As a sequel to my 2022 Halloween blog post about my favourite witches, this is my list of my favourite wizard charcters from movies and books alike.
So, without further ado let’s introduce them…
1. Howl from Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Howl Pendragon-Jenkins is a young talented wizard that is a known womanizer in the realm. Despite his great looks and incredible magical talent, he is a very selfish and cowardly character. Hiding from a past lover and the prospect of getting involved in the war, he indulges in the shallow pursuits of seducing young women and maintaning his perfect physical image.
Sophie’s unexpected appearance at his moving castle disturbs Howl’s everyday life and reveals cracks in his well-organised persona.
Howl is such a human character with his image-oriented approach and cowardice in facing a real challenge.
2. Gandalf from Lord of the Rings (2001-2003) & The Hobbit (2012-2014) trilogies
Gandalf the Grey (later Gandalf the White) is a member of the Maiar, angelic beings that were sent to Middle Earth to assist the mortal races of Men and Dwarves in the fight against evil. With the appearance of an old gentle pipe-smoking wizard that delights children and adults alike with his fireworks, Gandalf has an equally teriffying side that he reveals to those who make him angry or pissed.
His involvement in both the Quest for Erebor as well as the Destruction of the One Ring proved instrumental for the victory against the forces of Sauron.
3. Newt Scamander from the Fantastic Beasts film series (2016-)
Newt Scamander is a magizoologist that travels to America in order to return a poached Thunderbird to its natural habitat. There the awkward wizard meets unlikely friends and the love of his life who according to him, has the ”eyes of a salamander”.
Unlike the typical swashbuckling hero Newt is more quite and socially clumsy leading man that exemplifies the qualites of a true Hufflepuff: kind, hard-working and modest which, although unconventional, make a wonderfully refreshing protagonist.
4. Radagast the Brown from The Hobbit trilogy (2012-2014)
Radagast the Brown was a Maiar chosen by the Valiar Yovanna and is one of the five Istari sent to Middle Earth. In contrast to the more serious Gandalf, Radagast is an absent-minded wizard that dwells in a cottage deep into the forest and spends his days caring for both plants and animals. His bizarre appearance (I mean he literally has a bird’s nest under his hat) is ridiculed by some but in the end Radagast manages to prove that he is as much capable of the tite of wizard as Gandalf and Saruman are.
The scene in Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey where Radagast lures away the Orcs hunting down Thorin and the with his Rhosgobel rabbit-pulled sledge was hysterically funny…
5. Severus Snape from the Harry Potter films (2001-2011)
Severus Snape is the Potion Master at Hogwarts and the menance of Gryffindor students. Cold, mysterious and with a vindictive streak against Harry Potter he is seen by many as a villainous character.
However Severus’s good side is discreetly shown through his trying to save Harry multiple times (with him standing in the way of a werewolf to protect the Golden trio being the most obvious). His complexity is further shown by his dual role as spy for Dumbledore and one of the most ”loyal” Death Eaters of Lord Voldemort.
But perhaps the most important element that paints his grey morality is a distinctive manner is the ardent love he feels for Lily Potter, even after her death.
Always…
6. Remus Lupin from the Harry Potter films (2001-2011)
Remus Lupin is the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts Witchcraft and Wizardry. His lessons are greatly enjoyed by almost every student and he is highly respeted among the teaching staff.
Behind his kind and understanding face Remus hides a lonely and tortured soul who lost his loved ones in early adulthood and also has to fight with the curse that was placed on him as a child.
He is an endearing person whose love for books and chocolate speak to my own interests…
7. Balthazar Blake from Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010)
Balthazar Blake is one of the three apprentices of Merlin. After his teacher’s murder Balthazar obeyed his last wish and searched the globe in order to find the one to succeed Merlin and defeat the evil sorceress Morgana. It is in 2000s New York City that he finds him.
Balthazar is an old-fashioned individual that takes the training of Merlin’s descendant very seriously. Although stern and abrupt at times he has good qualities and cares for the well being of the young David.
8. Marco Alisdair from Night Circus (2011)
Marco Alisdair was an orphan in a London orphanage that was hand-picked by Alexander in order to compete in a magical competition. He spent his childhood and teen years secluded in a house with only books and sporadic visits with Alexander to the outside world for comfort.
He grows into a skillful illusionist who keeps an elaborate account of his knowledge in a notebook and works behind the scenes in the duel that was pre-destined for him.
The love he feels for Celia is so passionate and all consuming. He literally wants to learn every tiny detail about her, including the way she drinks her tea.
