England's most famous wizard's apprentice has made it to the hallowed halls of the British Library. 'Harry Potter – a History of Magic' reveals the sorcery at the heart of the Potter series.
Harry Potter is up to his old tricksImage: picture-alliance/dpa/dpa-Film Warner
Advertisement
The British Library is one of the world's most distinguished research and universal libraries, a veritable treasury of knowledge. It is also a magical place that shelters medieval manuscripts full of fantastic fabled creatures of yore. Some of them resemble the magical figures in the Harry Potter novels. Julian Harrison, lead curator of medieval historical manuscripts at the museum, promises an inspiring and entertaining show for visitors of all ages.
"The exhibition takes visitors on a fascinating journey through the history of magic – from mermaids to crystal balls, from broomsticks to garden gnomes. It’s been enormous fun choosing the exhibits,” said Harrison.
Along the way, the museum staff have encountered historic and mythological tales that served as models for many characters and storylines in the Harry Potter novels.
“We’ve loved discovering the magical traditions that lie behind the Harry Potter books, and we’ve encountered so many amazing artefacts along the way," said Harrison.
Many of the creatures are also J.K. Rowling's inventions, however. The mythical phoenix on the other hand is part of medieval mythology, and the mandrake is a root that in ancient times was said to have magical powers.
Highlight for Potter fans
Even 20 years after the first novel was released, the fascination with Potter and his magical world has not waned. Joanne K. Rowling created a functioning world that sounds so credible that even "muggles" – people who have no magical skills at all – would like to believe in it.
The story of wizardry student Harry Potter who succeeds to vanquish his arch enemy and his parents' murderer fills seven thick tomes, released between 1997 and 2007. The books have been translated into about 80 languages, and have been sold worldwide more than 450 million times.
Magical medieval memorabilia Image: British Library
The film versions (2001 - 2011) with Daniel Radcliffe starring as Harry Potter netted almost 7 billion euros ($ 8.2 billion) at the box office.
The first official Potter story to be shown on a stage debuted last year at London's Palace Theatre: "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child." Potter is a husband and father, and struggles with his youngest son, Albus Severus. The conflict Harry Potter and his friends had during their youth with evil and its representatives in their magical world continues into the next generation. The book also turned into a bestseller.
The London exhibition (October 20, 2017 to February 28, 2018 ) is sure to lure Harry Potter fans as well as all those other muggles interested in magic, alchemy and mythology.
'Harry Potter' cast to reunite for 20th-anniversary TV special
Twenty years after the film's release, stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint will "Return to Hogwarts." We revisit the lucrative Harry Potter franchise.
Image: Peter Mountain/Warner Bros. Pictures/imago images
Smiling at the premiere in 2001
Twenty years after the release of the first "Harry Potter" film, movie studio Warner Bros has announced that a 20th anniversary TV special will be released on HBO on January 1, 2022. In "Return to Hogwarts," cast members, including stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, will reunite to discuss how it all started. Author J.K. Rowling's name was not included in the announcement.
Image: Conran/PA/epa/dpa/picture-alliance
World's most famous wizard
Boy wizard Harry Potter has been with us ever since author J.K. Rowling released the first book in her seven-part series in 1997. The first film adaptation was released in November 2001, with the final movie hitting cinemas a decade later. The film franchise took in some $7.8 billion (€6.9 million) at the global box office, and millions more in merchandising.
Image: Peter Mountain/Warner Bros. Pictures/imago images
The Potter universe expanded
Author J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" spin-offs are all box office hits, but she's also been making headlines for her controversial opinions on transgender issues. Stars of her films, including Eddie Redmayne (l.), have distanced themselves from her views. They are shown here at the premiere of "Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them" in 2016. A sequel is set to be released in April 2022.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/P. Foley
Magical amusements
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park opened in Florida in 2010. More parks have since opened: at Universal Studios Japan, Hollywood and Beijing. They recreate the village of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts castle. Attractions include "a one-hour exploration experience on an enchanted bench." Technically, that's true — the ride queue takes about an hour. The actual journey lasts only four minutes.
Image: picture alliance/AA/M. N. Eroglu
Shopping paradise
In 2014, the Diagon Alley attraction opened at the other end of the Florida theme park, with the Hogwarts Express train ready to take visitors back and forth. Alongside the Gringotts Wizarding Bank (complete with dragon on the roof), this shopping paradise for wizards and witches offers everything imaginable. Broomsticks can be purchased for a mere $250 (€220).
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/M.Gray
Deceptive sweets
The top seller are the Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, produced by Jelly Belly, specialists in jelly beans with amazing flavors. A delicious treat? Not necessarily — ever since the first book, it's been clear these beans can also taste pretty disgusting. Some flavors: earthworm, rotten egg, soap, grass — even vomit. But with any luck, you might find something like melon, cotton candy or cherry.
Image: picture-alliance/S. Stache
Pilgrimage site King's Cross
The London train station hides a "secret" access portal to the magical platform 9 3/4, where the Hogwarts Express waits to whisk students away to school. Those who want to make it through need to concentrate and aim their luggage cart directly into the brick wall. It's become a must-see site for Harry Potter fans — though Muggles, or non-magic folk, won't get very far.
Image: AP
Bridge to Hogwarts
This bridge wasn't recreated at the Universal theme park — it's real. It, too, has become a stop on the Harry Potter sightseeing tour, though somewhat off the beaten track in the Scottish Highlands. The Glenfinnan Viaduct was built in the late 19th century and is part of the West Highland Line. The train in the picture, however, is not the Hogwarts Express but The Jacobite, a tourist steam train.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/A.Robinson
Staying grounded
Quidditch, a full-contact sport, actually takes place in midair. Players fly about on brooms trying to throw the Quaffle through one of their opponents' three circular gates, while avoiding treacherous Bludgers. The player who manages to catch the elusive Golden Snitch wins the game. Muggles play a version of the game on the ground, as seen here in Bonn. Without magic, of course.
Image: Volker Lannert/Uni Bonn
Even more Potter
While the film stars are now adults, the 2016 two-part play "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" also looks into what happened to Harry Potter, two decades after the adventures in the books. He has become Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Magic and his son, Albus Severus Potter, is about to go to Hogwarts. The play is staged in different cities, including Hamburg.
Image: picture-alliance/empics/C. Gray
Online universe
The Pottermore website is the "digital heart of the magical world," home to everything fans could ever want: a space to interact, with quizzes, puzzles and — of course — an online shop. The 20th anniversary of the first Harry Potter film will not go unnoticed: "Get ready for weekly celebrations — including online events, special activities and more," says the site.
