JK Rowling: ‘Remus Lupin’s werewolf condition is a metaphor for HIV’
JK Rowling, the author behind the Harry Potter franchise has released three new e-books to give Potter fans some more background on the world of wizardry, the Metro reports.
In one book, Short Stories From Hogwarts of Heroism, Hardship and Dangerous Hobbies, she reveals that Remus Lupin is one of her “favourite characters in the entire Potter series” and explains his entire backstory. The author also revealed that his werewolf condition is a metaphor for HIV and AIDS.
“Lupin’s condition of lycanthropy was a metaphor for those illnesses that carry a stigma, like HIV and AIDS,” Rowling wrote.
“All kinds of superstitions seem to surround blood-borne conditions, probably due to taboos surrounding blood itself. The wizarding community is as prone to hysteria and prejudice as the Muggle one, and the character of Lupin gave me a chance to examine those attitudes.”
Remus Lupin was a former Hogwarts teacher and was bitten by a werewolf as a child who wanted revenge on Lupin’s father.
Rowling reminded fans that despite the stigma, Lupin found acceptance with a wife, son and wonderful friends.
Earlier this week Rowling suffered backlash from Potter fans after they believed she had said that Sirius Black, one of Lupin’s close friends, is not gay.
The misunderstanding led to fans attacking the author and using the ‘#JKRowlingIsOverParty’ hashtag.
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