Ron, Chess and His Role

[Perdita]

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone here. :clappy:

Having read the thread on Quidditch Captain, i thought a bit further on this topic.

Premise: chess is Ron's strength, and it is also what sets him apart from everyone else. Chess and strategy was used very well in Sorcerer's Stone to show that side of his character, to empower him. Since then, we are still reading about how he beats everyone (well, Harry, really) at chess all the time.

Proposition: will Ron's expertise with chess, tactics and strategy in particular, play an important role in his character development in the future books? For example, will Ron get to command his own army of wizards and witches to fight Voldemort's Death Eaters?

I realize that the chess skills was mainly a vehicle for the story of SS, and that JKR might not want to recycle an old idea. But in this case, my proposition is not the same as in SS. I am suggesting that, perhaps, Ron might get to command real warriors (male and female), in a battle that is drawn out over a long period of time, such as two books.

I also realize that at the age of 15-16, commanding an army of real people might be too much for such a young man who is not experienced in real life combat of the military kind.

Still, does anyone else here think that bringing chess back in this form is a likely possibility?

If yes, how do you think it will come about?

[Ame]

Well I had always believed that Ron would show great potential in some area, and I had always considered that chess would be some evidence to this. Like you stated, JKR has made it a point to never let us forget how good Ron is at chess. And chess as we know is a game of strategy. I think this maybe of some importance, but I highly doubt that he will be given command of an army of wizard and witches. Perhaps when he is older and out of school. No, I always thought that his skill would come in handy for the qudditch team. I hope he gets a spot on the team, and perhaps his ability with strategy will gain him a place as captain or co-captain.

[lanifiel]

I'm with Ame, the showing of Ron's strength in stategy and planning will br brought up again when he gets his position on teh Qudditich team and everyone starts listening to him...

[Camo]

I was just looking up Ron's name and it seems to have come from the name "Running Weasel" who was a warlord in the 6th Dynasty. He was a brilliant statigist, and he never lost a game of chess.

However, he died when a rat that had been dyed yellow by his soldiers for fun earlier that day, knocked over a lamp in his palace, burning it to the ground, and killing Running Weasel.

Also, in Philosopher's Stone, Ron tries to turn Scabbers yellow but fails, so Pettigrew (Scabbers) may play a part in killing Ron or something.

It seems to coincidental to be false and JK has uses many myths and legends in her stories.

[AvidSkyRise]

I think that chess will definitely play a part with Ron's character, even if not openly obvious I think that somehow his chess skills will come into play later because otherwise there would be no point (Except for SS) when he would use this.
Also, where are the other mentions of him playing chess in the other three books?? I don't seem to recall those.

[joelaughing]

Im pretty sure that running weasel thing is a hoax. Somewhere on these boards someone said that they researched it and nothing came up except in HP sites or something. Maybe if hogwarts is attacked and there are no teachers around but a lot of students ron will be strategic and the students will fight back, maybe its a bit far fetched but i am confidnent that hogwarts WILL be attacked at some point and that student will fight back.

[Hagrid442]

I agree that his aptitude at chess will come into play sometime. When I posted on the Quidditch Captain thread, I noted that this was my reasoning for making Ron the eventual captain. Because Ron is so average at everything, he needs something to excel at. Chess is the only thing given that he is better than anyone else.

It's interesting to speculate on what this could mean in the future. However, in the hypothetical situation whereHogwarts is attacked and the teachers incapacitated somehow, I believe it's Harry that would be the leader. He would be the one showing bravery in the face of danger. But, Ron, could be his right-hand man as a strategist.

[Ame]

I agree with Joelaughing! I too think that Hogwarts will be attacked but not until the 7th book. And it just may be the students who'll defend Hogwarts. I look forward to seeing Ron prove he's not just the comic relief in the trio. I said it before, and I'll say it again, I believe JKR has a big plan for Ron.

[Cat]

Originally posted by joelaughing
Im pretty sure that running weasel thing is a hoax. Somewhere on these boards someone said that they researched it and nothing came up except in HP sites or something. Maybe if hogwarts is attacked and there are no teachers around but a lot of students ron will be strategic and the students will fight back, maybe its a bit far fetched but i am confidnent that hogwarts WILL be attacked at some point and that student will fight back.

I did. I'm positive it's a hoax, I used about five search engines and a couple of encyclopaedias. Not a bean. Except for the Harry Potter websites that hold this 'fact', I mean. Surely somebody with all these facts around him would be floating about somewhere?

Originally posted by Ame
I agree with Joelaughing! I too think that Hogwarts will be attacked but not until the 7th book. And it just may be the students who'll defend Hogwarts. I look forward to seeing Ron prove he's not just the comic relief in the trio. I said it before, and I'll say it again, I believe JKR has a big plan for Ron.

He already has! I don't believe he ever was just 'comic relief'. We don't even need relief from a comical series.

[joelaughing]

thanks cat, i never really believed that and im glad you proved its just a hoax. Yeah, i agree with hagrid442, harry would lead the students but ron would be the strategist.

[daniel4hp]

He already has! I don't believe he ever was just 'comic relief'. We don't even need relief from a comical series.
Yeah, it was only in the movie that Ron was turned into a comic relief character.

[AvidSkyRise]

I'm not sure about all the students fighthing for Hogwarts, seems a bit far fetched to me. I think if most of the students fought Voldemort and his minions could kill them extremely easily and a lot of them would die. Harry would surely be the leader (he is the books namesake after all lol) and Ron and Hermione would of course help him but I would really like to see JKR make Ron into a hero because he's my favorite character and I think that he is overshadowed by Harry and Hermione a lot because Harry is the brave one and Hermione is the smart one. I would like to see him be Quidditch captain or something cool like that. Ron deserves the recognition.

[Perdita]

Originally posted by Hagrid442
I agree that his aptitude at chess will come into play sometime. When I posted on the Quidditch Captain thread, I noted that this was my reasoning for making Ron the eventual captain. Because Ron is so average at everything, he needs something to excel at. Chess is the only thing given that he is better than anyone else.

It's interesting to speculate on what this could mean in the future. However, in the hypothetical situation whereHogwarts is attacked and the teachers incapacitated somehow, I believe it's Harry that would be the leader. He would be the one showing bravery in the face of danger. But, Ron, could be his right-hand man as a strategist.

Hello again everyone,

I agree that Harry would be the top leader, naturally. But with him busy fighting Voldemort, you can't expect Harry to do everything and be in two or three places at the same time. Perhaps that might leave some room, or lots of room, for Ron to rise to the occassion? Okay, maybe not a whole army of students. I was thinking a bit too liberally when i wrote that. What if he just commanded a small group of 20 or so students? Maybe for a rescue of the professors and Headmaster? Or maybe a rescue of important MoM officials? Would these options be more plausible?

[Johnny Cage]

Originally posted by Ame
I agree with Joelaughing! I too think that Hogwarts will be attacked but not until the 7th book. And it just may be the students who'll defend Hogwarts. I look forward to seeing Ron prove he's not just the comic relief in the trio. I said it before, and I'll say it again, I believe JKR has a big plan for Ron.
Ame, you speak from my heart. Ron has to play a major role, but i fear it could be a grievous one. Maybe he has to make the ultimate sacrifice for Harry and Hermione. Rowling´s stated that major characters will die, and Ron is much more likelier than Hermione. I would see Ron becoming more like a contributing character than just staring at Hermione or Harry to tell him what to do.

[Filia Tenebrarum]

Originally posted by Johnny Cage
Ron has to play a major role, but i fear it could be a grievous one. Maybe he has to make the ultimate sacrifice for Harry and Hermione. Rowlings stated that major characters will die, and Ron is much more likelier than Hermione. I would see Ron becoming more like a contributing character than just staring at Hermione or Harry to tell him what to do.
I confess I hadn't really thought about this before, but now I've read this thread it seems quite clear that JKR must have plans for Ron other than watching Harry's back. So far Ron fits fairly neatly into the role of side kick, outclassed by the hero in practically every way. Except chess. So that supports the idea that it'll be the key to his greater role. I could see a situation where Hogwarts was attacked and the ministry refused to help, either because they didn't believe in the danger, because they thought Dumbledore could manage without help, or because they simpley didn't have any help left to send. If Voldemort had a big enough army, the students would _have_ to fight because otherwise they'd be outnumbered. It's just the sort of thing Dumbledore would do, using students individual talents to protect Hogwarts.
If Ron _does_ die, I hope he'll die well, not just as a sidekick being got out of the way to let the hero shine brighter.
JKR said in an interview, "Children usually beg me not to kill Ron. They seem to think he's most vulnerable as the hero's best friend...". I think (I hope!) that I hear a note of contempt in her voice for the idea that the hero's best friend is by definition likely to get the chop, or that he is expendable.

[Barbara Kennedy]

Oh, I believe that JKR has great plans for Ron Weasley. He is so much more than just a sidekick.

[Lestrange]

*sniff* I hope that Ron doesn't get killed off in the series. Wouldn't that be too predictable for Rowling, though? Something will probably be in store for Ron *crosses fingers*...Maybe he could be the Bobby Fisher of wizard's chess. :D

[NorthStar]

I've often noticed how Ron tends to take a backseat to Harry and Hermione in nearly everything to do with the books. As someone said, in the films he comes off as the weedy one waiting for orders from the others which is not how he comes over in the books. I hope he gets a chance to prove himself soon, and like many I think it will be linked to him being so good at chess and all the traits you need to play it - patience, the ability to think two or three moves ahead, strategy, anticipating your opponent, trying to lure your opponent into traps.

I don't think he's had much chance to shine yet. I hope he does soon!!

[Weatherby]

I think you're right.
Ron does have a lot of skill and he'll use it later on.
He and Harry both undervalue their own merits.

[Perdita]

Originally posted by NorthStar (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=290712#post290712))
I hope he gets a chance to prove himself soon, and like many I think it will be linked to him being so good at chess and all the traits you need to play it - patience, the ability to think two or three moves ahead, strategy, anticipating your opponent, trying to lure your opponent into traps.

I don't think he's had much chance to shine yet. I hope he does soon!!


Hi Northstar!

What you wrote sounds very exciting, and I hope to see this play out in maybe book 7. That sounds like a grand battle scene. ;)

Why do I say book 7? I think that some of the qualities that you mentioned are not apparent in his character right now. I am hoping to see glimpses of them come out of Ron in OOTP. He will need a couple of years of experience being on the team, maybe become captain, and get some experience organizing his "troop."

Two years later, we might see a totally different Ron, one who has matured, who has gained confidence and self-esteem, and who will be able to do what you described.

Those skills are learned from Quidditch games, but they are definitely applicable to real life situations. I hope his glory is not just as team captain. I really do hope it's more than that.

[aiko amaya]

Originally posted by Perdita (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=105724#post105724))
I also realize that at the age of 15-16, commanding an army of real people might be too much for such a young man who is not experienced in real life combat of the military kind.

Joan of Arc was only 17 when she lead the french, and she was a girl. I see no reason the same thing shouldn't happen to Ron. As for the harry being the leader thing, The trio is a team, without a specificied leader. Ron hasn't exactly shown all of his potentential yet but that's because JKR is saving it for a grand finale. I actually think that Ron is built up to be more of an underdog than harry which leads to to beleive he will triumph over alot of things and possibly come out better than harry.

[Michelle]

Chess needs brains. So since in other circumstances Ron seems to be the less smart in the trio, maybe his ability in chess is in the books to show that he is clever too... Just a thought...

[Girl]

didn't he only play chess in PS? i don't think much was said about it after that. I might be wrong.

[aiko amaya]

no there was nothing else said about it, but I'm sure they all played. Being good at chess gives us an idea of how his mind may work. He may be a very good stragical thinker, which could be an atribute in futur books.

[Perdita]

It is mentioned again in GOF, that is why it got me thinking. Why did Rowling mention the game of chess again? Does it mean something important in the future?

I cannot find it right now, but it says that Hermione sat down to watch them play a game of chess, one which involved a "very violent Bishop."

I don't play chess, but some posters here might. Can the Bishop be compared to any character in the novels?

[Shoujo Kitsune]

I have never learned to play chess, but I do know that it takes a lot of skill and I think that this contributes to how He and Harry play in quiditch...strtegically and full of reason. This may come in handy in the future...

[aiko amaya]

Bishop is a game piece that can ponly moive diagonally. Idon't think it could compare to any of the characters. Now if it were War hammer I could be able to look that up or ask my brothers about them and make conections, but really the only thing that could possibly be importan is that a bishop is not a pawn.

[Shoujo Kitsune]

Well, it could show Ron's nature. He is only a one track mind..things like that..but I don't really know.

[Mary Jane]

I too think Ron will play a much larger role in upcoming books. I think his skill at chess is setting him up to at least become captain of the Quidditch team. He's great with strategy.

[Shells Bells]

I think that Ron's talent for chess will definatly play an important part in upcoming books.

Chess is strategy game, not only do you have to know what moves each piece can make but you absolutly have to be able to think ahead.

You also need to study games played by Chess Masters past and present. Certain moves made in sequence can give away the strategy of your opponent.

I think that theses abilities, thinking ahead, knowing past moves and an ability to analyze a situation and come up with a counter move will play a big part in Ron's character in future books.

I don't think that Ron is having trouble in school though. He's passed all his classes so far. I wonder how many O.WL.s he will get during the 5th year. That will be a good indicator of how intelligent he really is.

[Moonlight]

I always think that chess is a game of war.
Now that Voldermort is back there will be a war.

But are they the same thing?
In chess when you sacrifice a piece, literally it is only a peice of wood.
But in real life, sacrifices would be people. Probably people that you care for.

I think they are two slightly different games.

I doubt all the studenst will join forces and then defeat the evil that is invading their school. Wouldn't that sound too much like Buffy?

[Shells Bells]

Originally posted by Moonlight (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=323921#post323921))
I always think that chess is a game of war.
Now that Voldermort is back there will be a war.

But are they the same thing?


Many of the older strategy games are also games that were used to train for battle planning. Chess is one of them. I know that there are several oriental games that are used for the same purpose but I can't think of their names off the top of my head. :banghead:

[Puffskein]

So will Ron have to sacrifice himself again, like in the chess game in PS?

[Moonlight]

Probably not in book five.
But I think that there are a few people that are being sacrificed at the moment.

Snape being one of them.

[Shells Bells]

I believe that yes there will be sacrifices in future books. I think that Ron's ability to stratigize will play an important part in future books. Possibly on the quiddich team, but more importantly, in fighting Voldemort.

A chessplayers ability to think several moves ahead of his opponent, plan how to counter those moves, and to analyze a situation will be of great value in the future.

[Goldie]

You know, I really want Ron to get some glory. I do think he'll be the new Gryffindor keeper, but I don't see him being the team captain his first year on the team. Maybe in year 6 or 7, when Harry's too busy saving the world!

[aiko amaya]

Originally posted by Shells Bells (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=323941#post323941))
Many of the older strategy games are also games that were used to train for battle planning. Chess is one of them. I know that there are several oriental games that are used for the same purpose but I can't think of their names off the top of my head. :banghead:

Right like the game go. At least I thinkg that is an example, it's my brothers who play it, I don't have time to learn. I hope Ron turns out to be an unexpected trump card, he is downplayed alot but he definetly needs his time to shine. All three of them are obviously all talented, you just have to look at Ron alittle closer because his tallents are less noticible.

[smartypants]

I've always hoped Ron would become Quidditch captain in Book 6 or 7, and him having good strategic skills could be an indication of this.

That his strategic skills will show up somehow seems likely, but that they will show up by him commanding many people seems unlikely. But he might devise plots, and in effect 'command', Harry and Hermione at least.

[Schlubalybub]

Originally posted by Moonlight (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=323983#post323983))
Probably not in book five.
But I think that there are a few people that are being sacrificed at the moment.

Snape being one of them.


So do you reckon that Snape will be teaching next year?

[aiko amaya]

I had a brilliant brain storm. Remember in PS/SS Ron took the role of a knight? Maybe THATS what represents his future Role in the books being a knight type figure. The Right travels in an l shape instead of straight witch people oftentimes forget about while they're playing chess. Not to mention knights have alot of history themselves. Tehehehe I feel so smart.

[Perdita]

Adamslove,

that's a very interesting connection. Good catch!

Unfortunately, I don't play chess and so I dont' understand the movements and the significance behind the knight piece. Could you elaborate on what you think of the L shape movement in relation to the story and Ron's development?

You also mentioned some history. Could you share what you know, please?

Thanks.

[Turambar]

When you look at how Ron could develop he's got three examples from his brothers:
1) Stickler for the rules - Percy
2) Funny but irresponsible - the twins
3) Responsible but cool - Bill and Charlie
I think with Ron making the Quidditch team the third route is the most likely. I noticed going through GOF again that Bill was like a more mature, confident and relaxed Ron.
He's just as rude/sarcastic as Ron. He says "use your brains, Ron" and "do us a favour Perce and shut up" And he also has a game of chess with Ron at the Burrow. Ron is also tall like Bill and Percy rather than shorter like the twins and Charlie.
Making the team should help to give Ron more confidence and give him more attention and make him hopefully less envious of Harry.
He's not as bright at figuring out clues on the spot as Harry and Hermione are so Perdita is probably right, his gift is probably in working out strategy and plans.

[aiko amaya]

Originally posted by Perdita (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=330999#post330999))
Adamslove,

that's a very interesting connection. Good catch!

Unfortunately, I don't play chess and so I dont' understand the movements and the significance behind the knight piece. Could you elaborate on what you think of the L shape movement in relation to the story and Ron's development?

You also mentioned some history. Could you share what you know, please?

Thanks.

When I say history I mean old english knights and stuff, they may not have been high ranking but they did fight the battles and were quite important. When I say the L shaped attack I mean that it he could come in some sort of surprise attack something the enemyforgot about.

[Shells Bells]

Turambar, I agree with you on the personality possiblilities of Ron, though I think that he's most likely to turn out like Bill and Charlie, Cool and Responsible.

I also agree with Adamslove that Ron fits the Knight title almost perfectly. He's loyal, trustworthy and brave. Remember even though he is terrified of spiders, he followed them with Harry into the forbidden forest. I tend to agree that he'll come up with a strategy that will be of great assistance when it comes to fighting the DE's.

What I think could happen is that Harry will take on Voldie and that Ron will lead the Students against the DE's. He'll be covering Harry's back so to speak while getting his own moment in the sun at the same time. :clappy:

Because I do belive that one way or another, Hogwarts will come under attack, and the Students will have to defend it.

[aiko amaya]

Tottally and it also fits with the Ron being old fashioned thing (it's a good thread too). I think the knight thing foreshadows maybe he'll play an important role again but it will be unexpected. Maybe this time against Voldermort instead of getting knocked out he'll actually *gulp* die. He had better not he needs to marry hermione!

[Perdita]

Thank you, Shells Bells.

When I first posted this most people said that that was too far fetched, that his role in chess is really becoming the captain of the Quidditch team.

But that seems a bit too simple to me. There must be something more, something that will actually play a part in the fight against Voldemort's evil.

I'm glad Turambar isn't the only one who agrees with me.

[miri]

Knights are the only pieces that can traverse occupied spaces. They can effectively move to 8 positions unless they are on the edge.

They move 3 spaces in one direction (either forwards, backwards, left or right), then one space perpendicular to that motion, in either direction.

Other pieces each move in the following patterns:
pawn: can move one or two spaces forwards their first go, one space forward each subsequent turn. Can only take pieces diagonally in front of them. Are the only piece who move when they take differently from normal.

bishop: can only move on a diagonal. One of each colour only moves on black squares, the other only on white.

castle or rook: can only move sideways, backwards or forwards. If one of them has been untouched, as has the king, they can *castle*. I can't remember how that goes, other than the king jumps over the rook.

The queen can move on both diagonals, backwards, and forwards.

The king can move in any direction, one space.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

In some ways, the knight is quite rigid (ie, set amount of spaces), but in other ways it is more flexible than other pieces.

Does this correspond to Ron?

He has a set thinking pattern, so finds new ideas harder to accept sometimes (rigid).

Most people with arachnophobia would not have ben able to do what he did (flexible).

Or is it a suggestion that he will make a sneak attack? They *won't see him coming* because there are obstacles in his path they consider unpassable (dementors)?

[Shells Bells]

Perdita, with book 5 being even longer than book 4 there is just no way that Ron's role is going to be limited to just the captain of the quiddich team. He's more than Harry's "side kick' He's from a wizarding family. He knows things that Harry and Hermione don't at least not yet. We don't know what kind of student he is yet. I hope we get a hint when he takes his O.W.L.S. this year.

JKR has brought up Ron's skill in chess several times, Even Percy cheered him at the end of the first book, saying something about Ron beating McGonagalls chess set. I think that beating that chess set must have been a major accomplishment.

Basically Ron is very skilled at chess, which means that he is capable of what I would call advance planning. I'm going to have to re-read my books and check if JKR has hinted about this anywhere else.

Miri, thanks bunches for the notes on the moves that each of the chess pieces make. That should give all of us "Non-Players" a better idea of how difficult playing chess really is. Each piece has its own special moves, special abilities and limitations.

Hmmm, kind of similar to Harry and Co. :angel:

[go_anna40]

His strength in chess with his tactical and stratgey skills might just get him that Quidditch captain position. It definately will be important in the future, because those skills are needed in such a battle with evil.
Though, I'm not sure he'll get the position of Quidditch captain (because I find it way to obvious, and I don't really like it when books go predictable).
A solid tactiction was very important when it came to leading a unit or company in WW2, so maybe one day, he will get to lead his own group of Wizards/witches to fight against Voldermort, but he is a bit young.
And also, being a person who has statergy skills really isn't the thing you need to be leader.

[aiko amaya]

Originally posted by go_anna40 (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=332910#post332910))
His strength in chess with his tactical and stratgey skills might just get him that Quidditch captain position. It definately will be important in the future, because those skills are needed in such a battle with evil.
Though, I'm not sure he'll get the position of Quidditch captain (because I find it way to obvious, and I don't really like it when books go predictable).

I don't think it is. It would be his real clame to fame at that school. hen they think of who saved the school they always will think harry Potter (even though his friends helped, best Student, of Caurse Hermione Granger, and Ron's could be Quiditch Captain. I don't think he'll get the spot in his 1st year on the team though. Plus it only seems predictable to usbecause we discuss the books all the time. It seems like it would be more obvious if Harry became Captain. It sort of balances the Characters out a bit if Ron became Captain.

[dorcasderr]

Another point about Ron's skill actually paralleling the Chess knight, who comes out of nowhere with the unusual way he is moved, is that of the trio Ron is the most apt to be undervalued by the enemy. Draco's reports on his classmates no doubt go home to daddy, who then reports them to Voldemort. Draco seems to focus on Ron's Muggle-loving, impoverished, lower class (to Draco's mind), tacky background rather than on any skills he may have. In the classes the Gryffindors share with the Slytherins, Ron hasn't exactly stood out. In the long run this is good. It gives him a "dark horse" quality which, with his skills in strategy, may well come in extremely handy.

[Ostara]

I agree w/ most of you guys that Ron ISN'T just for comic relief. He's got to have onother purpose. I also think that purpose will have something to w/ the fact that he is an extremely talented chess player. I will add though that Ron does provide comic relief. It's not too much but Ron is naturally very sarcastic and his sarcasm keeps Harry and Hermione from being too serious and exploding into giant stress zits. That's why I love Ron. He's awesome. Where would we be w/ out him?

And no he won't die! Case closed! Hmmmph!

[aiko amaya]

Originally posted by Ostara (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=334580#post334580))
I agree w/ most of you guys that Ron ISN'T just for comic relief. He's got to have onother purpose. I also think that purpose will have something to w/ the fact that he is an extremely talented chess player. I will add though that Ron does provide comic relief. It's not too much but Ron is naturally very sarcastic and his sarcasm keeps Harry and Hermione from being too serious and exploding into giant stress zits. That's why I love Ron. He's awesome. Where would we be w/ out him?

And no he won't die! Case closed! Hmmmph!


Yup Ron is definetlymore than comic releif, thats what Fred and George are for. I know I keep my friends laughing but I am pretty good at school, but I' npt all serious about it like my friends are. And Since I'm not such a book worm (but still very smart) I can think out side the box more than they can. I think this is the same as Ron. He thinks differently which is good for group problem solving.

[Shikyo]

I was just looking up Ron's name and it seems to have come from the name "Running Weasel" who was a warlord in the 6th Dynasty. He was a brilliant statigist, and he never lost a game of chess.

However, he died when a rat that had been dyed yellow by his soldiers for fun earlier that day, knocked over a lamp in his palace, burning it to the ground, and killing Running Weasel.

Also, in Philosopher's Stone, Ron tries to turn Scabbers yellow but fails, so Pettigrew (Scabbers) may play a part in killing Ron or something.

It seems to coincidental to be false and JK has uses many myths and legends in her stories.

I just have to say: I've ran across this inane Running Weasel 'legend' multiple times, and I still think it's inane. On this board alone Running Weasel has been a knight in King Arthur's court, an Irish lord, and now a warlord somewhere during the 6th Dynasty. There's also been mention of him being a Native American chief of some tribe, I'm quite sure.


Another point about Ron's skill actually paralleling the Chess knight, who comes out of nowhere with the unusual way he is moved, is that of the trio Ron is the most apt to be undervalued by the enemy. Draco's reports on his classmates no doubt go home to daddy, who then reports them to Voldemort. Draco seems to focus on Ron's Muggle-loving, impoverished, lower class (to Draco's mind), tacky background rather than on any skills he may have. In the classes the Gryffindors share with the Slytherins, Ron hasn't exactly stood out. In the long run this is good. It gives him a "dark horse" quality which, with his skills in strategy, may well come in extremely handy.


You're right...he does have the aforementioned dark horse quality due to the reasons you mention. And if one stretches the chess motif far enough, he would fit the role of knight to Harry's king: protects Harry as if Harry's in checkmate they're all screwed, has a flexible mind (hence the 'L' shape), and is generally a loyal and warm and squishy friend.

Would that make Hermione the bishop, in that case? (Bit more rigid in mind compared to the other two, thus the fact her movement's a bit more confined, more scholary/secular, practical to the death.)

[smartypants]

Well, if you google search for "running weasel" the only thing you come up with is.... "Ron Weasly". So yeah, so much for that rumour. :-)

[salem_phoenix]

In the chess game from PS/SS, Ron proved displayed great courage. He didn't know what would happen to him, yet he sacrificed himself anyways. Now, this doesn't neccessarily mean that he will die, but I do think it means that he will make some sort of sacrifice in the end in order for Harry to defeat Voldemort.

[aggiefan1206]

Rons stratagies could be of use chess is a a game of strategy and i guess that could happen. But i wonder if dumbldore is good at wizards chess?

[JakeOfRavenclaw]

Premise: chess is Ron's strength, and it is also what sets him apart from everyone else. Chess and strategy was used very well in Sorcerer's Stone to show that side of his character, to empower him. Since then, we are still reading about how he beats everyone (well, Harry, really) at chess all the time.

Proposition: will Ron's expertise with chess, tactics and strategy in particular, play an important role in his character development in the future books? For example, will Ron get to command his own army of wizards and witches to fight Voldemort's Death Eaters?

I realize that the chess skills was mainly a vehicle for the story of SS, and that JKR might not want to recycle an old idea. But in this case, my proposition is not the same as in SS. I am suggesting that, perhaps, Ron might get to command real warriors (male and female), in a battle that is drawn out over a long period of time, such as two books.

I also realize that at the age of 15-16, commanding an army of real people might be too much for such a young man who is not experienced in real life combat of the military kind.

Still, does anyone else here think that bringing chess back in this form is a likely possibility?

If yes, how do you think it will come about?



Interesting possibility! I have also thought about Ron's strengths at chess (I love chess, but I'm sure not as good as Ron! :rotfl: ) and have been wondering what role they will play in the story.

My conclusions: Ron's chess skills and strategic thinking will play an important part in the story, but he won't get to command real people. No offense to Ron, but I can imagaine him getting them all killed and a real battle is a lot different from a game of chess! I believe that there are big things on the way for Ron, though...he is more that a sidekick and if he plays a big role in book 6 or 7, his chess skills will come into play.

[Sephaerdie]

It is mentioned again in GOF, that is why it got me thinking. Why did Rowling mention the game of chess again? Does it mean something important in the future?

I cannot find it right now, but it says that Hermione sat down to watch them play a game of chess, one which involved a "very violent Bishop."

I don't play chess, but some posters here might. Can the Bishop be compared to any character in the novels?

Bishops only move diagonally, only in one colour, and they are considered a somewhat femenine piece. Depending on the culture, they are either the consiglieres of the king and queen or the priests themselves.
In medieval literature (and in some modern films too), there is a chess game between a mighty warrior and the Death. Given that the mighty warrior wins, he will be able to conquer Death and therefore, to not die. Who would be the Death in this case? Voldemort?

When I say history I mean old english knights and stuff, they may not have been high ranking but they did fight the battles and were quite important. When I say the L shaped attack I mean that it he could come in some sort of surprise attack something the enemyforgot about.

Hi again! Historically, there is a Ronald in Europe.. Litterary, there are at least three which I know of. There is the french Roland from "La Chanson de Roland", the catalan (north of Spain) Roldán de "El cantar de Roldán", and the italian Orlando (I don't know italian, but there is another epic poem about him too). All of them were great commanders which conquered a lot of lands for their princes or kings.
About the "running weasel" theory, I found something pretty interesting in a canadian web. Have a look at it... I wonder if Rowling knew about this, it seem so coincidental. Specially the Deerfoot part.

http://www.ourroots.ca/e/viewpage.asp?ID=916455&size=2

I forgot the mightys Ronaldo and Ronaldinho of football!!

[gryffin_hauz_88]

I think, Ron has his own role in the future books and it may be related to his skills in chess. Maybe, he hasn't discovering yet this abilities. Let's just wait for the evolution of Ronald Bilius Weasley.