Harry Potter, but why did elves become slaves to wizards?

The condition of servitude of these creatures in the universe created by JK Rowling remains a complex issue

Image Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

One of the most controversial aspects of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the treatment reserved for house elves, magical beings who almost always work as servants in wizarding families. They are introduced in the first novel of the saga, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, but their condition of servitude, although accepted by most wizarding families, raises numerous questions. In subsequent books, the history of elves and their difficult living conditions come to light but are never fully explored in detail. In fact, the first significant appearance of a house-elf occurs in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, when Harry meets Dobby, the Malfoy elf. 

Initially forced to serve the family of the fearsome Draco, he is the first creature of his kind to be freed, although the condition of servitude of elves remains a complex issue well beyond this event. During the saga, Hermione Granger finds S.P.E.W. (Society for the Promotion of Elven Welfare), after having seen with her own eyes the unfair treatment reserved for the creatures during the Quidditch World Cup in the fourth book, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. This episode shows how elves, despite the harsh working conditions, are not considered slaves, but rather as beings naturally linked to wizards and that, surprisingly, they often accept their condition. 

Hermione clashes with this reality when she tries to free the elves by giving them clothes, a gesture that is rejected with contempt: in fact, the elves do not see their servitude as an injustice, but rather as a tradition, and often are not even aware of the possibility of being free. Their condition is so ingrained that the concept of “freedom” is perceived as a sort of offense. The history of elves at Hogwarts is linked to the foundation of the school by Helga Hufflepuff, who, according to J.K. Rowling, introduced them intending to offer them good working conditions, contrary to what happened in many families. However, not all elves adapted to freedom, and servitude continued over the centuries, turning into a sort of undisputed tradition.

Although J.K. Rowling has explored many other themes of the magical world, the question of elves has not been explored in depth, in particular, it has never been completely clarified why they have served wizarding families for so long. What is certain is that their role, initially relegated to servitude, has undergone a significant evolution and that, after the Battle of Hogwarts, many have begun to reconsider their condition. Furthermore, Hermione, in her role at the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, has certainly contributed to improving the conditions of the elves, who were no longer forced to serve without being paid or mistreated.

Source: ScreenRant