about harry potter book essay

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

By j.k. rowling.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is the first installment of the popular Harry Potter book series by J.K. Rowling. It follows the events of Harry Potter’s first year at Hogwarts.

About the Book

Article written by Mohandas Alva

M.A. Degree in English Literature from Manipal University, India.

This novel works as an introduction to the world of magic. The story plays from the perspective of Harry Potter , who is also just discovering magic. Therefore, the reader, like Harry Potter, is introduced to the nuances and establishments of the magical world in this book.

Like the main character Harry Potter , as the reader advances in the book, they are tackled with a vast history of magic, magical beings, items of magical significance, and cultural nuances that are very interesting to read. Furthermore, the story also has a tight-knit plot which sometimes digresses to describe the world of magic but eventually falls back and moves forward without effort.

‘Spoiler-Free’ Summary of  Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

‘ Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone ‘ begins with one-year-old Harry Potter being brought to his Aunt Petunia’s home after his parent’s death. He eventually grows up to be eleven years old. He is treated very badly by Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia, and his cousin Dudley. He then meets Hagrid, who informs him that he is a wizard and delivers his letter of acceptance from Hogwarts.  Harry attends Hogwarts and is thrilled to see how interesting this new world of magic is. He becomes close friends with Ron and Hermione, who spend most of their time together as they are all in Gryffindor House. Harry develops a great interest in flying on a broomstick and also discovers the game of Quidditch. He finds out about his history, the death of his parents, and the Dark Wizard called Lord Voldemort , who is responsible for it. He also figures out the origin of the famed scar he got from this confrontation with Lord Voldemort . He discovers several secrets and events surrounding a mysterious object which prompt him to attempt and solve them with his friends Ron and Hermione.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone  Summary

Spoiler Alert: Important details of the novel are revealed below

‘ Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone ‘ by J. K. Rowling starts with an unusual day for Mr. Vernon Dursley from Privet Drive, who sees a lot of strange things like people in weird cloaks and a cat reading maps and signboards. Eventually, it is revealed that these people are all wizards or witches and are celebrating a great historical event – that of the vanquishing of the Dark Lord Voldemort. James and Lily Potter are killed tragically by Voldemort, but he is unable to kill their son Harry Potter.

Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts, orders Hagrid to safely get Harry Potter from the wreckage of his house and then leaves him at the doorstep of the Dursleys, who are Harry’s only blood relatives.

After about 10 years, on another unusual day, a lot of letters addressed to Harry are delivered by owls to Privet Drive. Uncle Vernon takes his wife Petunia, his son Dudley and his nephew Harry Potter far away, hoping to prevent these letters from coming. However, Hagrid finds the place, delivers Harry’s letter despite protests from Uncle Vernon, and conveys to Harry that he is, in fact, a wizard. 

The next day Hagrid and Harry travel to London to purchase his school items. They visit several places, including the Gringotts bank , where Harry gets his money to buy things. Hagrid also visits a vault and collects a small package from there and claims that it’s ‘top secret’ when Harry asks him about it. Harry also gets his new wand from Ollivanders and is told by Mr. Ollivander that his wand is related to the wand of Lord Voldemort and that both their cores contain phoenix feathers from the same bird.

Harry then boards the Hogwarts Express and meets a boy named Ronald Weasley , who ends up becoming his best friend. He also meets Hermione Granger , a girl who is slightly bossy in Harry’s opinion, and knows a lot more about magic even before joining Hogwarts. Harry also meets another boy called Draco Malfoy, whom he doesn’t like much.

In Hogwarts, Harry is sorted into the Gryffindor house along with Ron and Hermione. During their flying lessons, Draco Malfoy, who has bullied a boy named Neville before, snatches his ‘Remembrall’ and challenges Harry Potter to fly and catch it. Harry does so with great ease, and Madam McGonagall is impressed with his flying abilities. Harry Potter is recruited into the Gryffindor Quidditch team and becomes the youngest Quidditch player in a century, and helps his team win the first game. 

A newspaper report about a break-in into the Gringotts bank piques his interest as he had been to Gringotts with Hagrid the same day as the break-in. It also occurs to him that Hagrid had cleared the contents of a vault, and the report mentions that nothing was stolen during the break-in. 

Eventually, Harry, Ron, and Hermione end up encountering a dangerous huge three-headed dog when they get lost in the third-floor corridor, which is out of bounds for students. In another instance, they fight off a troll . The encounter with the troll cements their friendship, and the three spend most of their time together after this. Hagrid tries to tame a dragon, which he received from a stranger in a pub, names it Norbert, but is unsuccessful in taming it and is forced to send it to Ron’s brother, who works with Dragons in Romania. Also, Harry is gifted with an Invisibility Cloak for Christmas by someone who claims it was Harry’s father’s and that he is merely returning it to him.

Meanwhile, they suspect their potions teacher Snape as the perpetrator of all these incidents to get to the stone. They encounter several occasions where Snape tortures and questions another teacher, Professor Quirrell. Harry, Ron, and Hermione run into a lot of significant clues to deduce that several of these events must be related and that the dog is guarding something that was in the Gringotts vault. After some research, they find out that the item in question is something called a Philosopher’s Stone, which is very valuable. It is said to transform other base metals to gold and produce the Elixir of Life , which makes its drinker immortal.

Harry and Hermione, along with Neville and Malfoy, are caught roaming in the castle at night and are sent for detention in the Forbidden Forest with Hagrid. There, they encounter a dead unicorn and a cloaked figure drinking its blood. Harry’s scar starts hurting as the figure approaches him, but he is saved by a centaur called Firenze. Firenze tells Harry that the cloaked figure was the spirit of Lord Voldemort. He also hints that Lord Voldemort is trying to steal the Philosopher’s Stone from Hogwarts to regain his physical form. 

Back in the castle, Harry, Ron, and Hermione realize that the stone is not safe and that they have to act. They bravely cross several magical barriers laid by the teachers of Hogwarts to prevent anyone from getting to the stone, and finally, Harry reaches the last barrier and is surprised to find Professor Quirrell there, who it turns out was the culprit all along. Quirrell is unable to get the Stone because of the challenging hurdle in the form of the Mirror of Erised about which Harry had previously discussed with Professor Dumbledore. 

It is revealed that Lord Voldemort possesses Professor Quirrell and that Voldemort’s half-formed face had been strategically hidden under Quirrell’s turban in the back of his head. Finally, Harry thwarts this attempt to steal the Stone by touching Quirrell’s hand and realizing that it disintegrates on contact with Harry’s skin. Finally, the whole school is in praise of Harry, and his friend’s bravery, and Gryffindor gets a lot of points for this and eventually wins the House Cup.

What happens at the end of  Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone ?

Harry Potter, with the help of Ron and Hermione, stops Lord Voldemort from stealing the Sorcerer’s Stone. Professor Quirrell, who was possessed by Lord Voldemort, is unable to touch Harry’s skin as Harry is protected by his mother’s love from Voldemort. Gryffindor house wins the House Cup.

Why is Harry Potter 1 called the Sorcerer’s Stone?

‘ Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone ‘ was re-titled in the USA as  Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone  because the publishers in the USA thought that the word ‘Sorcerer’ would associate more with magic than the word ‘Philosopher’. They assumed that the word ‘Philosopher’ would imply that the book is about the discipline of Philosophy which is not a popular reading category in the demographic of children or young adults.

Who dies at the end of Harry Potter 1?

Professor Quirinus Quirrell dies at the end of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. He is possessed by Lord Voldemort, and when he tries to attack Harry, his skin starts flaking rapidly. This is because anything Voldemort possesses cannot touch Harry’s skin. After all, he is protected by the old magic of love from his mother.

About Mohandas Alva

Mohandas is very passionate about deciphering the nature of language and its role as a sole medium of storytelling in literature. His interests sometimes digress from literature to philosophy and the sciences but eventually, the art and craft of narrating a significant story never fail to thrill him.

Cite This Page

Alva, Mohandas " Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Summary 🪄 " Book Analysis , https://bookanalysis.com/jk-rowling/harry-potter-and-the-philosophers-stone/summary/ . Accessed 5 April 2024.

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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

By j.k. rowling, harry potter and the philosopher's stone essay questions.

How does the death of his parents influence Harry's character and the decisions that he makes over the course of the book?

The death of Harry's parents is the catalyst that shapes the entire course of Rowling's narrative. Without their death, Harry would not have spent his childhood with the neglectful Dursleys nor would have entered Hogwarts with little knowledge of his background or importance in the wizarding world. More importantly, the death of his parents gives Harry an impetus for his hatred of Voldemort and ensures that, despite his similarities to the Dark Lord, he will never be seduced by the power of the Dark Arts. The absence of his parents in Harry's life also distinguishes him from the other students: he has endured a loss that none of them can understand, and this sense of isolation and martyrdom will become crucial aspects of later books.

Was Professor Dumbledore correct to leave the infant Harry with the Dursley family instead of keeping him in the wizarding world?

By leaving Harry with the Dursleys, Professor Dumbledore doomed Harry to spend his childhood being neglected and mistreated by Muggles who would never understand or love him. However, Professor Dumbledore also ensured that Harry would be protected from all of the elements of the wizarding world that might ruin him. Not only was Harry safe from the threat of dark wizards determined to avenge the fallen Voldemort, but he was safe from the heavy burden and unavoidable attention given to the boy-who-lived. Because of Professor Dumbledore's decision, Harry grows to be a kind, modest, and unassuming young man who is not forced to learn of the horrific murder of his parents until he is emotionally mature.

Why is Harry's insistence on being placed in Gryffindor House instead of Slytherin House so significant in terms of his development as a character?

Throughout the novel, Rowling emphasizes the importance of choice in determining an individual's character and direction in life. It is the choices that we make that establish what kind of person we will become. With that in mind, Harry's refusal to be placed in Slytherin House, despite his many similarities with Voldemort, is crucial in terms of his characterization. Harry could have remained passive during the Sorting and would have ultimately been sorted into Slytherin. Yet, by taking an active role in his Sorting and choosing to be placed in Gryffindor, Harry demonstrates his determination to choose his own direction in life and not adhere to anyone else's perception of his nature.

Is there a clear sense of good and evil in the book?

At the beginning of the book, it seems as if there are clear distinctions between good and evil: Professor Dumbledore and Harry are wholly good, while Voldemort and his Death Eaters are wholly evil. Yet, over the course of the narrative, Rowling complicates the issue and creates a sort of moral ambiguity, particularly in the character of Professor Snape. From the start, Professor Snape is presented to be a malignant follower of Lord Voldemort, and Harry is only too ready to believe that his Potions teacher is completely evil. In actuality, though, it is the seemingly benevolent Professor Quirrell who is doing the bidding of Lord Voldemort. The concepts of good and evil are too complex to be expressed in black-and-white terms, and every character has some element of good and evil in their nature. The problem is, Rowling suggests, how a battle can be fought between good and evil when the lines between the two are so blurry.

What primary difference between Harry and Voldemort does Rowling choose to highlight in the book? Why is this difference so important?

The primary difference between Harry and Voldemort is Harry's capacity to understand and feel love. Although Harry does not have his parents, he is still able to love their memory and develop close relationships with other characters, including Ron, Hermione, and Professor Dumbledore. Voldemort, on the other hand, views love as a weakness and so chooses to isolate himself from those around him. Professor Quirrell does not love Voldemort but rather fears him, so his loyalty is far weaker than the bonds of friendship forged between Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Moreover, because Lord Voldemort did not comprehend the power of Lily Potter's love when he attempted to kill her son, Voldemort nearly destroyed himself with the killing curse meant for Harry. Voldemort will never be able to understand the strength of love and, though he will always be more powerful than Harry, Harry has the support and strength of the people he loves to help him defeat the Dark Lord.

How does Rowling present the difference between the wizarding world and the Muggle world? Why does she choose to highlight these differences?

The Dursley family serves as the primary example of the Muggle world in the first part of the novel: ignorant, selfish, close-minded, and not equipped to understand the wonders of the wizarding world. One of the reasons why Harry is left with the Dursley family is precisely because of their "Muggleness," which allows him to grow up without the burden of the wizarding world. However, when Harry goes to Hogwarts and meets Hermione and other Muggle-born wizards, he learns that the Dursleys are not representative of the Muggle world, but rather the worst part of it. Moreover, Rowling reveals that people in the wizarding world can be just as cruel and close-minded as Muggles. Although the two worlds seem to be completely different, good and evil are present in both, and both worlds are worth saving from Lord Voldemort's reign of terror.

Throughout the novel, Harry and his friends break numerous rules at Hogwarts. How does Rowling create a balance between the importance of maintaining authority and the importance of rebelling against it?

Rowling does not argue in favor of ignoring all rules and regulations. Many of the rules at Hogwarts are instituted in order to protect the students; for example, the rule that prohibits students from going to the forbidden third-floor corridor ensures that students are not attacked by the three-headed dog. At the same time, however, Rowling realizes that rules must be broken in certain situations for the sake of the bigger picture. Harry does not break the rules at Hogwarts simply for the sake of breaking them; he rebells because he knows that his actions serve a greater purpose: protecting the Sorcerer's Stone, defeating Voldemort, and ultimately, protecting a way of life. No one can make a difference, good or bad, if they always adhere to the rules, and part of Harry's appeal is that he is willing to risk the consequences in order to do what he believes is right.

What larger theme does Rowling express in her discussion of the Mirror of Erised and Harry's fascination with it?

In her discussion of the Mirror of Erised, Rowling explores the issue of desire and the way that it can hinder a person from taking action in his or her life. When Harry looks into the Mirror of Erised, he sees the family that he will never know. As Professor Dumbledore tells him, the vision of Harry's parents is not truth or knowledge: Lily and James Potter are dead and never coming back. Yet, Harry's desire for his family is so strong that he could easily lose himself in the visions of the mirror and waste away, never to move forward. Desire can be an important catalyst for action (as in Ron's case, in which he sees himself as Head Boy and Quidditch captain), but with Harry, his desire forces him always to look backwards. In order for Harry to live his own life and fulfill his other desires, he cannot lose himself in the desire for something that he can never have.

What is the significance of Dumbledore's relationship with Harry?

Professor Dumbledore is the first real father figure that Harry has in his life at this point. Lacking the presence of his true parents, Harry had to raise himself more or less on his own, rather than follow the example of the warped parental figures: Vernon and Petunia Dursley. Although Professor Dumbledore does not seem to take an active role in Harry's life until half-way through the novel, he is always watching over Harry and seems to care for him a great deal. It is not coincidental that Dumbledore is the one who takes Harry after his parents' death and determines where he should be raised. Harry's conversations with Dumbledore shape his belief system, as well as providing him with a stable figure of authority that he can model himself upon.

Many conservative critics claim that the Harry Potter series promotes witchcraft and is therefore unsuitable for children. Do you agree or disagree with this claim?

In the Harry Potter series, Rowling creates a magical world in which the forces of good are pitted against the forces of evil. Yet, the themes that Rowling promotes in her books--the importance of choice, friendship, love, determination--are themes that are important in the everyday world and that any young children should strive to learn. Rowling's decision to express these themes through a magical and exciting fantasy world is not a promotion of witchcraft, but rather a way to connect and speak to children in a manner that excited their imagination, creativity, and desire to read. A close examination of the Harry Potter books also reveals that Rowling is very clear about which kinds of magic belong to the Dark Arts and are thus associated with cruelty, tyranny, fear, and other negative elements of the everyday world. When conservative critics denounce Rowling for promoting witchcraft in her novels, it seems likely that, not only have they not read any of the Harry Potter books, but they have missed the important lessons that Rowling instills in her work.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Who is the only person Voldemort is afraid of?

Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts, is Voldemort's only feared enemy.

What does Hagrid bring for Harry when he first time meet?

When Hagrid first meets Harry Potter he brings him a cake and a letter inviting him to attend Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry.The cake is a special treat for Harry's eleventh birthday,and the letter explains that Harry is a Wizard and...

Harry Potter Short Questions

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Study Guide for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (also Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone) study guide contains a biography of J.K. Rowling, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Summary
• Character List

Essays for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (also Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone) literature essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

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Wikipedia Entries for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

• Introduction
• Development, publication and reception
• Style and themes

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Introduction

• Published: May 2022
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This book took shape as readers in the United States marked twenty years since J. K. Rowling published her first Harry Potter novel here. In those twenty years, a generation of readers came of age with Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they tracked the publication of the series across their teenage years. Midnight book release parties, all day reading binges, cosplay with robes and wands, and long hours of constructing fan theories and fictional fill-ins are among the memories that Millennials take with them into adulthood. And it’s not just Millennials who are having a nostalgic Harry Potter moment. There has never been a more successful book series (500 million copies sold and counting), nor a more culturally prominent literary phenomenon, with three expanding theme parks, ten movies and more in production, multiple followup e-books and short stories, new editions of the original novels (illustrated, translated, available in your House colors), a variety of podcasts, an Internet home in Pottermore , several Hogwarts-themed charitable organizations, and Rowling’s joint envisioning of a grown-up Harry in The Cursed Child , a successful play on the London stage that opened on Broadway and claimed five Tony awards. Still today the series holds a venerable place on the New York Times Bestseller List—for more than 625 weeks as of this writing—and “Muggle” is officially in the Oxford dictionary. 1 All of this represents an expansive world of Potter-philia.

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Harry Potter and The Sorcerer'S Stone — Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Summary in 150 Words)

Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone (summary in 150 Words)

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• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Summary: Chapter 1
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Novel Summary: Chapter 1
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Novel Summary: Chapter 2
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Novel Summary: Chapter 3
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Novel Summary: Chapter 4
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Novel Summary: Chapter 5
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Novel Summary: Chapter 6
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Novel Summary: Chapter 7
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Novel Summary: Chapter 8
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Novel Summary: Chapter 9
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Novel Summary: Chapter 10
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Novel Summary: Chapter 11
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Novel Summary: Chapter 12
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Novel Summary: Chapter 13
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Novel Summary: Chapter 14
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Novel Summary: Chapter 15
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Novel Summary: Chapter 16
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Novel Summary: Chapter 17
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Character Profiles
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Metaphor Analysis
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Theme Analysis
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Top Ten Quotes
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Biography: J. K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Essay Q&A

1. Identify the classic, archetypal elements of the Hero's Quest in Harry Potter's story. In Harry Potter's story, we can identify: (1) a call to adventure (e.g., Harry receives the letters from Hogwarts School); (2) a separation from the known world (e.g., Harry leaves for Hogwarts with Hagrid); (3) initiation into a new world (e.g., the Sorting Ceremony); (4) threats to the successful achievement of the quest (e.g., animosity with Malfoy; the Mirror of Erised); (5) the fellowship of close companions (Ron, Hermione); (5) the guidance of a mentor (e.g., Hagrid, Dumbledore); (6) a descent into darkness (the passage through the trapdoor and the final confrontation with Quirrell and Voldemort); (7) a rebirth or resurrection (Harry's victory over Voldemort); and (8) the transformed hero's return to the old world (Harry returns home, but with a new knowledge of who he is). 2. Select a traditional element from mythology or folklore that appears in Rowling's work and explain how she uses and adapts it to serve the purposes of her story. While examples abound, perhaps the clearest one is that of the Sorcerer's (Philosopher's) Stone itself. Rowling draws on the history about and legends surrounding the real French alchemist Nicolas Flamel (see Analysis for Chapter 11), adapting many of the details from folklore and alchemy (e.g., the properties of the Stone; the details of "sightings" of Flamel and his wife) in order to argue against the goals of alchemy as suitable for human existence (see Dumbledore's final speech to Harry in Chapter 17). Students' further, self-directed research will reveal many other instances in which Rowling has creatively employed pre-existing mythological, folkloric, and legendary materials. 3. How does Lord Voldemort function in the novel as a metaphor for fear? While Lord Voldemort is clearly an actual character in the book, he also serves the larger purpose of illustrating the power of fear. As early as Chapter 1, even as the wizarding world is celebrating Voldemort's downfall, most wizards do not refer to their supposedly vanquished foe by name. Even Deputy Headmistress McGonagall is shocked when Albus Dumbledore calls Voldemort by name. Throughout the novel, most characters-save Harry himself, who does not know the full history of Voldemort and so thinks nothing of calling him by name-refer to their enemy as "He Who Must Not Be Named" or, even more succinctly, "You Know Who." But, as Dumbledore points out, refusing to use Voldemort's name only grants him more power. In this way, Voldemort functions as a symbol of fear. When fear is not acknowledged, confronted, or explicitly named, it tends to gain more and more control over us. On the other hand, if we openly name our fear, we have taken the first step in defeating it. As other characters in the book realize at some level when referring to Dumbledore as the only wizard brave enough to use Voldemort's name, such open confrontation of fear is an act of courage. It is simpler and may seem easier to avoid our fears; however, only in grappling with them openly and honestly can we find any hope of mastering them. 4. Discuss the role prejudice plays in Rowling's novel, and the implications her treatment of the subject have for us as readers. Prejudice is a theme that recurs not only in this novel but throughout the Harry Potter series. Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia are prejudiced against wizards and witches (even though Ron's father is fascinated with non-magical "Muggles," a fascination most clearly and humorously displayed in an early scene in The Goblet of Fire). Centaurs are prejudiced against humans (that is, if we are to judge from Ronan and Bane, who may or may not be typical of their species-thus Rowling makes readers confront their own prejudices even while examining those of her characters). Hagrid mentions that Dumbledore is a great man because he does not share others' prejudice against giants. Draco Malfoy is prejudiced not only against Muggles, but also and even more so against wizards from non-magical families. Clearly, Rowling consciously chose to make prejudice as much a part of her imaginary world as it is of the real world because she thinks it is an important issue to address and to work against. It is a threat to the community of self-realized individuals which she envisions, and must be overcome. 5. What positions about destiny or fate are evident in the novel? In your opinion, does the book make an overarching statement about destiny? Why or why not? For some characters, destiny or fate is out of human beings' control. In the Forbidden Forest, for example, the centaurs Ronan and Bane refuse to intervene and assist Hagrid, Harry, and Hermione because "Mars is bright tonight." Their practice of astrology shows their belief that human fates are fixed and immovable; destines are, in fact, so established that they can literally be "read in the stars." Harry is at some points inclined to believe in this conception of fate, as, for example, when he confides in Ron his fear that, as Bane "predicted," Voldemort will kill him. On the other hand, readers should note that Harry is reading a great deal into Bane's words; Bane's exact words were a question-"Have we not read what is to come in the movements of the planets?'-that does not receive an explicit answer in the text. This fact might reasonably lead readers to conclude that the novel does not ultimately support a blind fatalism. The episode of the Sorting Hat, for example, suggests that destiny is not so fixed as the centaurs would believe: while the Hat says that Harry would do well in Slytherin, it ultimately respects his free choice of Gryffindor. (In the Hat's words: "Not Slytherin, eh? Are you sure? . . . . Well, if you're sure-better be GRYFFINDOR!") Or, readers may take the more nuanced view that the novel suggests that, while some broad destiny may wait for human beings (as Harry is destined to be a "great wizard"), the exact form that destiny takes is up to them to shape (as Harry can choose to be "great" for either evil or, as he does choose, good).

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Short Essay And Paragraph On Harry Potter For Students

Here you can read a five-paragraph essay about the Harry Potter books in serious terms. The following selected paragraphs are valuable for learning purposes, especially for young students.

Table of Contents

A Paragraph About Harry Potter

1. Harry Potter is a series of seven fantasy novels by J.K. Rowling. The series tells the adventures of the young wizard Harry Potter and his friends Ron Wesley and Hermione Granger, who are all students of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and want to conquer the world.

3. They have also been criticized for their negative portrayal of certain groups, such as the Slithery, and for promoting witchcraft and wizardry. Even so, the series has become one of the most popular in history, and its influence on popular culture is undeniable.

4. So here’s a quick rundown of the Harry Potter franchise: Whether you’re a fan or not, there is no denying that these books have had a huge impact on the world. Did you know? The final book in the Harry Potter franchise, Deathly Hallows, was published in 2007 and became the fastest-selling book in history. In the first 24 hours of its publication, 11 million copies were sold.

5. The Harry Potter series has been translated into over 60 languages and made into eight blockbuster films. Rowling said she got the idea for the series while on a train ride from Manchester to London. Soon after, she began writing the first book. Harry Potter is often credited with reviving the children’s book genre , which made reading popular among young people again. Research has shown that it encourages children to buy books by other British authors, such as Roald Dahl and Diana Wynne Jones.

500 Words Essay On Harry Potter

Harry Potter is a series of fantasy novels written by British author J.K. Rowling. The series chronicles the life of a young orphan boy named Harry Potter, who discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is a wizard. He is taken to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, a magical boarding school in Scotland, where he makes friends and enemies, and learns about magic and the magical world.

The series is made up of seven books, with the first book, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” being published in 1997 and the final book, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” being published in 2007. The books were later adapted into eight successful films, with the final film being released in 2011.

The Harry Potter series has become one of the most popular and successful book and movie franchises of all time. It has been translated into over 80 languages and has sold over 500 million copies worldwide. The series has also been credited with revitalizing interest in reading among young people and has been used as a tool for teaching reading and critical thinking skills in schools.

One of the reasons for the series’ success is its relatable and well-developed characters. Harry Potter, the protagonist of the series, is an orphan who is forced to grow up too quickly, and the series follows his journey from a neglected and mistreated child to a brave and confident young man. His friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley are also well-developed characters, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The series also features a wide variety of memorable and dynamic villains, such as Lord Voldemort, the main antagonist of the series, and his followers, the Death Eaters.

Another aspect of the series that has contributed to its success is its rich and detailed magical world. Rowling’s imagination and creativity are on full display in the series, as she creates a world filled with a wide variety of magical creatures, spells, and magical objects. The series also features a complex and intricate plot, with many subplots and twists that keep readers engaged and guessing until the end.

In conclusion, the Harry Potter series is a masterpiece of modern literature that has captured the hearts and minds of millions of readers and viewers around the world. It has become one of the most popular and successful book and movie franchises of all time, and its relatable characters, rich magical world, and complex plot are just a few of the reasons why it has stood the test of time. It is a story of friendship, love, and the power of good to triumph over evil that will continue to be enjoyed by people of all ages for years to come.

Hello! Welcome to my Blog StudyParagraphs.co. My name is Angelina. I am a college professor. I love reading writing for kids students. This blog is full with valuable knowledge for all class students. Thank you for reading my articles.

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• English Essay

Harry Potter

By essaysmasters

Harry James Potter is a fictional character, the protagonist of a series of novels written by English writer Joan Rowling. In the main series that consists of seven books, as well as whole Rowling’s fictional world, he is known as the only wizard in history who managed to defeat the dark wizard called Lord Voldemort and the only one who survived eight battles with him. Among other things, Harry is a winner of the Triwizard Tournament and the owner of a special Hogwarts Award ‘For Service to the School’, received in 1993 for saving the school of Witchcraft and Wizardry from the monster of the Chamber of Secrets – the Basilisk. The character gained extreme popularity all over the world. Despite difficult childhood and a long chain of challenges, Harry Potter has never betrayed his brave and candid principles, which makes him a truly inspiring character for the generation of readers that grew up with him.

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Harry was born on July 31, 1980, in the family of James and Lily Potters. His father was an animagus (a person who can deliberately turn into an animal) from the ancient bloodline of wizards while his mother was a muggleborn witch, extremely gifted, especially in potions. All three of them were accepted into Hogwarts and sorted into Gryffindor House, which already tells something about the family; the decision-making magic of the Sorting Hat depends on student’s dominant personality traits and, for Gryffindor, these have to be bravery and pride. Harry himself barely knew his parents (they died when the baby Harry was only one year old), but remembered them with deep respect and love. Every time someone said that he looked like his father, Harry felt proud. Of course, anyone who spoke of his parents unflatteringly aroused the boy’s cordial dislike. Naturally, professor of magic potions Severus Snape gave derisive comments about James which did not add warmth to their relationship. Harry’s feelings towards his father became slightly colder when he saw in the Pool of Memory – a magic device that allows re-experiencing one’s memories – recollection of James and his best friend Sirius attacking unarmed Snape. He did not cease to love his father after that, but his attitude towards him lost his childlike eagerness.

Arguably, Harry’s appearance is quite a metaphor for his personality and his story. He has a puny physique, a short stature, dark hair (similar to his father’s), and bright green almond-shaped eyes (like his mother Lily had). This hints a reader to his strong connection to his family heritage that he believes to be lost and to the type of the hero he is; he is the one who is destined to save others, although does not seem to be built for that. Being a well-developed character, Harry Potter also has many recognizable special signs. Firstly, he wears round glasses and has a recognizable scar in the form of lightning on the forehead. He also has a scar on the left hand in the form of the words ‘I must not tell lies’, obtained after illegal detentions executed by professor Dolores Umbridge. Lastly, he has two more marks: an oval scar on the breast left by the Horcrux medallion (a special magic relic which contained the part of Voldemort’s soul that could let him resurrect in case he died), and a snake bite scar on his hand left by Voldemort’s serpent Nagini in the house of Bathilda Bagshot’s, author of History of Magic.

Harry grew up in a heavy emotional environment but this did not affect his personality in a negative way. The difficult life with the Dursleys, his only living relatives, has formed in him a sort of distrust; yet, he overcomes it after his first year in the school of wizardry. When Hagrid, Hogwarts’ gamekeeper, appears in his life, the boy doubts reality of what is happening until the last. During the first year in Hogwarts, where Harry finally feels like a full-fledged person, the main features of his character reveal themselves, both positive and negative. In addition to kindness and courage, Harry is endowed with such qualities as mercy, compassion, and the ability to self-sacrifice. Harry is a good friend and companion, he does not like to lie, and always tries to help those who need it. Along with this, Harry knows how to raise his voice against injustice, which is due to the hardness of his personality. At the same time, he is quite rebellious and sometimes show certain disrespect towards the rules. Harry often feels tormented by contradictions because of him being the unintended Horcrux of Voldemort (although he does not know it). Nonetheless, his light side always prevails. After the loss of his godfather Sirius Black, Harry acquires a grim determination of revenge.

To continue, Potter never attacks first; on the contrary, he himself often has to reflect attacks. Harry is a leader by nature, and if he has to lead anything (to be captain of the Quidditch sport team or the leader of the Dumbledore Army defense classes), he does it pretty well. Harry never boasts of his fame; moreover, his fame annoys him. He is not always sociable, and despite the fact that he has to contact with a large number of people, he manages to become close only with a few. One might say that Harry’s shortcomings include secrecy that comes from a desire to protect those around him; he often believes that he is better to act alone to protect his loved ones. He rarely shares his feelings and experiences, even with those few close friends. These difficulties with trust and being open tend to reveal themselves even in his adult life: from the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child theatre play we know that Harry has a hard time building relationship with his son Albus; still, he finds a way to become a decent parent.

To conclude, Harry cannot ignore his own emotions and rely only on facts like his father’s friend Remus Lupine does, he is not able to grasp details like his friend Hermione Granger, and he may sometimes fail to treat everything with humor like his best mate Ron or Weasley twins. However, he is able to love people deeply and strongly and intuitively foresee something that cannot be explained in words. His personality proves to be his greatest advantage in the war against the Dark Lord and the quest of destroying his Horcruxes.

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Essay on My Favourite Book Harry Potter Series

Introduction

From the very first book, I was hooked on this incredible series that captured my imagination and transported me to a world unlike any other. There’s something truly special about these books that make them stand out from all others – the charm, wit, adventure, and intricate details woven into each page are simply unforgettable. As someone who loves reading books in their free time, it’s no surprise that Harry Potter is at the top of my list as my favourite book series ever! So join me as we take a closer look at what makes these books so amazing.

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What is Harry Potter about?

Harry Potter is a beloved book series written by the British author J. K. Rowling. The story follows the life and adventures of Harry Potter, an orphan boy who discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is a wizard. The series takes place in a magical world where wizards and witches exist alongside muggles (non-magical people). Throughout the seven books, readers are transported to this enchanting world filled with spells, potions, mythical creatures and fantastical places such as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As Harry learns more about his past and himself he faces many challenges, including defeating dark wizards like Lord Voldemort. Alongside his best friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, Harry must use all of his powers to overcome obstacles while discovering what true friendship means along the way. The Harry Potter series is an epic adventure full of magic, and action-packed battles between good vs evil but also filled with heartwarming moments that will leave you wanting more.

Why I like the Harry Potter series

There are countless reasons why I love the Harry Potter series. Firstly, the world-building is absolutely incredible. J. K. Rowling has created a rich and intricate magical universe that feels so real, it’s like you could step into it yourself. Secondly, the characters are incredibly well-developed and multi-dimensional. From Harry himself to Hermione, Ron, Dumbledore and even minor characters like Luna Lovegood or Neville Longbottom – each character has their own unique personality traits and quirks that make them feel like real people. Thirdly, the themes explored in the series are universal and timeless. Friendship, loyalty, and courage – are all values that we can relate to no matter what age we are or where we come from. Lastly (but certainly not least!), there’s just something truly special about the way this story makes me feel every time I read it or watch one of the movies. There’s an undeniable magic to it all that fills me with joy and wonderment every time I dive back into this beloved world of wizards and witches. My love for Harry Potter runs deep – there isn’t a single thing about this series that doesn’t completely captivate me!

The Different Books in the Harry Potter Series

The Harry Potter series consists of seven books, each one taking readers on a thrilling adventure through the wizarding world. Book- 1 The first book, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” introduces us to Harry Potter, his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, and the magical world they inhabit. This book sets up the overarching storyline of Harry’s fight against Lord Voldemort Book- 2 “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” sees our trio back at Hogwarts for their second year. They discover that someone has opened the Chamber of Secrets, unleashing a monster that petrifies students. As always, Harry is tasked with saving Hogwarts from disaster. Book- 3 In “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” we are introduced to Sirius Black – an escaped prisoner who is believed to be after Harry. Alongside this new threat is a mysterious creature called a Dementor which haunts Hogwarts. Book- 4 “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” takes things up a notch as we see Hogwarts host its very own Triwizard Tournament – but something goes terribly wrong during it. Book- 5 In “Harry Potter and Order of Phoenix,” we find out more about Voldemort’s return as well as some important plot points concerning key characters such as Neville Longbottom. Book- 6 In “Half-Blood Prince”, Dumbledore finally reveals many secrets surrounding Voldemort’s past in order for them to defeat him once again Book- 7 Finally in “Deathly Hallows” everything comes together in this epic conclusion where friendship loyalty sacrifice all play crucial roles towards defeating evil once again

The Characters of the Harry Potter Series

The characters of the Harry Potter series are some of the most memorable and beloved in all of literature. From the brave and determined Harry himself, to Hermione’s sharp intelligence, each character brings something unique to the story. Firstly, there’s Ron Weasley, who is loyal and always willing to stand up for what he believes in. His friendship with Harry is one of the driving forces behind their many adventures. Then there’s Neville Longbottom, who starts off as a timid young wizard but grows into a courageous fighter over time. His journey from underdog to hero serves as an inspiration for readers everywhere. Of course, we can’t forget about Severus Snape – arguably one of the most complex characters in the entire series. Despite his prickly demeanour and questionable actions at times, it becomes clear that he has been working towards a greater good all along. And finally, there’s Voldemort himself – a terrifying villain whose power seems unstoppable until Harry discovers his weaknesses. He serves as both a physical danger throughout much of the series and an embodiment of evil itself. Each character in this beloved book series adds depth and meaning to J. K Rowling’s magical world.

To sum it up, the Harry Potter series is undoubtedly one of my favourite book series of all time. It has everything a reader could want: adventure, magic, friendship, love and loyalty. The books’ intricate plotlines and well-developed characters keep me engaged every time I read them. Aside from being an enjoyable read, the Harry Potter series also taught me many valuable lessons about life such as bravery in the face of adversity and standing up for what you believe in even when it’s hard. If you haven’t had the chance to read this magical book series yet or are looking for your next favourite book to dive into then look no further than Harry Potter.

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I finished writing the final Harry Potter book in 2007, which seems a very long time ago now. And before that, I had been immersed in Harry’s world for nearly 20 years – since 1990, in fact, when the idea of a boy who doesn’t yet know that he is a great wizard first bubbled up in my brain. But what makes me happiest is that new readers, all over the world, are still discovering Harry Potter for the first time, today.

The short introductions here to each of the seven Harry Potter stories will give you a flavour of the adventures ahead of you. I’ve also tried to answer some of the questions I’m most often asked in the numerous letters and emails that I continue to receive from fans.

I could not have imagined in my wildest dreams just how popular my Harry Potter books would become and at times it was truly overwhelming. Below is a snapshot of what happened when the books were first published.

If you would like to find out more, why not visit Wizarding World.com , the official hub for fans of Harry Potter and the Fantastic Beasts film series.

Enjoy your reading!

The Harry Potter Stories

From Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone , where the story begins, through to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows , here’s a brief introduction to the seven books that have made Harry the world’s most renowned wizard.

9 and 3/4 Questions

J. K. Rowling answers some of the questions she’s most often asked by fans about Harry Potter and the wizarding world she created.

The Magical Journey…

Since the first book appeared in 1997, Harry Potter has not just enchanted readers worldwide, but become a true publishing phenomenon. Find out more here.

Explore More About The Wizarding World

Whether you love Harry Potter and have read every book twice, or you are just starting out on your journey, a visit to Wizarding World.com will answer all your questions, fire your imagination, and draw you deeper into the magic!

Which Hogwarts house would you be in?

Gryffindor, I hope. I value courage beyond almost anything. But I’d be quite a good fit in Ravenclaw, too.

What’s your Patronus?

I used to think it would be an otter, which I gave to Hermione in the books, because I love otters so much, but I’ve got a feeling that if I ever managed to produce one, it would be some kind of large bird. Possibly an owl.

Where do the names of the spells and potions come from or are they made up?

They’re mostly made up, though some derive from old charms people thought genuinely worked, such as Avada Kedavra, from which came ‘abracadabra’. I used a good bit of pig Latin and took liberties with archaic words, too.

Where do wizards go to school before going to Hogwarts?

If they’re Muggle-born, they’ll go to regular schools. Wizarding families tend to home school their children until they’re ready for Hogwarts.

Which Harry Potter character would you most like to meet and why?

I think it would have to be Dumbledore. We’d have a lot to discuss and I would love his advice; I think that everyone would like a Dumbledore in their lives.

Does Harry Potter still have his owl (Hedwig) and does Hermione still have her cat (Crookshanks)?

Poor Hedwig died in book seven, but I like to think Harry would always have a snowy owl in her honour. Crookshanks lived to a ripe old age, but I’m afraid he’s no longer with us.

Will Harry Potter and the Cursed Child ever be made into a movie?

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was conceived and written as a stage play. It was always intended to be a stage play and nothing else, and I’m afraid there are absolutely no plans for it to become a movie, a novel, a puppet show, a cartoon, a comic book series or Cursed Child on Ice!

Will there be another Harry Potter book – about the Marauders or the Founders of Hogwarts, for instance?

I have always refused to say ‘never’ to this question, because I think it would be foolish to rule out something I might want to do in the future. The play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a prime example. I was intrigued to do something new. Working with Jack Thorne (the playwright) and John Tiffany (the director) was one of the most satisfyingly creative experiences of my working life. We developed the story together and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the result.

What happened to some of the other characters like Dudley Dursley, Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood?

I think Dudley’s out there living a happier and better life for having known Harry. He wouldn’t be nearly as hidebound and fiercely conventional as his parents. Neville became a Herbology teacher at Hogwarts, where I think he’d be hugely popular.

Luna married a descendant of Newt Scamander and became a magizoologist.

The “Harry Potter” Movie vs. Book Comparison Essay

Nowadays, more and more films are being made based on the books’ plots. The trend to make movies according to popular books has developed tremendously with the launch of such film projects as The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. It is known that if the viewer first watches a movie and then reads the book it is based on, it will be very difficult to eliminate the images that the director, according to his vision, reflected in the film. One’s imagination ceases to work, and reading is reduced to the reproduction in the mind of already assimilated images. At the same time, one of the most important tasks of literature is to develop the imagination. The reader must do the work of visually recreating the images the author describes. For my essay, I chose the movie and the book Harry Potter, which differ in many aspects, such as the plot, the details of the narrative, and the representation of the main characters.

The movie Harry Potter is a great illustration of the book. All the actors are perfectly chosen, and the main characters have the same characteristics as the author of the book wrote about. The plot twists and turns are mostly consistent with the source material. The boy’s story, life journey, and experiences are described in the original version. He also goes to a wizarding school and finds friends and enemies. Harry develops his abilities, gets into difficult situations, and gets out of them with agility. Furthermore, the author and director of the book describe him as a brave, kind, and courageous boy.

Although the idea and the main points are the same, there was much controversy. Readers and viewers had a completely different understanding of the story because “Harry Potter” is full of screaming inconsistencies. The first difference in the plot is that the movie omits the entire first chapter of the book when wizards around the world meet and raise their glasses to the surviving boy. Instead, the movie shows Professor Albus Dumbledore and Professor Minerva McGonagall meeting, and then the events of Harry’s hapless relatives begin to unfold.

The next difference concerning this aspect is that the movie omitted important details about the creation of the Marauder’s Map. However, the book does say that Tail (Peter Pettigrew), working for the Dark Lord, was the Keeper of the Potter Mystery (Kostelej and Bagić 19). After all, he was one of those who had a hand in creating the magical thing. It was through him that Voldemort found James and Lily that ill-fated night and Sirius had nothing to do with it. Another difference is that the professor effortlessly shakes his hand when Harry meets Professor Quirrell in Diagon Alley in the first book (Kostelej and Bagić 19). However, he politely refuses to make contact with Harry in the movie. This is troubling, for he could only burn his palms if Voldemort had already taken possession of his flesh (Kostelej and Bagić 28). Furthermore, that happened after the Philosopher’s Stone was discovered.

The next aspect of comparison are the details of the narrative. Harry’s farewell to Dudley looks dramatic in the book, and the reader even begins to feel compassion for the boy raised by such stingy and arrogant parents. On the other hand, the film deprived the audience of this emotion, thus distorting the relationship between the boys. The next difference is that the books explore the story of Tom Riddle becoming the ruthless Voldemort in much greater depth. According to the movie version, the dark lord is just an orphan with a penchant for evil.

Nevertheless, the novels show that his fate is incredibly complicated and creepy. In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Albus Dumbledore showed Harry a memory of the Mrax family. In the flashback, Potter saw the home of Marvolo Mrax, Voldemort’s grandfather (Kostelej and Bagić 25). The Mraxes lived poor, having used up their wealth over several generations. However, the most important detail readers learned was that Tom Riddle’s father was under the influence of a love potion, so the future dark lord lost his capacity for love at birth. Marvolo Mrax’s hut later became where Voldemort hid one of his Horcruxes, which Dumbledore found a few years later (Kostelej and Bagić 20). These details change the villain’s perception, which is impossible to achieve based on the movie.

The third aspect of comparison is the representation of the characters. Several times in the film, the audience hears phrases indicating incredible heredity; it is claimed that Harry has his mother’s eyes. Rowling rewarded Lily with a green shade of eyes if we believed the manuscripts. However, the screen shows Harry as a blue-eyed boy, which may mislead people who have read the book. Another difference is that some of Dobby’s merits were attributed to Neville in the movie. For example, the house elf was the one who got the gill for Harry during the Tournament of Three Wizards. However, the film’s writer let his classmate do it, and the same thing happened with the Room of Requirement.

Thus, the book “Harry Potter” and its film adaptation have many differences, but there are also similarities. This can be frustrating and misleading for people who read the story in the book version first and then watch the movie. However, given that the book’s author and the film’s director are two different people, it can be understood that it is impossible to achieve a complete identity. People have different views and can implement ideas differently, which is a significant factor when comparing these narrative versions.

Kostelej, Martin, and Marina Bagić Babac. “Text Analysis Of The Harry Potter Book Series.” South Eastern European Journal of Communication 4.1 (2022): 17-30.

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IvyPanda. (2024, February 24). The "Harry Potter" Movie vs. Book Comparison. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-harry-potter-movie-vs-book-comparison/

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IvyPanda . 2024. "The "Harry Potter" Movie vs. Book Comparison." February 24, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-harry-potter-movie-vs-book-comparison/.

1. IvyPanda . "The "Harry Potter" Movie vs. Book Comparison." February 24, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-harry-potter-movie-vs-book-comparison/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The "Harry Potter" Movie vs. Book Comparison." February 24, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-harry-potter-movie-vs-book-comparison/.

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'Harry Potter': Horcruxes and You, a Guide to Splitting Your Soul Through Murder

How did this complicated piece of magic help keep Voldemort alive?

The Big Picture

• Horcruxes are pieces of a wizard's soul that allow them to live on even after their physical body is destroyed, making them effectively immortal.
• Creating a Horcrux requires committing an act so heinous that it tears apart the creator's soul, usually through cold-blooded murder.
• Harry Potter himself unintentionally became a Horcrux for Voldemort when the Dark Lord's killing curse backfired, which ultimately led to Voldemort's defeat.

Although Voldemort does not appear in every Harry Potter film , he is the main antagonist of the series — an omnipotent presence that keeps returning after every so-called defeat. For the first five films, we never truly understand how Voldemort was able to survive after a baby Harry seemingly destroyed him. But in The Half-Blood Prince , Dumbledore introduces Harry to the complicated piece of magic known as Horcruxes.

Listing out all the Horcruxes is like doing a cartwheel. Any Harry Potter fan will know, you need to do it every so often to reassure yourself that you still can do it. For some, maybe less ardent fans, there is always one that escapes you. So, if you ever need a refresher on them, here is your complete guide to all things Horcrux.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

As Harry Potter begins his sixth year at Hogwarts, he discovers an old book marked as "the property of the Half-Blood Prince" and begins to learn more about Lord Voldemort's dark past.

What Are Horcruxes?

Simply put, a Horcrux is a piece of one’s soul . If a witch or wizard creates a Horcrux, then they can never truly die until said Horcrux is destroyed as well. A person’s physical body can be destroyed, but their soul can live on. So, when Voldemort’s killing curse backfired after attempting to murder young Harry, his physical body was destroyed. However, since Voldemort had numerous other Horcruxes, he was not truly dead.

How Does One Create a Horcrux?

In order to create a Horcrux, the witch or wizard must distort their soul to such an extent that it is torn apart . Dumbledore suggests that one of the only ways to do so is cold-blooded murder. However, there could be an argument that numerous other acts can create a Horcrux as well, assuming that they are so gruesome that your soul literally cannot handle it.

How Do Harry and Voldemort Find Out What Horcruxes Are?

Creating a Horcrux is a dark and incredibly difficult piece of magic. Knowledge of how to create one is forbidden and rarely talked about. In the sixth book , Dumbledore asks Harry to convince Professor Slughorn to reveal a particularly sensitive but important memory. Once he succeeded, Harry and Dumbledore discovered that it was Professor Slughorn who revealed to a 16-year-old Voldemort at Hogwarts how to create a Horcrux .

How Can Horcruxes Be Destroyed?

Since Harry’s destiny as “the Chosen One” is to defeat Voldemort, he embarks on his mission to destroy all of the Horcruxes along with the help of Harry and Hermione. Horcruxes can only be destroyed in specific circumstances that allow its complete and utter destruction. In the movies , the Horcruxes are destroyed in these ways:

• The killing curse — “Avada Kedavra.”
• Fiendfyre — a curse that creates powerful and magical flames.
• Godric Gryffindor’s sword — one that was pulled from the Sorting Hat.
• Basilisk’s venom — acquired from a tooth of the giant Basilisk snake in the bowels of Hogwarts.

What Are Voldemort’s Horcruxes?

Although it is incredibly difficult to create even one Horcrux, Voldemort purposely created six Horcruxes within his lifetime, in order to stave off his chances of truly dying. Since they are of utmost importance to him, Voldemort decided to turn important pieces of Hogwarts and magical history into Horcruxes. As an orphan who never truly felt at home until he discovered he was a wizard and went to Hogwarts, like Harry, Voldemort is deeply attached to his school. Additionally, Voldemort is a descendant of Salazar Slytherin, one of the founding members of Hogwarts and Slytherin house . Voldemort decided to turn objects that solidified his magical heritage and importance into Horcruxes . This was the ultimate confirmation of his magical status, a promise to his angry, forgotten younger self . Here is a breakdown of each of his Horcruxes:

Tom Riddle's Diary

In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets , Tom Riddle’s diary from his days at Hogwarts finds itself among the possessions of Ginny Weasley. Since it holds a part of Voldemort’s soul, the diary can talk and influence Ginny, convincing her to open the Chamber of Secrets and unleash the Basilisk upon Muggle-borns at school. During the climax of the film, Harry manages to destroy the Horcrux with venom from the fang of a Basilisk . We later learn that this was the first Horcrux that was destroyed, which prompted Dumbledore to explore the idea that Voldemort might have created multiple ones.

The Cheeky Easter Egg Hiding in the Harry Potter Movies

Marvolo gaunt's ring.

The second Horcrux that was destroyed was Marvolo Gaunt’s ring. As we learn more about Voldemort’s life during the sixth movie , we discover his family history with the Gaunts. Marvolo Gaunt was Voldemort’s grandfather, who possessed the ring as a family heirloom. When Voldemort returned to his hometown to murder his father and paternal grandparents, he took the ring and turned it into a Horcrux. Dumbledore eventually retrieved the ring and destroyed it with the sword of Godric Gryffindor.

Salazar Slytherin's Locket

Voldemort turned another family heirloom into a Horcrux — his mother’s locket that originally belonged to Salazar Slytherin. One of the main plot points in the sixth movie revolves around Dumbledore and Harry recovering the locket to destroy it. After managing to escape Voldemort’s magical defenses and taking the locket, Harry discovers that the locket they recovered was fake, first stolen by Regulus Black, Sirius Black’s brother and a reformed Death Eater. Harry, Ron and Hermione finally re-discover the locket in the final book, in the possession of their former Headmaster, Dolores Umbridge . In another dangerous and extended plot, the golden trio goes undercover at the Ministry of Magic to steal the locket. Afterward, Ron destroys the Horcrux with the sword of Godric Gryffindor.

Helga Hufflepuff's Cup

Shortly after he graduated from Hogwarts, Tom Riddle found himself in the company of Hepzibah Smith, a wealthy and frivolous woman who collected precious and expensive antiques. She had in her possession the cup of Helga Hufflepuff, one of the founding members of Hogwarts and Hufflepuff house. Coveting the cup, Voldemort stole it and killed Smith, creating yet another Horcrux. In Deathly Hallows - Part 2 , Harry, Ron and Hermione deduce that the cup is being stored in the Gringotts vault of the Lestranges, a family deeply dedicated to Voldemort. After breaking into the vault and stealing the cup, Hermione destroys this Horcrux in the Chamber of Secrets with a Basilisk fang.

Rowena Ravenclaw's Diadem

How Voldemort retrieved Rowena Ravenclaw’s diadem is not quite clear, but he most likely recovered the long-lost artifact in Albania. Rowena Ravenclaw was the final founding member of Hogwarts and the Ravenclaw house. Harry realizes the diadem is a Horcrux by talking to Rowena’s daughter Helena, who remains as a ghost at Hogwarts. Helena reveals that she stole her mother’s diadem out of jealousy, and reveals that Voldemort later turned it into a Horcrux.

Helena surreptitiously hints that the diadem is still in Hogwarts, in a place where lost things can never be found. Harry correctly guesses that Tom hid the diadem in the Room of Requirement , a secret room in Hogwarts that can turn into any location needed by the user. Harry finds the diadem in the version of the room that hides lost items. While Harry, Ron and Hermione are searching for the diadem in the room, they are discovered by Draco Malfoy and his cronies, Crabbe and Goyle. Emboldened by learning more Dark Arts, Crabbe uses the Fiendfyre curse, a fire curse that creates powerful and uncontrollable flames, ones strong enough to destroy the diadem accidentally.

Destroying the final Horcrux is less dramatic than the others, although the road to get there was long. Just before Harry heads into the forest to sacrifice himself, he runs into Neville. Harry quickly tells Neville that he must destroy Nagini, Voldemort’s snake. Nagini is the last Horcrux that Voldemort created and the last one to be destroyed. During the final battle of Hogwarts, Neville pulls the sword of Godric Gryffindor from the Sorting Hat and beheads Nagini , destroying the last Horcrux. This allows Harry to finally kill Voldemort after the latter’s killing curse poetically backfires when Harry uses a disarming spell on him.

The Secret Horcrux — Harry

Voldemort only ever intended to make six Horcruxes, with the possibility that maybe he could create more in the future. However, when Voldemort attempted to kill baby Harry that fateful night, his killing curse backfired instead. Voldemort’s soul splintered then, killing his physical body and splitting his soul into a new Horcrux. Since he had just murdered Harry’s parents in cold blood and attempted to kill a defenseless infant, there was enough justification for the creation of a Horcrux. At that moment, Voldemort’s soul latched onto the only living thing in the building — Harry himself.

For almost his entire life, Harry was a Horcrux. This explains Harry’s ability to speak Parseltongue — the magical ability to understand and talk to snakes — an ability Voldemort has as a descendant of Salazar Slytherin. Additionally, Voldemort and Harry have been mentally connected, able to see and sense things only the other could know. Therefore, when Voldemort used the killing curse against Harry in Deathly Hallows - Part 1 , he was actually killing part of his own soul, and Harry was able to survive . And after Neville killed Nagini, all Horcruxes were destroyed. Harry finally put an end to Voldemort and was able to live in peace for the rest of his life (assuming you don’t consider The Cursed Child as canon).

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75 Harry Potter trivia questions for serious Potterheads only

I f you're reading this, there's a good chance you've read all of the Harry Potter books and seen each of the eight movies (at least twice through). After all, those are the indicators of a bona fide Potterhead.

Let's put that knowledge to the test, shall we?

To find out just how much Harry Potter trivia you really know, we've compiled a list of questions and answers that's guaranteed to show off your wizarding skills .

To ace this quiz, you're going to need some pretty serious knowledge on everything from what a Patronus is to which Hogwarts professor penned the autobiography "Magic Me."

In fact, to prove that you're the ultimate Harry Potter fan, you'll need to correctly answer each of these trivia questions which cover all things Harry Potter-related, like Hogwarts, Voldemort, Albus Dumbledore, Severus Snape, Ron, Hermione, Horcruxes and spells.

If you can guess them all, congratulations — you're truly a Prefect. Along with Harry Potter basics like the names of the houses at Hogwarts and where to buy wands in Diagon Alley, we've tossed in some challenging questions that only a true Gryffindor or Slytherin would know.

So, put on your Sorting Hat and grab a frosty mug of butterbeer , because we're just getting started. By the time we're through, you'll be saying, "Let there be Lumos!"

• What concoction does Hermione give Harry and Ron to make them appear as Crabbe and Goyle in “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"? Answer: Polyjuice Potion
• What are the names of Ron Weasley’s twin brothers? Answer: Fred and George
• Which actor portrayed Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter movies ("The Sorcerer's Stone" and "The Chamber of Secrets")? Answer: Richard Harris
• What month, day and year is Harry Potter's birthday? Answer: July 31, 1980
• What is the name of the house elf who warns Harry Potter against returning to Hogwarts in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"? Answer: Dobby
• What three schools of magic compete in the Triwizard Tournament in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"? Answer: Hogwarts, Durmstrang and Beauxbatons
• What is Minerva McGonagall a professor of at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry? Answer: Transfiguration
• Before "Twilight," Robert Pattinson appeared in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"c as what character?  Answer: Cedric Diggory
• What position does Harry Potter play in Quidditch?  Answer: Seeker
• What is Hagrid's first name? Answer: Rubeus
• What is the name of the cat belonging to Hogwarts' caretaker, Argus Filch? Answer: Mrs. Norris
• What actor plays Hogwarts professor Sybil Trelawney in "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"? Answer: Emma Thompson
• What is the name of Harry Potter's hometown? Answer: Godric's Hollow
• What does Harry use to destroy Tom Riddle's diary, a Horcrux, in "Chamber of Secrets"? Answer: The fang of a basilisk
• How many players are there on a Quidditch team? Answer: 7
• In the book, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" which bridge do the Death Eaters destroy? Answer: Brockdale Bridge
• What is the original name of the J.K. Rowling book "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone"? Answer: "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone"
• After being destroyed by the Whomping Willow, Harry's Nimbus 2000 is replaced with what broom? Answer: The Firebolt
• What is Hermione Granger's middle name? Answer: Jean
• What pub does the Knight Bus drop Harry Potter off at after he flees the Dursleys' in "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"? Answer: The Leaky Cauldron
• Actor Shirley Henderson plays which iconic character in the Harry Potter movies "Chamber of Secrets" and "Goblet of Fire"? Answer: Moaning Myrtle
• What is name of Voldemort's beloved snake and companion? Answer: Nagini
• The Hogwarts Express departs from what platform? Answer: 9 3/4
• What is the name of the shape-shifter that can appear in the likeness of a person's worst fear? Answer: Boggart
• Harry Potter and the Dursleys live on Privet Drive in Surrey. What is the house number? Answer: 4
• What must one use to travel via the Floo Network? Answer: Floo powder
• In "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," Hagrid receives a promotion at Hogwarts. What is his new role? Answer: Care of Magical Creatures professor
• Whose wedding reception is violently interrupted by Death Eaters in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"? Answer: Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour
• Who was Draco Malfoy's date at the Yule Ball in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"? Answer: Pansy Parkinson
• In Harry Potter's first Quidditch match, how does he "catch" the snitch to win the game? Answer: In his mouth
• What is the name of the wand shop in Diagon Alley? Answer: Ollivanders
• The deepest vaults of Gringotts Bank are protected by what? Answer: A dragon
• What are Voldemort's horcruxes (not including Harry Potter)? Answer: Tom Riddle's' diary, Marvolo Gaunt's ring, Salazar Slytherin's locket, Helga Hufflepuff's cup, Rowena Ravenclaw's diadem and Nagini.
• What is the name of the plant with healing properties whose scream is so piercing it can be fatal? Answer: Mandrake
• What are the four houses of Hogwarts? Answer: Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw
• What defensive spell can be used to deflect spells cast by enemies and other wizards? Answer: The Protego spell
• Which Harry Potter character is dubbed "The Half-Blood Prince"? Answer: Severus Snape
• Who notably said, "The ministry has fallen. Scrimgeour is dead. They are coming," in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"? Answer: Kingsley Shacklebolt
• What animal is Harry Potter's patronus? Answer: The stag
• After missing the train, Harry and Ron use an enchanted car to fly to Hogwarts in "Chamber of Secrets." What make and model is the automobile? Answer: Ford Anglia
• In "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" Harry swims to the bottom of a frozen pond to retrieve what magical item? Answer: The sword of Gryffindor
• Who is the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor in "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"? Answer: Remus Lupin
• What position does Ron Weasley play on Gryffindor's Quidditch team in the movie "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"? Answer: Keeper (or goalie)
• During what major sporting event does Voldemort's "Dark Mark" appear in the sky in "Goblet of Fire"? Answer: The Quidditch World Cup
• What does the Hogwarts’ motto “Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus” mean?  Answer: Never tickle a sleeping dragon
• Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot & Prongs are proud to present what notable magical item used in "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"? Answer: The Marauder's Map
• What nickname does Hagrid give the three-headed dog that stands guard over the Sorcerer's Stone? Answer: Fluffy
• This clever, magical accessory decides which house Hogwarts' students will be assigned to. What is it? Answer: The Sorting Hat
• How many presents does Dudley Dursley complain about not receiving on his birthday in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone"? Answer: 37
• What is the name of Albus Dumbledore's phoenix? Answer: Fawkes
• What is a wizard or witch that can turn into a specific animal at will called? Answer: Animagus
• What is Ron Weasley's biggest fear? Answer: Spiders
• In the "Order of the Phoenix," what kind of collectible plates does Dolores Umbridge display? Answer: Cat
• Tom Marvolo Riddle is an anagram for what? Answer: I am Lord Voldemort
• Hermione Granger's parents are Muggle-born and both work as what? Answer: Dentists
• How are Sirius Black and Bellatrix Lestrange related? Answer: They are first cousins
• What is the name of Hagrid's hippogriff? Answer: Buckbeak
• In "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," Ginny Weasley joins the Gryffindor Quidditch team playing what position? Answer: A Chaser
• Which Hogwarts' house does Luna Lovegood belong to? Answer: Ravenclaw
• What organization is responsible for governing the wizarding world? Answer: The Ministry of Magic
• Which American composer and conductor composed "Hedwig’s Theme," otherwise known as the “Harry Potter Theme”?  Answer: John Williams
• What train station is home to the Hogwarts Express? Answer: King's Cross Station
• At what Diagon Alley store can Hogwarts students purchase their robes? Answer: Madam Malkin's
• Which Harry Potter character disguised himself as Scabbers, Ron Weasley's pet rat? Answer: Peter Pettigrew
• British actor John Cleese portrays what character in the Harry Potter movies "Sorcerer's Stone" and "Chamber of Secrets"? Answer: Nearly Headless Nick
• For which wizarding family was Dobby, the house elf, in servitude to? Answer: The Malfoys
• What year was the final movie, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2" released? Answer: 2011
• In the Harry Potter books, what are "squibs"? Answer: Children born to wizard parents that have no magical abilities or powers of their own.
• In "Chamber of Secrets" who is the author of the autobiography "Magical Me"? Answer: Gilderoy Lockhart
• What is the name of Harry Potter's owl? Answer: Hedwig
• For the majority of the Harry Potter series, what kind of professor is Severus Snape? Answer: Potions
• What does Ron Weasley drink that that nearly kills him in "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"? Answer: Poisoned mead
• What is the name of Hermione Granger's cat? Answer: Crookshanks
• What poltergeist appears only in the Harry Potter books and not the films? Answer: Peeves
• In order, what are the names of the seven Harry Potter books? Answer: "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

This article was originally published on TODAY.com

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'Harry Potter' author J.K. Rowling criticised for gender views

LONDON - British author JK Rowling, who scored stellar success with her series about the boy wizard Harry Potter, has courted controversy online and even death threats because of her outspoken views on gender identity.

Her position that biological sex is immutable has made her a darling of some feminists over the years, but incurred the wrath of transgender rights activists, who have called for her to be “cancelled”.

Rowling, 58, denies charges of transphobia that have tarnished the global success of the Harry Potter books, which have sold a staggering 600 million copies worldwide.

The latest row on social media blew up last week after the Scottish government in Edinburgh, where Rowling lives, passed a law criminalising hate speech, including against transgender people.

Rowling, who lives in the city with her second husband, on April 1 published a volley of messages about transgender women on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, including several convicted of sexual offences.

“Obviously, the people mentioned in the above tweets aren’t women at all, but men, every last one of them,” she wrote.

The new legislation, she added, was “wide open” to abuse those wanting to silence advocates of women and girls’ single-sex spaces, and predatory men identifying as women.

“Freedom of speech and belief are at an end in Scotland if the accurate description of biological sex is deemed criminal,” she added, saying she welcomed arrest.

Police said complaints about the post were not criminal as the comments predictably triggered a firestorm, including from those for whom gender identity has become a “culture war” issue, such as Britain’s right-wing media and politicians.

The right-wing Daily Mail newspaper called Rowling a “hero”.

Rowling’s transformation from almost universally popular children’s author to a hate figure for supporters of gender identity began back in 2018.

The writer liked a post on Twitter – the forerunner to X – by a woman who described transgender women as “men in dresses”.

She apologised after attracting criticism. Then in 2019, she publicly defended a woman who was sacked from her job after posting what were deemed to be transphobic tweets.

In 2020, Rowling also sarcastically replied to a description of “people who menstruate”, writing: “I’m sure there used to be a word for those people.

“Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?“

The comment earned her the rebuke of her Harry Potter prodigies, including Daniel Radcliffe who played the boy wizard in the film franchise of the books, who publicly disassociated himself from her.

Two years later, Rowling spoke out again when Scotland, which has some devolved legislative powers, proposed making it simpler for people to change their legal gender.

The UK government stepped in to block the bill going through at the devolved Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.

Rowling calls herself a militant feminist, and has revealed how she had been a victim of domestic violence.

Women’s rights, she argued, could be threatened by some supporters of transgender rights and has spoken out about allowing transgender women to use changing rooms, toilets or prisons designated for women only.

Born on July 31, 1965 in the town of Chipping Sodbury in western England, Joanne Rowling began writing at an early age, telling stories she had dreamt up in her imagination.

After studying French, she became a translator at Amnesty International in London, then on a train trip to Manchester came up with the story of Harry Potter and his adventures at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

She taught English in Portugal where she married her first husband and had a daughter.

She worked on the Potter books every morning before work, continuing after she returned home in 1995, and moved to Scotland following her divorce.

Rowling struggled and was receiving welfare payments when the publishing house Bloomsbury finally accepted her fantastical creation.

Within a few years she and Harry Potter were a global phenomenon, shifting more than 600 million copies in over 80 languages.

The eight films based on the books have raked in some US$8 billion, making Rowling a millionaire several times over.

Despite the furore about her views on gender identity, she admitted in the podcast “The Witch Trials of JK Rowling” that she was “not uncomfortable about getting off (her) pedestal” and speaking her mind. AFP

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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter, Book 3) (MinaLima Edition) Hardcover – Illustrated, October 3, 2023

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Return to Hogwarts in this stunning edition of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban . J.K. Rowling’s complete and unabridged text is accompanied by full-color illustrations on nearly every page and eight paper-engineered interactive elements: Readers will explore the Knight Bus, reveal the Grim in a teacup, spin the Time-Turner, and more.

Designed and illustrated by MinaLima ― the award-winning studio behind the graphic style of the Harry Potter films ― this keepsake edition is the perfect gift for Harry Potter fans of all ages, a beautiful addition to any collector’s bookshelf, and an enchanting way to share this beloved series with a new generation of readers.

• Book 3 of 3 Harry Potter MinaLima Editions
• Print length 480 pages
• Language English
• Grade level 3 - 6
• Dimensions 6.22 x 2.05 x 9.21 inches
• Publisher Scholastic Inc.
• Publication date October 3, 2023
• ISBN-10 1338815288
• ISBN-13 978-1338815283
• See all details

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About the author.

J.K. Rowling is the author of the enduringly popular Harry Potter books. After the idea for Harry Potter came to her on a delayed train journey in 1990, she plotted out and started writing the series of seven books and the first was published as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in the UK in 1997. The series took another ten years to complete, concluding in 2007 with the publication of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows .

To accompany the series, J.K. Rowling wrote three short companion volumes for charity, Quidditch Through the Ages and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them , in aid of Comic Relief and Lumos, and The Tales of Beedle the Bard , in aid of Lumos. She also collaborated on the writing of a stage play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child , which was published as a script book.

Her other books for children include the fairy tale The Ickabog and The Christmas Pig , which were published in 2020 and 2021 respectively and have also been bestsellers. She is also the author of books for adults, including a bestselling crime fiction series.

J.K. Rowling has received many awards and honors for her writing. She also supports a number of causes through her charitable trust Volant and is the founder of the children’s charity Lumos.

To find out more about J.K. Rowling visit jkrowlingstories.com.

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Scholastic Inc.; Illustrated edition (October 3, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 480 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1338815288
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1338815283
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 11+ years, from customers
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 6
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.03 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.22 x 2.05 x 9.21 inches
• #7 in Children's Friendship Books
• #14 in Children's Fantasy & Magic Books
• #14 in Children's Action & Adventure Books (Books)

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About the authors

J.k. rowling.

J.K. Rowling is the author of the enduringly popular, era-defining Harry Potter book series, as well as several stand-alone novels for adults and children, and a bestselling crime fiction series written under the pen name Robert Galbraith.

The Harry Potter books have now sold over 600 million copies worldwide, been translated into 85 languages and made into eight blockbuster films. They continue to be discovered and loved by new generations of readers.

Alongside the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling also wrote three short companion volumes for charity: Quidditch Through the Ages and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, in aid of Comic Relief, and The Tales of Beedle the Bard, in aid of her international children’s charity, Lumos. The companion books and original series are all available as audiobooks.

In 2016, J.K. Rowling collaborated with playwright Jack Thorne and director John Tiffany to continue Harry’s story in a stage play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which opened in London, and is now thrilling audiences on four continents. The script book was published to mark the plays opening in 2016 and instantly topped the bestseller lists.

In the same year, she made her debut as a screenwriter with the film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Inspired by the original companion volume, it was the first in a series of new adventures featuring wizarding world magizoologist Newt Scamander. The second, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, was released in 2018 and the third, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore was released in 2022.

The screenplays were published to coincide with each film’s release: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them - The Original Screenplay (2016), Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald - The Original Screenplay (2018) and Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore - The Complete Screenplay (2022).

Fans of Fantastic Beasts and Harry Potter can find out more at www.wizardingworld.com.

J.K. Rowling’s fairy tale for younger children, The Ickabog, was serialised for free online for children during the Covid-19 pandemic in the summer of 2020 and is now published as a book illustrated by children, with her royalties going to her charitable trust, Volant, to benefit charities helping alleviate social deprivation and assist vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.

Her latest children’s novel The Christmas Pig, published in 2021, is a standalone adventure story about a boy’s love for his most treasured thing and how far he will go to find it.

J.K. Rowling also writes novels for adults. The Casual Vacancy was published in 2012 and adapted for television in 2015. Under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, she is the author of the highly acclaimed ‘Strike’ crime series, featuring private detective Cormoran Strike and his partner Robin Ellacott. The first of these, The Cuckoo’s Calling, was published to critical acclaim in 2013, at first without its author’s true identity being known. The Silkworm followed in 2014, Career of Evil in 2015, Lethal White in 2018, Troubled Blood in 2020 and The Ink Black Heart in 2022. The series has also been adapted for television by the BBC and HBO.

J.K. Rowling’s 2008 Harvard Commencement speech was published in 2015 as an illustrated book, Very Good Lives: The Fringe Benefits of Failure and the Importance of Imagination, sold in aid of Lumos and university-wide financial aid at Harvard.

As well as receiving an OBE and Companion of Honour for services to children’s literature, J.K. Rowling has received many other awards and honours, including France’s Legion d’Honneur, Spain’s Prince of Asturias Award and Denmark’s Hans Christian Andersen Award.

J.K. Rowling supports a number of causes through her charitable trust, Volant. She is also the founder and president of Lumos, an international children’s charity fighting for every child’s right to a family by transforming care systems around the world.

www.jkrowling.com

Image: Photography Debra Hurford Brown © J.K. Rowling

Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima started working together in 2001 to imagine and create the entire graphic universe of all the Harry Potter™ movies.

Motivated by a shared artistic vision, in 2009 they founded a graphic design studio, with the objective of creating distinctive and unconventional design and illustration for the entertainment and publishing industries. They named it MinaLima.

As MinaLima Studio, they designed graphic props for films such as Sweeney Todd, The Golden Compass and The Imitation Game; created their Collective Nouns art print collection; and crafted MinaLima Classics, the bestselling series of illustrated books.

Miraphora and Eduardo have continued their involvement in the Wizarding World franchise with numerous design commissions, from theme park design to marketing and publishing. A new chapter of imagining this world came in 2015, designing the graphic props for the Fantastic Beasts™ film series.

In 2016 House of MinaLima opened its doors in London: an immersive gallery and shop showcasing their treasury of graphic works. Since then, the experiential narrative space has also welcomed visitors in Osaka, New York and Paju, globally celebrating the idiosyncrasies of Miraphora and Eduardo's ideas and their passion for storytelling through design.

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