The Dobby Memorial
We all know Potterheads – the huge fanbase of the Harry Potter books and the movies starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint. We are no strangers to the cult-like following that the series of books and movies have amassed over time. Over time, the fans have tried to honour the characters and the lore of the movies, developing shrines, their own events and the like. They have also been accused of causing a ruckus from time to time, which is common to every devoted fanbase.
Harry Potter: Authorities React to Leaving Socks At Dobby’s Memorial
A beloved character from the Harry Potter series, Dobby, the house elf is remembered for his devotion to Harry. The character who had died in Harry’s arms — had been set free by Harry who had offered him a sock. This motif, however, is causing some troubles as of late. At Freshwater West on Pembrokeshire, the seaside where the scene from Harry Potter Deathly Hallows Part 1 was shot – fans had made a memorial piling up stones and making a makeshift shrine of sorts. However, trouble started brewing when fans, in an attempt to commemorate the now-iconic gesture from the movie, started leaving socks at the shrine.
This, as local authorities have pointed out, does no favors for the ecological conditions of the spot. Sky News reports that one of the spokespeople for the authorities said, “We love welcoming people to Freshwater West to enjoy this special place. When visiting the memorial to Dobby, we ask that visitors leave no trace. In order to protect marine wildlife – including gray seals, harbor porpoise, and seabirds – from plastic pollution in the marine environment and food chain, we are urging visitors to take photos only when visiting the memorial.”
He also pointed out that the Dobby could have been twice buried by the accumulated sand, and the price of the accumulated socks is going to adversely affect the biodiversity of the region. The spot was also utilized for the Robin Hood movie starring Russell Crowe. It is to be seen, though, if fans try to abide by the pleas that the authorities have been making, and find ways to commemorate a spot so important to them in ways that do not affect the region poorly.
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