The Wizarding World of J. K. Rowling
-"Do you know where can I watch the Harry Potter movies?"
-"You wanna watch? I got all the CDs. I'll let you borrow them if you want."
-"That'd be great!"
This is how my friend introduced me, a 6th grader, to the magical realm of Harry Potter. Back then when I asked her to let me borrow those CDs, I had no idea that I would be diving into an incredible world of imagination that stole the hearts of millions.
It all started in June 1997, when Joanne Rowling aka J. K. Rowling was finally able to publish the first book of the series "Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone" after getting rejected by 12 different publishers. And of course, the story was worth the skyrocketing popularity it got just after its release. The combination of multiple genres such as fantasy, adventure, thriller, mystery, drama, horror, coming-of-age fiction, British school story etc. not only captured the hearts of the young generation but also captivated adults of different ages.
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| My Collection |
This is where the long and still continuing journey of Rowling's world, aka The Wizarding World, began. Although, Rowling only intended to publish the books, in total 7 books, the popularity of the series resulted in 8 movies that were produced shortly after the book series following the plot. Each movie is still being watched and rewatched, even after 20 years.
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| Official Logo of Hogwarts |
The Wizarding World, a magical realm that is unknown to the muggles but happens to be right under their nose, is where wizards and witches conduct their daily lives using magic freely. Who are muggles? Muggles are people who live in the Non-magic realm, don't have any magical abilities and aren't born into a wizard family.  |
He Who Must Not Be
Named |
Most of the muggles have no clue about the wizarding world. So, they had no idea that there was a fearsome wizard called "He Who Must Not Be Named", a boy called "The Boy Who Lived" and a place called "Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry" where young wizards and witches go to learn and control magic.
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| The Boy Who Lived |
Harry Potter, aka "The Boy Who Lived", grew up in his aunt's house knowing that his parents died in a car accident when he was an infant and that's how he got the lightning-like scar on his forehead.  |
| First Film of the Series |
Did he know that just when he would turn 11, a half-giant named Hagrid would come into his life like a storm and shower him with the news that he is a wizard and he's been accepted by the best world-class school for young wizards and witches there is, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, ran by the greatest headmaster Hogwarts has ever seen? No, he didn't even dream about it. But he certainly wished for some kind of a miracle like this to happen, but don't we all wish for that sometimes? Anyway, this is how the story starts for the main protagonist, Harry Potter, and the magical world that Rowling created was introduced to us.
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| The Hogwarts Train |
One by one, the 7 books of the series were released during 1997-2007 and the story unfolding Harry's tragedy, the identity of the Dark Lord aka "He Who Must Not Be Named" and his purpose while familiarizing us with the magical world and its contents.
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| Diagon Alley |
When the first book came out, The New York Times magazine reviewed the book by saying-"Funny, imaginative, magical ... Rowling has woken up a whole generation to reading. In the 2020s, thirty-something book lovers will know each other by smug references to Diagon Alley and Quidditch." Their prediction accuracy certainly makes us wonder if they have a wizard or witch working for them or not.  |
| Ticket to Hogwarts |
Not just Diagon Alley and Quidditch, but other words like Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Slytherin, Thestrals, Centaurs, Merpeople, Black Lake, the Forbidden Forest, Hogsmeade, Azkaban, Basilisk, Tri-wizard Tournament, Horcrux etc. can be used to identify a "Potterhead".
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| The Golden Trio: Harry, Hermione and Ron |
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| The Cast of The Golden Trio |
From the brilliance of Hermione Granger, the bravery of Ronald Weasley, the fights with Draco Malfoy, the numerous mischiefs of the Weasley twins, the strict regulations of Professor McGonagall, the magnificence of Professor Dumbledor, the evil plans of Voldemort, the tense conversations with Professor Snape to the afternoon tea with rock cakes at Hagrid's Hut, all this are somewhat of a nostalgia to the fans worldwide.
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| Ministry of Magic |
J. K. Rowling opened the door to a whole new realm of imagination. Magic wands, spells, potions, magical creatures, death eaters and corruption in the Ministry of Magic not only helped the plot progress but also created a boundless source of imagination for many readers and fantasy lovers all around the world. Harry Potter is sometimes referred to as a whole new genre because of the unique world-build and amazing plots.
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| J. K. Rowling |
But did you know that Rowling got the idea for the plot while waiting for a train that was delayed? That's right, she couldn't write it down at that moment but planned the whole thing to the point she knew that there would be 7 books total. I guess great stories can be born on a whim.
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| Hippogryph |
The movie series, which includes 8 movies, released during 2001-2011 took its fame to a whole new level. The use of SFX, CGI and green screen was super intense, but the outcome was stunning.
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| The Final Battle |
Showing the spells and incantations, floating objects, and magical creatures such as Hippogryph, Basilisk, and Dragon along with the Quidditch matches and action scenes, all were flawless because of the hard work of the production and IT team.  |
| Quidditch Scene BTS |
The portrayal of the wizarding world was extraordinary. They included the moving stairs, magical creatures living in the forbidden forest along with the black lake, different kinds of spells, incantations and magical objects etc. outstandingly.
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| Poster of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows (Part 2) |
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| Teachers of Hogwarts |
Moreover, the characters were played by the cast so beautifully, that it made us feel like the characters had come alive. This way, the amazing cast and production team made the world of magic more extraordinary.
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| Theme Park |
There are theme parks, websites and games to entertain the fans where one can feel the magical vibe while casting spells at a death eater or making a potion of Luck. The facilities are being updated regularly so the fans can enjoy their fullest.
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| A Prequel of The Main Series |
Even now, the world of J. K. Rowling is winning the hearts of millions. Her intricate storytelling and thoughtful world-building have created a timeless literacy. There is a hope that new content is coming up, so let's wait and see what new magic we will witness.
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