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The Hidden Myths in Harry Potter: Spellbinding Map and Book of Secrets
Hidden in the Harry Potter stories are references to mythical creatures, legendary characters, real history and J.K. Rowling's own life. This magnificent poster-sized map takes you on a worldwide treasure hunt to uncover those hidden clues. The accompanying book of secrets reveals even more incredible facts behind the magical places and people you will come across on your journey. Recommended for sorcerers of all ages.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 28, 2015
An interesting insight to some of the mythology and places behind Harry Potter. I can't comment on the map as I picked this up for 20p secondhand and the map was not inside but I would say that while this was reasonably interesting, it's not terribly thorough - less than 30 pages long - and it's probably a better idea to look for a longer book - such as, perhaps, The Magical Worlds of Harry Potter: A Treasury of Myths, Legends, and Fascinating Facts which I believe is an extended version of this. If anyone has any recommendations for similar, please let me know!
Some of the Things I Learned:
- why Helena Ravenclaw was sometimes called the Grey Lady (you have to put 2+2 together here as this was published before the final HP book in which we find out more about her, but the info on "grey ladies" in general was interesting)
- That Hermione being petrified in HP2 possibly has its roots in Shakespeare's A Winter's Tale and the fate of the Queen of Sicily
- "Wizengamot" comes from Anglo Saxon Britain's Witengamot - an assembly of wise men/counsellors
- That Grendel (Beowulf: A New Verse Translation) was possibly connected to grindylows, Old English - Grindel - anger, fierceness - being the root for both. And when you think about it, Grendel acts like a grindylow.
- Gilderoy Lockhart's first name (which SO suits him) is based on a "handsome and bold" 16th century Scottish thief
- in one story about the nagas (the basis for Nagini, though I think this is fairly well known), "a many headed naga was used to stir the ocean and make an immortality potion" - what does Voldy seek? Immortality!
- Firenze's name came from the Italian name for Florence. In case anyone has forgotten, Firenze became a professor. Florence is famed for the arts and scholarship. As Colbert notes, Galileo lived there - and, think: In Divination, Firenze taught astronomy/astrology mainly. Who was Galileo? An astronomer! (not that Colbert seems to have taken his reasoning a step further and made this connection)
- Erkling = Erl King - so obvious and yet it hadn't occurred to me!
- Durmstrang = Sturm und Drang = association with Nazi ideals
- Orpheus - that guy who got past Cerebrus, aka Fluffy - played him music. Come on Amelia, don't say you've forgotten your Greek mythology!
- Aragog = Arachne (you know, the weaver...) + Gog (a giant)
- Alberic Grunion - Alberich = German legends of a wizard guarding treasure (and basis for Gollum) who disguised himself as a fish so as to not draw attention to the treasure and to catch other fish to eat. A grunion is a fish.
JK you amaze me!
Some of the Things I Learned:
- why Helena Ravenclaw was sometimes called the Grey Lady (you have to put 2+2 together here as this was published before the final HP book in which we find out more about her, but the info on "grey ladies" in general was interesting)
- That Hermione being petrified in HP2 possibly has its roots in Shakespeare's A Winter's Tale and the fate of the Queen of Sicily
- "Wizengamot" comes from Anglo Saxon Britain's Witengamot - an assembly of wise men/counsellors
- That Grendel (Beowulf: A New Verse Translation) was possibly connected to grindylows, Old English - Grindel - anger, fierceness - being the root for both. And when you think about it, Grendel acts like a grindylow.
- Gilderoy Lockhart's first name (which SO suits him) is based on a "handsome and bold" 16th century Scottish thief
- in one story about the nagas (the basis for Nagini, though I think this is fairly well known), "a many headed naga was used to stir the ocean and make an immortality potion" - what does Voldy seek? Immortality!
- Firenze's name came from the Italian name for Florence. In case anyone has forgotten, Firenze became a professor. Florence is famed for the arts and scholarship. As Colbert notes, Galileo lived there - and, think: In Divination, Firenze taught astronomy/astrology mainly. Who was Galileo? An astronomer! (not that Colbert seems to have taken his reasoning a step further and made this connection)
- Erkling = Erl King - so obvious and yet it hadn't occurred to me!
- Durmstrang = Sturm und Drang = association with Nazi ideals
- Orpheus - that guy who got past Cerebrus, aka Fluffy - played him music. Come on Amelia, don't say you've forgotten your Greek mythology!
- Aragog = Arachne (you know, the weaver...) + Gog (a giant)
- Alberic Grunion - Alberich = German legends of a wizard guarding treasure (and basis for Gollum) who disguised himself as a fish so as to not draw attention to the treasure and to catch other fish to eat. A grunion is a fish.
JK you amaze me!
August 25, 2009
Good book to get kids digging for more information. Sparks an interest but does not go into much detail. Short paragraphs about references in the Harry Potter books.
October 14, 2015
This is a cute book containing a map and the history of where JK Rowling took the terminology for the creatures and items she used in the Harry Potter series. It was interesting to note the creativeness she used in naming magical objects and characters in her books from other places in literature and old folklore.
This book makes a great companion to the Harry Potter series.
This book makes a great companion to the Harry Potter series.
March 29, 2023
It’s pretty rare that I actually learn something in books like this, especially one this short, but there were some cool tidbits in here that were new to me. Plus the map is cool and the art is cute.
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April 8, 2009I've removed my star ratings for Harry Potter (and associated) books. I stand in solidarity with trans and non-binary folks.
As for this book, The Magical Worlds of Harry Potter: A Treasury of Myths, Legends, and Fascinating Facts is a more detailed guide to the many references in the Harry Potter series. This book contained a lot less information, and was really aimed at younger readers. The fold-out map was interesting, but I would've preferred a focus on the various references JK Rowling uses.
As for this book, The Magical Worlds of Harry Potter: A Treasury of Myths, Legends, and Fascinating Facts is a more detailed guide to the many references in the Harry Potter series. This book contained a lot less information, and was really aimed at younger readers. The fold-out map was interesting, but I would've preferred a focus on the various references JK Rowling uses.
September 19, 2013
Great book to get more info on the world of Harry Potter. This book tells you about the real myths, legends and stories behind the Potter books.
Really informative and well put together, although very short. It can hardly pass as a "book" due to its length yet it's great to get some background information on this magical world that J.K Rowling created.
Recommended for all Potter-fans.
Really informative and well put together, although very short. It can hardly pass as a "book" due to its length yet it's great to get some background information on this magical world that J.K Rowling created.
Recommended for all Potter-fans.
March 23, 2015
I got this book for Christmas when I was around 12 years old. For a child in love with Harry Potter, it was wonderful to look at the map and read about the creatures and where J.K. Rowling got all the name ideas. This book, in combination with the actual series of course, sparked my interest in Mythology at a young age.
April 20, 2015
This is one of the excellent guides that takes apart the Harry Potter series and explains the myths and historical references that are prevalent in this book. The explanations are in-depth, yet interesting. The writing is very engaging and it keeps you wanting to read more.
August 8, 2008
A very small companion book to the Harry Potter series. It's quite well illustrated and contains a map. It will be residing in the Suva City Library from now on.
March 4, 2009
an awful lot of reference i missed in the hp's i read.
a fun reference for modern children's lit. specialists ...
a fun reference for modern children's lit. specialists ...
March 19, 2011
Very basic information about different myths and creatures. Most adults know the majority of this information, I believe.
May 29, 2013
This was a very informative, little book. It gave a some insight into the various myths and legends which influenced J.K. Rowling's books. The map was cool, too!
February 29, 2008
eventhough not by j.k rowling,good to read facts about things
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews