Credence Barebone is one of the most enigmatic and tragic characters in the Fantastic Beasts film series, part of the larger Wizarding World created by J.K. Rowling. His story, filled with mystery, pain, and power, is central to the events unfolding in the ongoing conflict between Gellert Grindelwald and Albus Dumbledore. Through his complex journey, Credence touches on themes of identity, repression, and manipulation, making him a pivotal figure in the new era of Wizarding World storytelling. This article explores the life of Credence Barebone, his role as an obscurial, and the deeper layers of his character within the broader narrative.
Early Life: A Child of Repression
Credence Barebone’s early life is marred by neglect, abuse, and the suppression of his magical abilities. He was adopted by Mary Lou Barebone, the stern leader of the New Salem Philanthropic Society (NSPS), an anti-magic organization in 1920s New York. The NSPS was fervently devoted to rooting out witches and wizards, believing magic to be the root of evil. Mary Lou raised Credence, along with her other foster children, under an iron fist, teaching them to hate magic—ironic, given that Credence himself was born with magical abilities.
Under Mary Lou’s oppressive and violent upbringing, Credence’s natural magic was forced inward, leading to the creation of an obscurus. An obscurus is a dark, parasitic force that forms when a young witch or wizard suppresses their magical abilities due to fear or repression. Most obscurials—children harboring an obscurus—do not survive past childhood because the strain of holding back their magic becomes too great. But Credence, now a young adult, survives, which speaks to his exceptional strength and latent power as a wizard.
The Tragedy of Being an Obscurial
In the Wizarding World, the existence of obscurials is rare, and they are considered highly dangerous. An obscurus is created when magical energy is suppressed for too long, causing it to manifest as a destructive and uncontrollable force. The concept of an obscurial can be seen as a metaphor for the dangers of repressing one’s true nature, whether due to societal pressure, fear, or external control. In Credence’s case, the abuse he endured as a child directly led to the formation of his obscurus, making him both a victim and a threat.
The outbursts of an obscurial are often catastrophic, as seen in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016), where Credence’s obscurus causes massive destruction in New York City. The obscurus manifests when Credence’s emotions—especially his anger, fear, and desperation—become overwhelming. For much of his life, he had no control over this dark force, and its violent eruptions reflect the deep emotional scars left by years of abuse and the suppression of his true self.
Manipulation by Grindelwald
Credence’s story takes a darker turn when he is targeted by Gellert Grindelwald, one of the most powerful dark wizards of the age. Disguised as Percival Graves, Grindelwald manipulates Credence, exploiting his vulnerability and lack of identity. Grindelwald, who seeks to find and weaponize a powerful obscurial, initially sees Credence as a tool for his plans to overthrow the magical order and establish a world where wizards rule over Muggles (non-magical people).
Grindelwald’s manipulation of Credence is insidious. He pretends to care about Credence, offering him the validation and belonging that he has always sought. Growing up in an abusive household, Credence never experienced love or acceptance, and Grindelwald uses this to his advantage. In the first Fantastic Beasts film, Credence is led to believe that Grindelwald can help him find his true identity. This manipulation continues in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018), where Grindelwald promises Credence answers about his past, feeding him lies to further his own dark ambitions.
The Revelation: Aurelius Dumbledore
The revelation that Credence may be Aurelius Dumbledore, a long-lost member of the famous Dumbledore family, adds another layer of complexity to his character. At the end of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, Grindelwald reveals to Credence that he is Aurelius Dumbledore, the younger brother of Albus Dumbledore. This shocking twist has major implications not only for Credence but for the entire storyline of the Fantastic Beasts franchise.
If Credence is indeed a Dumbledore, it would explain the extraordinary magical power he possesses. The Dumbledore family is known for producing wizards of exceptional ability, and Credence’s survival as an obscurial is evidence of his strength. However, Grindelwald’s intentions are far from pure. He uses Credence’s newfound identity as a way to manipulate him further, telling Credence that it is his destiny to destroy Albus Dumbledore, who stands in the way of Grindelwald’s vision for a new world order.
Whether Grindelwald’s claim about Credence’s heritage is true remains one of the central mysteries of the Fantastic Beasts series. The ambiguity surrounding his lineage adds to Credence’s internal struggle. Is he truly a Dumbledore, or is Grindelwald using his desperation for belonging and identity as a means to control him? The possibility of being connected to one of the most powerful wizarding families in history only deepens Credence’s confusion about who he truly is.
The Symbolism of Credence Barebone
Credence’s character serves as a symbol of the destructive power of repression and the search for identity. His life is marked by a constant battle between his true nature and the forces that seek to control or suppress him, whether it’s Mary Lou Barebone’s abusive parenting or Grindelwald’s manipulative schemes. As an obscurial, Credence represents the consequences of trying to force someone to deny their natural abilities and potential.
His internal struggle mirrors broader themes found in the Wizarding World, particularly the dangers of prejudice and intolerance. Like other marginalized figures in J.K. Rowling’s universe, Credence is ostracized and feared because of something he cannot change—his magic. His journey to understand his identity reflects the universal human need for acceptance and belonging.
Moreover, Credence’s character arc highlights the impact of trauma. The obscurus that festers within him is a physical manifestation of the emotional scars left by years of abuse, neglect, and manipulation. His volatile outbursts are symbolic of the deep pain that results from denying one’s true self and being denied love and compassion.
The Role of Credence in the Grindelwald-Dumbledore Conflict
Credence Barebone’s fate is tightly woven into the larger narrative of the conflict between Grindelwald and Dumbledore. Grindelwald sees Credence as a powerful weapon in his war against the established magical order, while Dumbledore, bound by his own past relationship with Grindelwald, is determined to prevent the dark wizard from gaining control. The prophecy that hints at a member of the Dumbledore family being key to Grindelwald’s downfall adds another layer of intrigue to the story.
Albus Dumbledore’s reluctance to face Grindelwald directly stems from their complicated past, but it also positions Credence as a possible bridge between the two wizards. Whether Credence will ultimately side with Grindelwald or find redemption remains one of the most compelling questions in the series. His journey is not only one of self-discovery but also one of moral choice.
Conclusion
Credence Barebone’s character is one of the most tragic and layered in the Fantastic Beasts series. As an obscurial, he represents the consequences of repression and the pain that comes from denying one’s true nature. His story touches on themes of identity, power, manipulation, and the search for belonging—making him a deeply relatable and sympathetic figure, despite the immense danger he poses.
Whether Credence finds peace and redemption or continues down a path of destruction remains to be seen. His role in the ongoing battle between Grindelwald and Dumbledore ensures that his journey will have far-reaching consequences for the Wizarding World. Credence Barebone’s tragic story reminds us that even in a world of magic, the most powerful forces are often those within ourselves.