In the worlds of pop culture and fiction, it's hard to imagine a series that is more beloved and universally recognized as the Harry Potter franchise. In the years during and since its release, Harry Potter became a cultural juggernaut unlike anything the world has ever seen, and it doesn't seem like its reputation as one of the greatest stories ever told is going anywhere anytime soon.
As a book series, it's safe to say that Harry Potter is chock full of amazing and memorable quotes. Some of them are perfect embodiments of a certain character, and others are just thoughts and philosophies that are inspiring and clever. But–regardless of why–they're quotes that have stuck in the hearts and minds of fans for years. So for anyone who is considering getting a tattoo in honor of their favorite series, here are a few short Harry Potter quotes that would make great tattoos.
Updated January 2nd, 2022 by Hilary Elizabeth: Harry Potter has one of the most devoted and enthusiastic fanbases in media history, and it seems like interest in the franchise will never end. A significant reason why the story sticks with so many people and touches them deeply is that it deftly communicates a lot of ideas and philosophies that fans can relate to or aspire to. There are many wonderful lines in Harry Potter, but some are so great they're worthy of some more permanent ink.
Staying Strong
Don’t Let The Muggles Get You Down.
Muggles are non-magical people, as opposed to the wizards and witches who use magic. One of the core themes of Harry Potter is that everyone has value, regardless of their abilities. But there are people who suck the magic out of life, those who do not see or understand the inherent mysticism of the world. The best example of the hostility of Muggles is probably the Dursleys, whose pursuit of a normal life led them to abuse Harry and try to keep him from Hogwarts.
Technically, this line is rephrasing an older saying, but the books reword it to capture the spirit of the original quote while removing the profanity.
Another Adventure
To The Well-Organized Mind, Death Is But The Next Great Adventure.
People fear death. But there is a mystery and transcendence to the end of life as well. Often, tattoos serve to honor a loved one who has ed, but they can also represent an ideal. This line can help in commemorating an adventurous soul or a person whose mind was particularly well organized before they departed for the next great adventure, but it is also a great attitude to approach moving through life.
This is a bit of a longer quote, but there is a profound nature to it. It might also work well with an image of the Deathly Hallows since one of the three brothers learned to greet Death as an old friend.
The Trouble With The Truth
The Truth. It Is A Brilliant But Terrible Thing.
The truth hurts. This is an old truism often cited, and yet that does not mean the truth is a bad thing. In the first book, Albus Dumbledore evokes the beauty and terror of honesty with this simple quote.
Immediately afterward, Dumbledore warns to handle the truth with caution. That, however, is a matter worth debating, as many of the secrets that are hidden from people in the series led to greater conflict and suffering (just think of how the Ministry of Magic was too cautious with the reality of Voldemort's return).
Finding Strength In Each Other
We Are As Strong As We Are United.
This is another nugget of wisdom Dumbledore offers at the end of The Goblet of Fire, telling his students as much after Voldemort’s resurrection during the climax of the book. Through solidarity, people can defeat anything. Voldemort tried to divide people. He preyed on Muggles, people born to Muggles, and invoked bigotry, whereas Dumbledore’s Army and the other heroes brought all of the forces of the magical community together to defeat Voldemort during the epic Battle of Hogwarts.
There is a second line to this quote. “We are as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided". This is also a brilliant tattoo option, but the first half of the quote is strong on its own.
A Magical Introduction
Yer A Wizard, Harry.
One of the most quoted lines in the whole series is when Hagrid finds Harry in the tiny shack where the Dursleys have taken him and tells him “Yer a wizard, Harry.” Many people have spent their whole lives waiting for their letter to Hogwarts, that call summoning them to a world of magic and possibility.
This is the sort of line that sticks with people forever. Obviously, when making it into a tattoo, it could have a different name attached to the end or could be worked into a piece of art.
Intimidating Intellect
Brilliant…but scary.
Of course, real Harry Potter fans know that this particularly awesome quote is in reference to the incomparable Hermione Granger, but it's the kind of quote that everyone wishes could be said about themselves too.
So, for anyone looking to get a tattoo that honors their love of Harry Potter, love of themselves, and that will intimidate the hell out of everyone who sees it, this seems like the perfect Harry Potter quote to nail that trifecta. Also, even if someone doesn't feel particularly brilliant and scary sometimes, why not get a quote tattoo that will inspire Granger-level greatness?
It's All Relative.
You’re just as sane as I am.
It's rare that characters have one particular line or saying that seems to sum up their entire personality, but "you’re just as sane as I am" is as close as anyone could get when it comes to Luna Lovegood.
Luna Lovegood is a genius witch and genius person in her own way, and although this is definitely a quirky quote to get permanently inked, it's a good reminder that existing outside of the box can be a really good thing. Luna might be a little off the wall, but it's what makes her special, and there's nothing wrong with snagging some of that specialness in tattoo form.
A Darker Take
There is no good and evil. There is only power, and those too weak to seek it.
Although the Harry Potter series is rife with inspiring and heroic lines, there are plenty of fans who are more interested in the darker side of the narrative. Voldemort may be the biggest of big bads, but he makes his moral philosophy clear here, and his desire for unlimited, absolute power is obvious.
If any Potterhead wants to memorialize the ultimate villain or they simply agree with Voldemort's ruthlessly pragmatic outlook on the nature of power, then this is a great option.
Staying Grounded
It does not do well to dwell on dreams and forget to live.
Albus Dumbledore has always been one of the wisest characters in the Harry Potter universe, and he may be one of the most insightful characters in general.
And his quote about getting lost in dreams and forgetting to live life is a good reminder for everyone to keep dreaming, but don't lose sight of the beauty and pain that exists within the real world too. Dreams can be good or bad, but they're too ephemeral to let them overtake reality, and Dumbledore never forgot that.
Educational Devotion
We could all have been killed. Or worse, expelled.
Hermione is such an extreme character that she has a lot of extremely memorable quotes, but one of her best has got to be this one. It perfectly sums up Hermione's personality, and although her intensity might be considered a little over the top, it would make a great tattoo for a few reasons.
Firstly, it's a pretty iconic Harry Potter quote in general. Secondly, if Hermione is a particular favorite, then what better way to honor her? But lastly, although Hermione's extremism is a lot to deal with, her determination to achieve her goals on pain of death is pretty inspiring.
