Life lessons we learned from Hagrid in 'Harry Potter'

In October 2022, Robbie Coltrane, the veteran Scottish actor who played the beloved half-giant Rubeus Hagrid in the 'Harry Potter' films, passed away.

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Coltrane said in an interview while filming 'The Harry Potter reunion' that the legacy of the movies would live on. "You could be watching them in 50 years time, easy. I will not be here, sadly, but Hagrid will," he said.

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Coltrane’s quote went viral on social media after his passing because it resonated with so many Harry Potter fans. Hagrid was one of the public’s preferred characters and a lot could be learned from the gentle giant. Here are a few life lessons Hagrid left us with.

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At first glance, Hagrid seems frightening: a giant of a man with long, shaggy hair and a wild beard. But as time goes by, we discover that he is anything but scary.

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Hagrid himself never judges based on appearance. In fact, the scarier reputation a creature has, the more likely Hagrid is to sympathize. He even has a pet spider and he always shows kindness towards animals and other creatures alike.

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Hagrid always emphasizes the power of being oneself, something he tells Harry when he first arrives at Hogwarts. Being an outcast himself, Hagrid understands the value of being appreciated - but never at the cost of changing who you are.

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"I am what I am, en' I'm not ashamed. 'Never be ashamed,' my ol' dad used ter say, 'there’s some who'll hold it against you, but they're not worth botherin' with," Hagrid says to Harry after they discover at Hogwarts that his mother was a giantess.

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Hagrid teaches Hogwarts students to keep their chins up in the face of adversity. He tells them that there's no use in worrying. "What’s comin' will come, an' we’ll meet it when it does," is one of the half-giant's most remarkable quotes.

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Hagrid's parents pass away during his years at Hogwarts and Albus Dumbledore steps in. Hagrid finds a family in Dumbledore, in Hogwarts, and later, in Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

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Hagrid loves Dumbledore, arguably more than anyone else in the film series. He trusts in the wizard’s wisdom and knows that experience is the greatest teacher.

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Dumbledore, in turn, trusts Hagrid fully because he knows he's loyal to him. When Professor McGonagall asks him: "You think it wise to trust Hagrid with something as important as this?" Dumbledore answers: "I would trust Hagrid with my life"

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When he's a student, Hagrid is wrongfully accused of opening the Chamber of Secrets and attacking students with his pet acromantula. Although he was framed, he gets expelled and is only allowed to live in the school as the groundskeeper.

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So even though Hagrid never actually finishes his time at Hogwarts, he is given a teaching position as the Care of Magical Creatures professor.

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Despite the fact that he didn't finish his schooling at Hogwarts, Hagrid is an amazing life teacher. In fact, anyone can be so, if we are willing to listen and learn.

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Hagrid stands by Harry even when the Goblet of Fire spits out his name: "You believe I didn't do it, then?" Asks Harry with a rush of gratitude. "Course I do. You say it wasn't you and I believe yeh."

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Hagrid bakes Harry his first birthday cake, gives him a photo album to keep him company, and makes sure he is okay every summer they're apart. He also takes care of Ron, Hermione, his brother, Dumbledore, and his creatures. He's a true keeper. "There is no Hogwarts without you, Hagrid."

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