Hedwig’s no ordinary messenger owl.
She was Harry Potter’s loyal pet.
And they had 1 of the best connections in the story too.
So it’s about time we saddle up to learn her story…
Because it’s a tearjerker every fan must know about.
Continue reading to discover:
- Where Hedwig grew up.
- What made the owl such a sassy bird.
- How the messenger owl became Harry’s pet.
- Why Hedwig’s 1 of the bravest owls you’ll ever meet.
- And so much more…
About Hedwig
| Born | Before 1991 |
| Purity | Snowy Owl |
| House | N/A |
| Character Traits | Loyal, Brave, Sassy, Friendly |
| Patronus | N/A |
| Wand | N/A |
| Zodiac Sign | Unknown |
Hedwig background
Hedwig was a Snowy Owl.
A large bird with white feathers.
And native to North America.
Hedwig was born sometime before 1991.
Unfortunately, we don’t know much about her past.
However, her species was available at the Eeylops Owl Emporium.
So there’s a good chance Hedwig grew up inside that wizarding shop too.
Hedwig occupation
Hedwig might be an owl.
But she wasn’t any ordinary bird.
Hedwig worked as a messenger.
So she delivered messages to and from her master.
And even brought home any replies or gifts as well.
Hedwig character
Hedwig was an intelligent owl.
And on top of her beautiful white feathers…
She was also a very loving pet too.
Because she never shied away from showing affection to Harry.
Like nibbling at his ears or fingers.
In fact, Harry Potter even found comfort in talking to Hedwig.
Because her amber eyes always showed care…
And it seemed like Hedwig would always listen:
More facts about Hedwig
#1: Hagrid bought him as a gift for Harry
Yes, you read that right.
Hedwig was actually a gift from Rubeus Hagrid.
Hagrid wanted to get Harry something special for his 11th birthday.
And since Harry didn’t have the best time with the Dursleys…
The half-giant wizard wanted to get something Harry wouldn’t forget.
As a result, that’s how the snowy-white owl became Harry Potter’s pet.
But what does research say about Hagrid’s gift choice?
Well, it turns out it was the best possible birthday surprise.
Because pets aren’t just fun to have around.
They can also have benefits too.
Like improving your mental health.
#2: Her 1st letter was from Hagrid
Hedwig sent a lot of letters.
But can you guess who sent the very 1st message to Harry Potter?
Well, it’s none other than Rubeus Hagrid.
A reminder to come and visit him for a cup of tea.
#3: Shared breakfast with Harry Potter
Hogwarts had lots of food.
And when it was breakfast time.
The wizarding school never held back for its students.
But while Harry shared his table with other Gryffindors…
Hedwig actually came by every time too.
Why, you ask?
Well, Hedwig loved Harry.
And she loved eating a few toast crumbs with him every morning.
Not to mention nibbling at his ear to show affection.
Of course, the owl couldn’t follow Harry everywhere.
Hedwig still needed to sleep.
But it’s cute knowing she came by for breakfast every time.
Read more: 27 Real Reasons Why I Love Harry Potter
#4: Forced the Dursleys to let her out of the cage
The Dursleys were mean.
For example, Harry’s uncle, Vernon Dursley, even choked Harry Potter once.
And Dudley Dursley wasn’t any better.
Because he always bullied Harry too.
But can you guess what happened when Harry brought Hedwig home?
Well, to no one’s surprise, the Dursleys forced the owl into a cage.
Yet would she stay there for very long?
Not in the slightest.
You see, Hedwig wasn’t afraid to voice out the stuff she didn’t like.
And she made so much noise…
The Dursleys had to let her out.
Plus, apart from getting to stretch her wings.
Harry could now send letters again.
So it showed that Hedwig was also looking out for Harry.
#5: She flew to and from Romania
I know it sounds crazy.
Hedwig’s a simple messenger owl.
She can’t possibly make that kind of trip, right?
Well, as shocking as it is to learn, it’s actually true.
In fact, Hedwig thought nothing of it.
Because it’s just part of her job.
“Why’d she go to Romania in the first place?”
Harry needed to send a letter to Charles Weasley. Ron’s older brother.
Because Hagrid wanted to know how his dragon was doing.
Read next: How Many Siblings Does Ron Weasley Have?
#6: Helped Errol get Ron’s gift for Harry
Hedwig was a busy owl.
But she never turned down a chance to help too.
For example, do you remember Errol?
Well, he’s 1 of the Weasleys’ older owls.
And because of his age, poor Errol had bad eyesight…
Making him hit things by accident.
In fact, on his way to Harry Potter, the owl collapsed.
Luckily, Hedwig was there to save the day.
She helped Errol get up to his feet…
And guided him all the way to Harry to give Ron’s gift.
“Wait, why do the Weasleys still let Errol send messages?”
Well, let’s just say their family isn’t the most well-off.
So they get by with whatever they can…
And that includes keeping Errol around too.
Interesting read: 7 Surprising Reasons Why The Weasleys Are Poor
#7: She couldn’t deliver letters during the war
I know it sounds like a bad idea.
Communication would’ve been very important.
So it must’ve been hard without Hedwig sending messages, right?
Well, the snowy-white owl stood out a lot.
And if people saw Hedwig flying to and from weird locations…
It would’ve been a dead giveaway.
Sooner or later, the evil Lord Voldemort would find out where Harry Potter was hiding.
As a result, Hedwig had to stay put.
Even if she hated not doing anything.
In fact, it actually caused a bit of trouble with her relationship with Harry.
But they did make up eventually.
#8: Attacked by Dolores Umbridge’s associates
Dolores Umbridge was a mean professor.
For example, she even tried kicking out Hagrid from Hogwarts.
And what about in Hedwig’s case?
Well, she actually sent people to attack the poor owl as well.
“Why would she even do that?”
You see, Umbridge wanted to read Harry Potter’s letters.
Because she was snooping around for anything she could blame on him.
Fortunately, Hedwig managed to get away.
However, she was in pretty bad shape.
In fact, if it weren’t for Dobby and Professor Wilhelmina’s help…
Hedwig would’ve been in much worse condition.
So if anyone tries to convince you that Umbridge wasn’t that bad…
Let the research speak for itself:
Animal abuse was a risk indicator for domestic abuse too.
And if Umbridge could stomach hurting an owl…
Who knows what other evil things she was up to?
#9: Sacrificed herself for Harry Potter
If you’re wondering why you never heard from Hedwig again…
That’s because she met a cruel fate.
You see, Harry and Hagrid were being chased by Death Eaters.
In fact, Voldemort’s dark wizards got really close to killing Harry Potter too.
But can you guess who stopped them?
Well, before the spell could hit Harry…
Hedwig blocked it for him.
And, in the movies, the snow-white owl fell to her death.
“What about in the books? What’s different?”
Well, Hedwig still blocked that spell.
But she didn’t fall to her death.
Instead, Harry had to let go of her sidecar on the tricycle.
In an effort to stop the Death Eaters from catching up.
And that has to be 1 of the saddest ways to die.
Worse, it took a very long time for Harry Potter to accept Hedwig’s death.
Because research shows grief’s the worst pain in the world.
So I can only imagine how bad Harry felt…
To lose the pet he held so dear.