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Read between the lines

“The Magical Worlds of Harry Potter” provides answers to many questions about the world of wizardry

“One of the pleasures of reading J.K. Rowling is discovering the playful references to history, legend and literature that she hides in her books”.

Thus begins The Magical Worlds of Harry Potter written by David Colbert, former Editor of Harper Collins, and published by Penguin. July 21 is easily the most important day in the life of a Harry Potter fan. And, as you impatiently await “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”, we thought we’ll tell you about this book you’d most certainly enjoy.

The chapters in the book are as diverse as Rowling’s references are. They deal with everything from Alchemist, Avada Kedavra and Fluffy to the names of the Malfoys, magical mirrors and what makes a Veela angry. Set as an answer to a question, the chapters provide the details with pertinent literature. However, Colbert stops not just with explanations. Throughout the text, you find generous helpings of anecdotes, extracts and parallels drawn from mythology.

For instance, Why would Fluffy come from a Greek chappie? Hagrid says he bought his pet dog, the three-headed Fluffy, from “a Greek chappie”. Colbert points out that it makes sense “because Fluffy is actually a magical creature from Greek mythology known as Cerberus. He guarded Hades, the underworld, where the souls of the dead go to live for eternity”. Brilliant, won’t you say?

Colbert, who has also authored Magical Worlds of Narnia and The Magical Worlds of Lord of the Rings, keeps the explanations terse and clear, so much so that most of the chapters do not run over three pages.

Interestingly, the book also abounds in fascinating marginalia: it ranges from etymology, nuggets on Rowling to drawings, mythology or just plain facts. Sample this on Animagus: “J.K. Rowling says one’s personality is a factor in determining what animal one can become. She once said that she would like to transform herself into an otter, as it is her favourite animal”.

As the book was published in 2001, the references pertain to only up to “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”. And, it may not be a ready reckoner to all the references in the Potter books or profound enough on certain occasions. However, it definitely evokes interest in legends, mythology and literature, which is what Rowling herself wanted. Why else would she put them in her books in the first place? And, simultaneously, the book leaves you marvelling at Rowling’s imagination more than ever.

The book ends thus: “Whatever you read while you’re waiting for the next Harry Potter – or wherever you write – you’re bound to uncover connections between Harry’s world and the many magical worlds J.K. Rowling discovered before she created Harry. They stayed with her, and they’ll stay with you too.”

We cannot agree more. Oh, by the way, do you know why chocolate would help after escaping a Dementor? Well, look it up!

W. SREELALITHA

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