Happy Golden Birthday to the Philosopher’s Stone
This editorial takes another look at some of the alchemical symbolism of the “Harry Potter” series.
Category: Bathilda’s Notebook
Colette in the Wizarding World
French author Colette may have inspired the French influence on both “Goblet of Fire” and “Crimes of Grindelwald.”
Revamping Trocar: Ink Black Vampires and the Half-Blood Prince
In both “The Ink Black Heart” and “Half-Blood Prince,” vampires are incidental to the plot but essential to the underlying themes.
The Phoenix and the Qilin in “Secrets of Dumbledore”: Fantastic Bestiaries and Where to Find Them – Part 3
The qilin and the phoenix are more alike than they may seem – and both will likely play an important role in “Secrets of Dumbledore.”
An Ancient Chinese Bestiary in “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”: Fantastic Bestiaries and Where to Find Them – Part 2
Dr. Beatrice Groves reveals how an ancient Chinese bestiary, the “Shan Hai Jing,” heavily influenced the creatures of the “Fantastic Beasts” films.
“Secrets of Dumbledore” and “The Book of Beasts”: Fantastic Bestiaries and Where to Find Them – Part 1
Dr. Beatrice Groves reveals how the inspiration and symbolism of the creatures in the wizarding world originated from T.H. White’s “Book of Beasts.”
“Because I Was in Love With You:” The Blood Troth in “Secrets of Dumbledore”
An analysis of the term “blood troth” reveals how Dumbledore’s love for Grindelwald was foreshadowed in the previous movie.
Secrets of Dumbledore: Dumbledore’s Wand and Wulfric of Haselbury
We know that Dumbledore eventually owned the Elder Wand, but what was his wand made out of before then? His namesake Wulfric may give us some clues.
Christmas in the Forest of Dean: The Silver Doe – Part 2
From white deer to references to the Forest of Dean, early Arthurian texts can shine a light on the doe Patronus scene in “Deathly Hallows.”