Owl Post

One of my favorite things in all of the wizarding world are the owls. I think they are brilliant. The entire system of mail is so intriguing. I have long wondered certain things about the owl mail system, and long marveled at other things. So much that I decided to write an entire post, devoted these feathered friends.

We have talked about Hedwig at length before, so I won't spend much time on her here. I will just say that I love Hedwig, and I think that she is amazing. But one thing that Hedwig emphasizes is that owls are not just for sending letters. Allow me to diverge from the post topic for just a moment here. Owls become beloved pets. Hedwig was a companion to Harry, the thing that helped him get through the long summers at the Dursley's. These animals are cared for, and used just as much as pets as they are mail carriers.

But now back to the post itself. I see mail being split into two categories, sent and received. I see sent as being very straightforward. Basically you give your letter to your owl, or if you don't own one then another owl, and they take your letter to the recipient. It does however have a few elements that I am curious about. I have always wondered how exactly the owls knew where the letters go. Could they read the address? Then can owls, as well as other animals, read? Or did you tell them (if so why write the address)? Did they just know, instinctively perhaps? It has always been something I have wondered. I have also always wondered how they were able to find you, or the recipient of your letter, when you have changed locations. Do owls have some kind of homing beacon that they use to find whoever they are looking for. Once again, I find these kinds of things intriguing.

But there is another question that has always bugged me as I read, this related to receiving letters. How does your owl know that someone else would like to send you a message. Hedwig delivers several letters to Harry from Hagrid, as well as a gift from Hermione. How does Hedwig know that they need to send a letter to Harry?

I love owls. I think that JKR found a really interesting way to make a mail system. It seems to wonderful, and somehow a very fitting way for magical people to communicate. I can't exactly tell you why though. As you can see this post is composed of more answers than questions. I invite you to comment on anything above, I would love to hear what you guys have to say.

Calie Holden