J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, one of the most appreciated magical literatures is a wonderful journey to the world of wizardry to readers. The story revolves around a boy named Harry who has to face a dark wizard called Lord Voldemort. He has two best friends as accomplices who face same challenges with him. Though it is a young adult series, the storyline is powerfully built to thrill readers of any age. The series has many references to powerful historical magical objects. Rowling has successfully used elements from folklores around the world to make the story foolproof.
The presentation will be focused on the various remarkable historical facts and objects found in Harry Potter books. From the notoriously famous Philosopher’s stone to the King Arthur’s sword equivalent Gryffindor’s sword, we see touch of repetitions of history. Werewolves, vampires, monstrous snakes, dragons, wizards, witches, potions, broomsticks, wands, incantations all are collected from history and delicately placed into the storyline. The main historical sources and references of the facts and artifacts will be connected to the book references in the presentation.
1. Magical References in Harry
Potter: Facts and Artifacts
Presented by:
Sharif Jubaid Redwan Rusho
BUET
2. Introduction to Harry Potter
• series of seven novels
• British author J. K. Rowling
• about young wizard, Harry Potter,
and his friends
• gained immense popularity, critical
acclaim and commercial success
3. Building Blocks of Harry Potter
Parallel
magical world
Power,
politics and
propaganda
Bonding and
relationship
Leadership
and
dedication
Wit and
Humor
6. Significant Traits of the Storyline
Parallel to our
world
• World War II
influence
• Magical war
affecting
Muggles
Muggle-
Wizard
harmony
• Wizards hide
themselves
• They study
Muggle
lifestyle
• Sometimes
they protect
Muggles
Progressive
values and
diversity
• Secular and
sexual
freedom
• Tolerance
• Acceptance
of changes
Racism and
ethnic cleansing
• Theme of
Nazi
Germany
• Pure Blood,
muggle born
and half
blood
Anti Terrorism
and anarchistic
message
• Villains can
be defeated
• Battle
between
good and
evil
• Running a
secret
society
7. Inspirations behind Harry Potter
British Folklores The Bible
The Iliad and
Macbeth
The Lord of The
Rings
The Chronicles
of Narnia
Star Wars
Roald Dahl's
Stories
8. Magical Artifacts of Harry Potter
Wands Potion Spells
Wands date
back to
Egyptian times
of Moses
Potions are
elements of
Middle-Eastern
Alchemy
Incantations
and spells are
the oldest form
of Magic
9. Magical Artifacts of Harry Potter
Werewolf Goblin Mermaids
Werewolves are
originated from
British-folklore
Goblins are
always regarded
as greedy little
beings
Mermaids are
collected from
European and
Greek mythology
10. Magical Artifacts of Harry Potter
Broomstick
Magic
Carpet
Dragons
Broomsticks
are considered
as a witch’s
flying tool
Magic carpet’s
concept is from
tale of Aladdin
Dragons added
a necessary
touch to the
storyline
11. Magical Artifacts of Harry Potter
Gryffindor’s
Sword
Invisibility
Cloak
Elixir of
Life
King Aurther’s
sword influenced
the Gryffindor’s
sword
Invisibility is a
obligatory
magical skill for
any wizards
The Alchemist’s
main goal was to
produce elixir-of-
life
