Wanda Maximoff: A More Harrowing Life Than Harry Potter in the MCU

While many fictional characters can be said to have had challenging lives, Wanda Maximoff stands out as one of the most harrowing. In this article, we delve into the early life, trials, and tribulations faced by Wanda Maximoff, also known as Scarlet Witch, compared to Harry Potter. We'll explore the similarities and stark differences in their journeys through life’s hardships, making a compelling case that Wanda's story is even more difficult.

Early Life and Burden

Compared to Harry Potter, Wanda Maximoff had an inherently easier start in life. She grew up with loving parents and a brother, albeit in a war-torn and impoverished country. Her parents, Wanda Maximoff Sr. and Druig, worked hard to make ends meet. However, this relative stability was short-lived. Wanda, like Harry, lost her parents in front of her eyes as a child. Unlike Harry, Wanda was not an infant, but rather a child. She vividly remembered and fully understood the event, grappling with the loss of her parents far more deeply than Harry did. Her brother, Pietro, remained by her side, but they both were left to fend for themselves, akin to Harry's enriching but emotionally unfulfilling life with the Dursleys.

War and Trauma

Wanda and Pietro were orphaned and had to eke out a living in a war-torn country. They sought vengeance, similar to Harry's Dumbledore-inspired actions, but their road was far more brutal. Wanda and her brother were involved in a war without respite, unlike Harry's brief respites at Hogwarts. They were orphaned, with no guidance from mentors like Dumbledore. Wanda didn't even know she had powers until adulthood, a stark contrast to Harry's early discovery of magic. Her journey was far more isolated, marked by a series of tests, experiments, and eventual alignment with clandestine organizations, much like the dark path Harry faced with Sirius and the Death Eaters.

Lack of Support and Mentorship

Wanda's life lacked crucial figures like Dumbledore, Hagrid, and McGonagall who guided and supported Harry. Her interactions with myriad villainous figures - Stark, Hydra, Thanos - left her often alone and in dire straits. The closest mentor she had, Agatha Harkness, exploited her fragility and manipulated her for her own ends, a far cry from the benign and protective guidance Harry received. Wanda's personal “Ginny” figure, Vision, was repeatedly taken away, leaving her without a true connection or stable home life.

The Battle Against Evil and Personal Sacrifices

Wanda’s battle against evil is not just a personal vendetta but also a quest for freedom and vengeance. Her quest led to the creation of Ultron, who then became her adversary. Like Voldemort made Harry a Horcrux, Thanos used Vision as a means to accomplish his goals, leaving Wanda to face the horrifying prospect of losing Him and her children in the annihilation of half the universe. The moral and emotional weight of these decisions was overwhelming. Despite reclaiming her love and children, Wanda was left alone and in a state of perpetual trauma.

Aaron’s House, a New Beginning, and Dark Destiny

Wanda’s final journey is marked by a temporary respite in the UK, where she found a semblance of normalcy with Vision. However, the universe’s balance was disrupted by Thanos, and Wanda was placed in a dire situation where she had to sacrifice her lover to stop him. The subsequent events with the Darkhold further deepened Wanda’s spiral into darkness, culminating in her ultimate sacrifice. Wanda never found the love, mentorship, or true happiness that characters like Harry did, making her struggles in life all the more poignant.

The Contrast with Harry Potter’s Life

While Harry Potter had an infant’s loss of parents and a childhood filled with magical education and mentorship leading to a happy ending, Wanda Maximoff’s life was a series of continuous struggles. She had no magical education, no supportive mentor, and little to no chance to live a full, happy life. Her daily life was filled with trauma, loss, and sacrifice, without the attendant rewards and recognition that Harry found in Hogwarts and the wizarding world.

Wanda’s story resonates with countless people across the world, particularly in conflict zones and war-torn regions. Her life serves as a poignant reminder of the horrors and traumas faced by many, highlighting the need for understanding and empathy in the face of incredible challenges.