head cannon, Molly would be too tempted to make little jumpers for them for being part of the family, seeing how nurturing she is, and they wouldn't have one for long because of that. 😂

[@erikaworkman3744]

​@@jakdekayenmy ❤ just lifted at the thought of Molly knitting Christmas sweaters for her house elves!

[@julianynostosa5845]

The house-elf is based off of the brownie from Scottish folklore. The bit about the clothes comes from the most famous story about such creatures the elves and the shoemaker.

[@davidsachs4883]

As I think about a canine analogy with the loyal service elves show their families it occurs to me that pre-domesticated elves probably lived in tight family units lead by a dominant alpha male, like wolves. Smaller more docile elves would have bonded with humans willing to provide an alternative family for them. Dogs can show an insane amount of loyalty even when abused, like with elves. Depending on where you live the amount of legal protections a dog has can vary considerably. One reason we might not have undomesticated elves in the books may be the same reason there are no wolves in the story. They were eliminated from Britain.

[@elderscrollsswimmer4833]

I agree. And that in similar vein, House Elves resemble dogs. We do have service dogs and hunting dogs -- due to selective breeding from wolves. Like having a retriever or a spaniel fetch your ducks or other birds.

[@obiwahndagobah9543]

One addition to the Kobold: It is actually the German version of the Goblin and should be translated as such in my opinion. They only differ superficially having a lot of lore in common. Also the metal Cobalt is actually named after the creature, as German miners thought the Kobold would replace valiable metals with this worthless one due to its mischieviousness. Cobalt had no worth before the advent of advanced electronics.

[@ozzymadnius]

2:47 This made me chuckle since Sirius got the least seriously loyal House Elf in Kreacher! 😂😂

[@rustydaboyrobot]

I have a vastly different take on House Elves. I say they are unique magical beings...and they procrreate like normal beings...just very secretly. The SERVITUDE part comes about by House Elves siding with Goblins during the war in the 1600s. Once they were defeated, the House Elves had true remorse...and as a self imposed punishment...and to never RISE above their station, the come up with the idea of serving a Wizard family...with only one OUT of this servitude. After centuries, this "work" has become ingrained into every House Elf...and very strong peer pressure holds this value system in place. 😊

[@made-line7627]

That's definitely an interesting take

[@rustydaboyrobot]

@@made-line7627 Thanks. It makes the most sense...unless you decide the "created or subjugated for servitude " is a better story. Personally, i like the "penance " angle. 😊

[@made-line7627]

@@rustydaboyrobot I love your idea and think it makes a decent amount of sense 🪄

[@WatchThatFirstStep]

It doesn't make sense. The enslavement of house elves goes back further than the founding of Hogwarts.

[@LyleFrancisDelp]

Regarding SPEW, Hagrid said it would be doing them an unkindness.

[@PipsKay432]

I believe that J.K. Rowling got the idea of house Elves from the Grimms fairytale The Elves and The Shoemaker..because once the Shoemaker left the Elves clothes they never returned

[@FairytalePrince]

I always thought that house elves were based on the German fairytales about "Heinzelmännchen." The tales I grew up with were mostly about poor workers (often cobblers or bakers) who had worries how to afford food and work material, left unfinished work or material out at night, and then the next morning the work was finished perfectly. Eventually they grew curious and stayed awake and hidden to watch what happens, and saw that there were small, humanoid creatures who came out at night in secret and happily finished the work. This continued until the worker had become rich from their good work and better materials they could afford because of it, but this is where the stories divide in many different versions. In one version, a cobbler is very grateful to the Heinzelmännchen and notices while they make perfect shoes, they never wear any themself and their feet are bruised an dirty, so he decides to make small shoes specifically for them as a thanks, and leaves them out over night instead of the material. The Heinzelmännchen find them, exitedly put them on, and the never return. This fits the mechanics of house elves so well, that I always just assumed this is where JK got the idea. As to how they got enslaved by wizards, I think it's pretty simple: House elves genuinely love doing work and helping others. So when house elves and wizards first made contact, the elves wanted to help and take care of humans, who are less talented at magic and housework, because that's what they love doing. Maybe one time a human was so grateful they gave their helping elf friend clothes, which the elf viewed as "this human can take care of themself, I need to find someone else who needs my help more," and left. And this spread the word that you shouldn't give the elves clothes, or they might leave. Of course, with humans acting how humans do, a lot of entitlement, manipulation, etc. took place, so over the years, enjoying work turned into the horrible enslavement situation, and giving clothes, rather than a sign the humans were capable and didn't need help anymore, became a sign they could be free. Since in fairytales about Heinzelmännchen, there is a huge theme of them helping poor people become rich, I also think that this is why so many rich wizarding families have house elves: It's not that they have elves because they are rich, but that they are rich because their ancestors had elves that helped them get rich, and that they never freed.

[@Isabel-qu3hl]

Yes, I totally agree with you. I have got the same idea about the origins of house elves - that they come from a kind of Heinzelmännchen or Wichtel and were doing tasks for the humans out of kindness. Your elaboration is very convincing too. At some point, the wizards must have taken advantage of the elves, maybe by some magic trick, or by breaking up their group. Perhaps it was easy to make the elves believe that the enslavement was ok because it is not in their nature to see through evil tricks.

[@CelebitheAdorablePokemon]

speaking of house elves did Harry unknowingly free Kreacher in the Deathly Hallows by giving him the locket

[@adampyke4037]

I think that like all living beings they can choose. Because Harry treated him well, he chose to remain loyal to him.

[@standab3235]

Most people consider jewelry as accessories rather than clothing. Just presenting the locket might not have been enough to declare a severance.

[@biffitup2525]

I kinda understand Ron and Hermione in a few aspects. Elves should be treated better, but you can't help someone that won't help themselves. I'd say just give them more respect and better living conditions.

[@suecastillo4056]

Thank you♥️‼️I LOVE these videos!!! This was especially good as it was re: house elves! Great details⭐️♥️‼️

[@dgaller06]

So, I have this theory that originally, all mankind were muggles. My theory is that the first generation of witches and wizards were taught magic by a race of elves. However, the higher being in the Harry Potter universe, never intended for mankind to have access to magic. So, as punishment for teaching mankind magic, this higher being curses that race of elves into eternal servitude of the people they had taught magic to.

[@milanka882]

That was interesting. I wonder if you could do The same type of format video for goblins and for centaurs? And merpeople too? That would be really fascinating.

[@skyrogue1977]

Imagine if freed Elves start using their own house elves. Just perpetuating the cycle.

[@tordlindgren2123]

That would definetly happen.

[@LyleFrancisDelp]

I like to think that Dumbledore, being sympathetic to house elves' cause, allows them to work at Hogwarts with the understanding that they are welcome to pay if they want, but not forced upon them. At the very least, the Hogwarts house elves are very well treated and probably feel very much appreciated and wanted for their efforts. Perhaps they aren't paid, but they do have a good safe work place, and free room and board. And let's be honest...as they can use their own brand of magic, their work can't be all that toilsome, can it?

[@trudehallerud1839]

Also the Scandinavian Nisse and Tomte is a little like this elfs.

[@LucaNoire]

"Greater love hath no man than this. That he lay down his life for his friends..." - John 15:13 Addendum: It is my personal opinion, that we should all be so lucky, as to have someone like Dobby or any of the house elves for that matter, in our lives.

[@FuzzyFoot58]

The description of brownies are almost identical to the scandinavian gnome, tomte, except that the gnome has a completely human appearance and dressed in boots, workers clothes and a pointed hat. If it was insulted it would wreak havoc in your house and stable until properly appeased with sweet ricepudding.

[@zacharywheeler6605]

Dobby most certainly didn’t get better rights after the battle of Hogwarts… he had already died

[@azimuthclark462]

I always beat myself like a house elf when I do wrong. Bad Dobby!

[@Hauke-ph5ui]

6:05 How about this theory because it is fitting the human spirit and human actions a lot better: The humans encountered wild elves (or whatever they where called - High elves, wood elves, Cat Sihde, Ljosalfar, Svartalfar...), went to war with them because the elves resisted being dominated by the humans and ultimately defeated the elves, twisting and mutating the surviving ones into house elves and wiping out all other elves. I actually do not think that house elves are necessarily loyal and "refuse" to be free - they simply don't have a choice because they are shackled by powerfull magic making it impossible for them to resist. Think about Dobby: Was he loyal to Lucius Malfoy, his master? No, not at all. He did everything he could to foil Lucius's plans. That's not loyalty, that is as much of a rebellion as his magical shackles allowed. Likewise Kreacher was not at all loyal to Sirius Black either. It is also important to note that all house elves mentioned in the books that do serve their respective masters willingly are treated well. It is impossible to believe that the magical shackles holding House Elves in slavery are anything else but shackles imposed on them forcefully, most likely after a brutal conquest. In a manner of speaking it is not too dissimilar to the Orcs in the Lord of the Rings and their enslavement and twisting by Morgoth, the major difference being that orcs where twisted into soldiers while House Elves where twisted into servants. Edit: "an informal arrangement where the wizards offered protection" sorry but that makes no sense whatsoever. Even in their enslaved and diminished state house elves have substantial magical powers - the last thing they need is protection. Think about what happened as soon as Dobby was freed at the end of The Chamber of Secrets: He immediately blasts Lucius Malfoy off his feet and down a staircase, forcing him to retreat without further resistance. No, the signs are clear: The humans viewed the elves as rivals for power, attacked them and enslaved them.

[@bsperoz]

11:55 I was ready to be annoyed by Deek. Instead I'm annoyed by EVERYONE ELSE because HE'S BEEN THE MOST HELPFUL!!! Deek is my friend!

[@Steve-Quinn-YC-GaSC]

Remember when Potter freed Dobbie with the sock and Malfoy tried to use the killing curse? Then Dobbie saved Potter?

[@mxyzptlk1616]

Hermione was not truly compassionate here. She cared more for her own desires concerning the elves than what they wanted for themselves. She didn't care for what gave the elves lives depth and fulfillment; merely her personal moral directive. She was willing to impress that directive on them despite their clear distress. She never concerned herself with why the elves did what they did and in several cases tried to force "freedom" upon them. She just wanted things her way

[@lordjs9726]

I believe that house elves are related to goblins and dwarves, they are similar to those.

[@raibyo]

I feel like the House Elves in Harry Potter might have been inspired by the story The Elves and The Shoemaker. House Elves in Harry Potter are set free by being gifted cloths, and elves in The Elves and the Shoemaker stopped coming to make shoes for the shoemaker after he gifted them clothes.

[@MSinistrari]

I rather like the idea that perhaps there's still some bands of wild elves out there. It would make sense that the Wizards would want to keep them a secret unless house elves start getting ideas about possibly rejoining their lost kin.

[@TheGoddamnBacon]

Huh. Domovoi, a elven protector in Slavic folklore. Artemis Fowl details never cease to amaze.

[@sydguitar99]

dobby and snapes death really hit different.

[@clevelandexplorer2221]

Additionally, the same aspect of obliviousness for house elves is an unintended way, reflects the general ignorance of the average person. At 30yo I spent a lifetime trying to please others thinking my Autism is my limit but no, everything I fight for becomes accepted only by status quo: conformational bias, discrimination being transferable, elders being wrong and flawed while needing respect yes..as a kid I was wrong, the homeless were there because they took drugs or the disabled only for those with physical limitations, depression being dramatic..nowadays noone said that at all ever. A lie the discriminated need to endure because noone is prepared to be authentic and steadfast for what's clearly wrong. My grandma making the taxi driver wait purposely from entitlement, my brothers have been violating what they preached regarding it when I was facing her wrath..nothing happened if its not blatently infront of people as an obstacle or offence. Its crazy how often I'm advising people and they complain when something goes wrong-listen or complain, don't be pessimistic and unaccountable. It's not that another person knows more or is better. Just specific advice which we are individually versed with. Pride gets in everyone's way, themselves and others. People won't progress unless they stop ignoring their responsibilities duties and moral compasses but they'd rather enable than confront because they persist confronting is something rude and aggressive, after letting it simmer for too long after they were able to calmly and politely disclose their opposition. People are emotionally immature and ignorant, it's rife. I love these analysis of stuff it's always a nice break experiencing another being rational with deductions. Even if fiction, its entertaining interesting and pure motivation to know there's more intelligence than beligerant oblivious officiousness in the average lack of consciousness. My words may sound arrogant but the effects of peoples irresponsibility around me is disgusting. I can't wait to go travelling, I've only met decent people outside of the North East of England so far, par very few. Slavery isn't abolished, its been modernised within confines of law and authorital lack of competence/efficient organisation. Most don't realise nor care for the possibility of a neighbour harbouring a modern slave. It just takes the hostage of peoples national documents to have people stay, or they'll face deportation to a war. But people are more concerned about their economy to affordably have toast and TV going on. Slavery is just more subtle, as with any criminal organisation. It just doesn't require a collar anymore. It could be in form of misandry or child labour (anything above menial household tasks, using extortion). But it doesn't happen if we cover our eyes and plug our ears apparently. What we'll insist is OK now, we'll be a double standard in a few years. Bowl cuts, pink shirts, being gay, disabled etc, people once thought disgust whereas now defend what's hot topic of trend or attitude. Now we have folk using supermarkets in pyjamas and huge whopping dirty talon-like sharp nails many use as weapons, complaining about equality and inability to do things because of them

[@joshuacarroll6668]

He ironed his hands in chamber of secrets not goblet of fire

[@sallywyatt2918]

Have always enjoyed your videos but they have been really great lately. Thank you

[@rosevita8041]

The fact that house elves are freed when given clothes led me to a thought. Who does the laundry in the homes of wealthy wizards? I can see Molly Weasley happily waving her wand to wash the clothes of her loved ones but Bellatrix Lestrange would consider such beneath her. For that matter, who does the laundry of Hogwarts’ students?

[@Esmeralda2diamon]

I loved Dobby when I was reading the books. I felt so bad him and the other house elves. 😔

[@macwelch8599]

I wonder if human wizards would be able to utilize elven magic

[@ChaosArchives667]

Probably like deep in lore a human and an elf once had a child and that spawned wizards/witches innate magical blood passed down through generations some having more of that blood than others as blood seems to be a common theme in the HP universe. Figuratively and Literally. Elves are beings of pure magic, humans are not (inherently) my theory anyway is that a human and an elf had a child and so on so forth like in LOTR how elves are descended from "Gods" so to speak.

[@bradley4031]

​@@ChaosArchives667In LOTR humans and elves are made by the same God lol.

[@TheNinjaSandwichGaming]

@@ChaosArchives667Bradley’s right. In LOTR, The Hobbit and The Silmarillion. All races of Man and Elf were created by the same God, except the dwarves who were made by the forge god in his exact image.

[@nancys8581]

@@ChaosArchives667 in the Grindelwald trilogy there is a woman who is half elf so we know it's possible. I would guess it comes from various sources, because we know giants and humans can also produce children.

[@Kanikanihia]

@@bradley4031 JKR's elves have nothing in common with Tolkien's ones.

[@ryanchapman5304]

Since the “upper class of wizards” generally had a house elf, Did the Potters Family have a house elf?And if so who and what happened to him/her after James and Lily were killed? Or was s/he freed before James

[@nicholassmalley3026]

Love the ending quote!

[@SuzMcDonaldWellbeing]

I’d definitely say that House elves are based on the folkloric Brownie. One thing you didn’t mention is that they were would take offence and leave if given clothes. JK Rowling perhaps decided the name Brownie wasn’t particularly PC in this day and age. Laith Wolf on KZbin has a good video on Brownies if anyone wants to compare them.

[@kanpur8745]

I have always thought one way to tell if an author had succeeded is if they make us the readers laugh, cry and cheer on the characters as if they are"real". Just saying. I cheered and cried for Dobby too.

[@dustythemexii5278]

I've only heard of kobolds in world of warcraft had no idea they were already established in stories outside of the game.

[@mousermind]

I wanna know the logistics of making a House Elf wear a demeaning outfit, as that should count as giving them clothing.

[@Gofex1337]

Hermione needs to realize she's basically just saying "My modern form of slavery is better than the old houseelf way of slavery". Monetary compensation or boarding and food as compensation is still just serving a master

[@OublietteTight]

Crreedance's nurse was half house elf. In her case, her magic was weak. Is that true for all half house elves? Was she half wizard or half muggle? How common are half elves? Is breeding with elves a possible source of magical DNA? Are elves a possible source for the creation of magic in humans? What about the idea that long ago, trapped wild elves were compelled to give magical powers to plain humans thru spells?

[@Littlepocketrocket81]

We need a story a film about these lovely elves...

[@jessiejesse2160]

It makes no sense that a fiery race filled with freedom would willingly become slaves because they were “treated nice.” That’s sounds like similar rhetoric when justifying human slavery.

[@paulblase3955]

Elves bear a resemblance to goblins. This could be why there seems to be a hostility to wizards by goblins, even while working for them.

[@volodyanarchist]

To those who are interested "Domovoy" means something like "Of the house".

[@TheSonofruss]

You sure forget major things like the Locket that was a second item that became a Horcrux that was also in the possession of Hepsiba Smith

[@HarryPotterTheory]

That's not really the point of the video, Hokey is only briefly mentioned.

[@paden1865able]

Jewelry isn't clothing, though. Clothes protect the body, jewelry just looks pretty.

[@scottrogers2195]

I never understood why the House Elves wouldn't clean Griffandor (spelling). The students weren't their owners. So the clothes knitted by Granger shouldn't have freed them. Wouldn't the headmaster be the one that freed them?

[@bsperoz]

So...ELVES ARE DOGS? It would actually make sense if you consider some masters abuse them, while other masters might TOTALLY LOVE THEM (I'm looking at McGonagall - The one from HOGWARTSBLEGACY - and Deek)

[@paden1865able]

Professor Weasley...

[@signumscaler]

Elves are really OP. With the combination use of Arithmancy, alchemy. rituals and runes can wizards or witches use Elvin magic?

[@S-AI6]

Kobold: You no take candle!

[@SiriusCygnus]

my own headcanon is that elves used to be their own free people back in very ancient times before wands and when humans were more primative and the roles were reversed at that time but then wizards revolted and many came together to use wandless magic to bind all elves to lives of servitude. then after many many years these events were forgotten and it was just assumed to have always been like that.

[@deriklindsey3576]

Dobby was no house elf. He was a FREE elf🥺✊️

[@BruceVial]

Best protest sign ever “First Dobby Dies, Now This!”

[@ALF8892]

I think house elves are extremely powerful. They can apparate and stun without a wand or vocals. Imagine the potential imagine giving one a wand

[@hollyhartwick3832]

I can't help wonder if the demiguise of the HP-verse (such as Fantastic Beasts and Hogwarts Legacy) is based on the domovoy. The description sounds so similar and I couldn't find any reference to demiguises in RL mythology or folklore.

[@tactifi]

Make a video on why cursed child is bad.

[@arronjerden915]

Despite modern fantasy making then super goblins, Hob Goblins literally means house goblin.

[@mistv901]

Very through look at the subject. I was a little disappointed that you didn't mention Ron uncovering the hats left for the elves and said, "Now they have a choice." Because it wasn't right to take it away again because Hermione thought she knew what was best for them. Though her intentions came from a good place, she was starting to go about things the wrong way. I feel Ron stopped her from doing that. After all, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. You have to change people's minds, not force your views on others. It simply isn't right.

[@berniethekiwidragon4382]

What happens if a House Elf is issued conflicting instructions from his or her household?

[@standab3235]

Flogging, probably. Might be self-inflicted, if the master is careless with the commands.

[@GamesCooky]

These wizard families still have to do their own laundry though, since they can't give the house elves clothes.

[@RestlessRebel]

Thumbnail makes Dobby look like Vivec from TES

[@Iamyourlordsilas]

19:46 you also forgot the Fenodyree in the folklore of the isle of man.

[@laurendobinson5930]

Love your take on things and I love your videos

[@whitewitch32]

I could not recognise the Domowy, it is a slavik Home spiryt.

[@StevenKissinger]

My head-canon, the ancient roman witches and wizards used brownies as a basis for house-elves. They used ritual, alchemy, and blood magic to create a breed of magical servants to serve forever, but only if they aren't presented clothes. So it's kind of an inherited sin european witches and wizards got from roman magicals. European witches and wizards still use latin as a basis for their magic along with wands, so why not other instances like servants or enchanted objects?

[@alsimmonshellspawn6021]

I heard that in real life everytime a person encounter a UFO 🛸 they see some human like very small creatures looking at them

[@tonyug113]

Yeah - they seem to be more 'brownies' - minor spirits of place who can be bribed with saucers of milk to protect and help the home. If annoyed , they do monor mischief life souring milk etc.

[@richewilson6394]

The big question is how do they procreate? Do they have long lives how long do they live?

[@Harry-Hartmann]

Good Video 👌🏻👍🏻

[@alsimmonshellspawn6021]

Who's the most powerful elf???

[@Silver_Girl178]

It feels more like some "forgotten" evil spell,, probably done out of fear, revenge, and/or jealousy. Like the trope in sci-fi fantasy stories where the prince, or, at least, the most powerful being in the group, is somehow made to forget who they are/what they're capable of, to become the low man on the totem pole cleaning up after the thugs. It's like a bloodborne variant of the Imperius Curse, at this point. But I still say: it was cruel and shortsighted of Hermione to try to "free" them, without, first, understanding the why behind their compulsion to serve.

[@davidsachs4883]

About small creatures moving into the house and taking orders. My daughter brought a friend home after school. When the other girl started looking about the room I asked if she was there to play with the kitten. Upon her positive response I called him. She burst out laughing, “Cats don’t come when called.” I saw him leaving the master bedroom to see why he was called, so I called him again and he ran down the stairs so I could pick him Ip and hand him to the teen. Obedient servant or attention hog wanting all the attention?

[@davidsachs4883]

I expected the elves to put miss Granger’s socks away in her dresser

[@davidsachs4883]

Working for just food, and staying loyal even if disrespected, sounds like an intelligent canine

[@davidsachs4883]

Additional Thought on the loyal dog. A one time friend’s first husband got a puppy, but it was her job for feed it and walk it and take it to the vet. One day when the husband decided it was time for another wife beating the dog showed where his loyalty lasted. That actually was the cause of the divorce because if she had hadn’t pressed domestic abuse charges against the husband, the dog would have been put down for biting him. The dog was old when I met them.

[@billyjoesmo8251]

A bar elf was in Fantastic Beasts

[@tylersmith9465]

I felt bad for dobby to🤷‍♂️

[@victoriakidd-cromis1124]

To me, Rowling should've used another name for the house elves. I always pictured Elves as human-sized beings that were very beautiful/handsome. This is the Tolkien view of them and I can't forget it. Dobby is a unique creature and deserves a name where he wasn't compared to Elrond.

[@mrsw2923]

Do you realize that your description of house elf is exactly the same as some peoples description of the priesthood. That surprised me. Love your show.

[@parkerc1279]

well done!

[@mecahhannah]

Awesome as always thanks

[@def1ghi]

What if Hogwarts is THE origins of house elves? What if all the house elves who serve families came out of Hogwarts? Then kind, gentle Helga Hufflepuff started wizarding slavery.... Just a thought.

[@samkdaily3055]

Dobby and Winky made a baby. I believe this.

[@brwnsknscorp90]

Long live dobby 😭😭😭😭

[@thehistoryconisseur1154]

`why do they refer to themselves in 3rd person?

[@rhuarkk2138]

Wait, how would Dobby be afforded more freedom after the battle of hogwarts if he died? 25:08