A Whispered Beginning
From the shadows of the New Salem Philanthropic Society to the manipulative grasp of Gellert Grindelwald, the story of Credence Barebone in the *Fantastic Beasts* series is one of profound tragedy. A young man shrouded in mystery, his existence challenges our understanding of power, trauma, and the complex tapestry of the wizarding world. This article will delve into the intricacies of Credence’s character, the destructive power of the Obscurus within him, and the significant impact he has on the unfolding narrative of the *Fantastic Beasts* films.
Credence Barebone first appears in *Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them* as a quiet, seemingly innocuous young man. He is a member of the New Salem Philanthropic Society, a group dedicated to the eradication of witchcraft and the subjugation of magic. His existence is a testament to the quiet devastation caused by repression and the horrors of a world that shuns those deemed “different.” His physical appearance—thin, pale, and with a nervous energy—betrays the internal turmoil he struggles to contain. He is the picture of vulnerability, a boy constantly looking over his shoulder, afraid of what might be lurking in the dark.
His relationship with Mary Lou Barebone, the merciless leader of the New Salem group, is a key element in understanding his tragedy. She subjects him to emotional and physical abuse, a cruel system designed to break his spirit. This maltreatment, coupled with his suppressed magical abilities, creates the perfect breeding ground for the manifestation of an Obscurus. This is the crucible of his destiny, the beginning of a path that will ultimately lead to pain, confusion, and manipulation. His existence is a heartbreaking illustration of how external pressures and internal battles can shape a life.
The seeds of Credence’s tragedy were sown even before his formal introduction to the world. Whispers of extraordinary abilities, though veiled in silence, hint at something more, a power simmering beneath the surface of his repressed existence.
The Fury Within: Unveiling the Obscurus
The Obscurus is a key aspect of Credence’s being and understanding its nature is crucial to understanding the character. Within the wizarding world, an Obscurus is the manifestation of repressed magical energy, a dark and volatile force born from the inability to express one’s magical identity. This phenomenon typically emerges in young wizards or witches who are forced to suppress their magic, usually through fear of persecution or social pressure. Children who cannot control their magic are more likely to develop an Obscurus; it is rare for wizards who can control their magic to develop one.
The creation of an Obscurus is more common in children than adults; if the host is too young to properly control their magic and they are forced to suppress it, the magic manifests into an uncontrollable force. The force can only truly wreak havoc when triggered by distress. The Obscurus is a dangerous entity; it is often fatal to its host, and the survival of an Obscurial, especially one as old as Credence, is incredibly rare.
For Credence, the Obscurus is both a weapon and a curse. It is a source of immense power, capable of devastating destruction. However, it also acts as a cage, trapping him within a cycle of fear, confusion, and self-destruction. The Obscurus is triggered by his anger, his fear, and his desperate need for acceptance. When activated, it manifests as a swirling, dark cloud, a tangible representation of his inner turmoil.
The manifestations of the Obscurus in Credence are terrifying to behold. His physical form shifts, twisting and contorting as the destructive force takes over. He moves with incredible speed and strength, leaving a trail of devastation in his wake. His destruction is not purposeful; it is simply the uncontrollable expression of his inner pain, a volcanic eruption of all the emotions he has been forced to keep bottled up. His loss of control signifies the extent to which his own identity has been eroded.
The Threads of Connection: Relationships That Shape His Fate
Credence’s life is defined by the relationships that shape him, for better or, far more tragically, for worse. Each interaction leaves an imprint, further entangling him in a web of deception, manipulation, and ultimately, heartbreak.
Mary Lou Barebone is the first to exploit Credence’s vulnerability. Her abuse and prejudice establish the conditions that allow the Obscurus to take hold. She actively prevents him from finding comfort or self-expression, turning him into a weapon against the world. She is driven by a hatred of magic, but ultimately, her actions are driven by a deeper pathology, a desire for control and the projection of her own failings onto the youth in her care.
Percival Graves, in reality, Gellert Grindelwald, is another key influence. Pretending to be an Auror, Grindelwald seeks Credence out, not out of genuine concern, but because of his potential. He sees in Credence a powerful weapon, an instrument he can use to wreak havoc on the wizarding world and further his own twisted agenda. He promises Credence answers about his past, a sense of belonging, and ultimately, a sense of purpose. He uses his charm and charisma to manipulate Credence, exploiting his longing for family and connection.
Queenie Goldstein, in contrast, offers Credence a fleeting moment of genuine kindness. Her ability to see into his emotions allows her to understand his pain. Though her intentions are pure, her connection with Credence is short-lived, and her influence is ultimately overshadowed by Grindelwald’s manipulative power. She offers compassion, but her reach is limited by the circumstances of the conflict.
The potential relationship with Dumbledore adds another layer to the already complex dynamic of his life. The suggestion, in *The Crimes of Grindelwald*, that Credence may be a long-lost Dumbledore family member introduces another element of his tragedy. He has been shaped by the actions of his abusers, but a potential link to a great family opens a painful irony. This adds an emotional layer to Credence’s turmoil as he desperately seeks to understand his family.
Each of these relationships contributes to the devastating spiral that leads to Credence’s tragic fate, each pulling him in a different direction, and ultimately, stripping him of his sense of self.
From Darkness to (Potential) Darkness: Credence’s Journey Through the Films
In *Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them*, Credence is the center of a dangerous quest, a search for a magical creature in New York. His struggles come to a head, as the protagonists investigate a series of mysterious attacks. The conflict boils to a point, where Credence is confronted by his abuser, Mary Lou, and his suppressed magic is unleashed. His Obscurus wreaks havoc, and he is ultimately left with uncertainty about the fate of his life, the world around him, and himself. His apparent death, at the hands of Percival Graves, leaves the audience with more questions than answers.
*The Crimes of Grindelwald* reveals that Credence survived, in a shocking twist. Under Grindelwald’s manipulation, he embraces a new name and a new purpose. Grindelwald reveals Credence’s supposed lineage, as a member of the Dumbledore family. This revelation further fuels Credence’s desire for connection and belonging, but in reality, it simply serves Grindelwald’s goal of drawing Credence into his circle of power. The film ends with Credence seemingly allied with Grindelwald, leaving his destiny uncertain.
A Portrait of Suffering: Exploring Themes and Interpretations
Credence’s character is rich with thematic depth, representing far more than just a character in the *Fantastic Beasts* saga. He embodies the devastating consequences of abuse, the silencing of identity, and the seductive nature of power. His struggles are a powerful mirror, reflecting on the broader issues that impact society.
Credence is a victim of abuse, his mistreatment by Mary Lou establishing the conditions for the manifestation of his Obscurus. This demonstrates the damaging effect of trauma and the importance of creating safe and nurturing environments for vulnerable individuals. He is the unfortunate face of the dangers of prejudice and intolerance, highlighting the destructive impact of societal rejection.
He also embodies the destructive power of repression and the suppression of identity. The Obscurus itself is a manifestation of this internal conflict, a physical representation of the consequences of denying one’s true self. The constant need to hide, to pretend, and to remain silent creates a climate of fear that fuels the internal struggle. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of self-acceptance, the danger of conformity, and the need for open communication.
Grindelwald’s manipulation of Credence highlights the dangers of power, and the allure of belonging. Credence is driven by a deep desire for connection and acceptance, making him vulnerable to Grindelwald’s promises. The character arc illustrates the seductive nature of promises of power, especially for those who feel marginalized or disenfranchised. His story serves as a warning about the dangers of blindly following charismatic figures and the importance of critical thinking.
A Lasting Impression
Credence Barebone is a character whose story resonates long after the credits roll. His tragic tale offers a critical view of prejudice, abuse, and the destructive consequences of suppressing one’s true self. He highlights the power of trauma and the need for compassion. He is a potent symbol of the pain caused by intolerance and the importance of acceptance. His story also asks us to think about the dangerous allure of promises, especially when they come from people with hidden agendas.
Credence’s place in the saga is secure. His influence shapes the actions of other characters and serves as a constant reminder of the darkness that can exist within the wizarding world. What does the future hold for Credence Barebone? Will he find true acceptance or is he doomed to walk a path of destruction? Only time will tell what his future holds, but it will surely be one filled with pain, confusion, and likely, more tragedy. Credence’s journey is not over, and the weight of his fate, and the hope for a different future, linger in the air.
