Quidditch Sweeps the Real World

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It’s a beautiful season to be outside. So I, of course, have spent an unreasonable amount of time crouched indoors, bathed in the warm glow of my computer screen, watching the new Harry Potter trailer. Please allow me to stipulate that: 1) I am a huge nerd; and 2) These movies are going to blow all of our minds.

The Deathly Hallows, of course, is the walloping and highly un-fun finale of J.K. Rowling’s seven-part wizarding epic. The one that starts with a heavy-duty quote from Aeschylus; the one where cutesy antics in the Gryffindor common room end and the straight-up slaying of dark wizards begins. For example, Deathly Hallows completely lacks Quidditch, Rowling’s twee but gravity-defying contribution to the imaginary sports world. Even though the Hallows movie adaptation comes in two huge installments, the golden age of cinematic Quidditch is over.

Fortunately, there is hope.

[vimeo][/vimeo]

Yes, the Muggles have taken to Quidditch. In one of the most inspiring sports-world developments since Webb Ellis allegedly picked up the ball at Rugby School in 1824, American college and high school kids have adapted Rowling’s magical game to non-magical life. Founded in 2007, the Intercollegiate Quidditch Association now stages a major (well, okay—elaborate) “World Cup” tournament every year. The game is spreading among the nation’s athletic but unselfconscious youth.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hla26NXLkQQ

While rules that require a broom between the legs at all times and allow for vicious bludger use may make this a physically risky endeavor, I personally hope terrestrial Quidditch enjoys long-term success. After all, the development of a few more sharp-eyed Seekers can only help our economy and national security.

[vimeo][/vimeo]

Let’s go, you Chudley Cannons! Bless the Children, give them triumph now!