The Complete Idiot's Guide to the World of Harry Potter Page 6

  Part 2

  Where and How the Wizards Are

  Everything you ever wanted to know about the everyday lives of wizards is in this part. Here, you get the lowdown on basic wizard tools: wands, robes, quills, and other magical gadgetry. You also find out how wizards spend their days—from cooking and gardening to sending mail, getting around town, and playing games and sports, including Quidditch, wizard chess, and Gobstones. And don’t forget to read a bit about wizard and British cuisine!

  Chapter 3

  The Wizard’s Wardrobe and Toolbox

  In This Chapter • Locating the seat of a wizard’s power: the wand

  • Looking smart in robes, cloaks, and hats

  • Writing the old-fashioned way: quills and parchment

  • Digging deeper into a variety of magical gadgets

  A wizard’s basic tools are simple: a wand; a robe (and, if it’s chilly, a cloak); and perhaps a pointed hat. All are discussed in this chapter. In addition, various optional equipment is available to wizards: writing materials; Dark Detectors; and other cool gadgets. You get the lowdown here.

  A Wizard’s Most Important Tool: The Wand

  A wizard without a wand simply isn’t a wizard, because he’ll have a tough time whipping up potions (discussed in Chapter 11) or conjuring spells, charms, hexes, or curses (all in Chapter 12). However, a wand acts only as a channeler of magic from the wizard; the lesser the wizard, the lesser the power of whatever comes from his or her wand. This is why, if provoked, a wandless wizard can make “funny” things happen (funny strange, not funny ha-ha). But for the most part, a wizard without a wand is a wizard without magical powers, because the wand focuses all a wizard’s magical power into a small, but potent, space.

  MAGIC TALE

  Historically, nearly all wizards have employed a magical wand of some sort—whether a short rod or long staff—to cook up potions and weave spells. Circe (in Homer’s The Odyssey) uses a wand to bewitch Odysseus’s men; Gandalf and Saruman (in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings) both carry staffs; the White Witch (in C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) carries a long golden wand; and Merlyn (in T.H. White’s The Once and Future King) carries a wand made from lignum vitae (reportedly the hardest wood in the world; the name is Latin for "long life”).

  A wand or staff not only acts to channel a wizard’s power, but also serves as a symbol of authority, drawing from its origins as a shepherd’s staff. As a shepherd has authority over his flock, so do wizards carry authority over nonmagic folk. In the same way, gods and kings have power over their people, thus the ancient tradition of kings carrying a scepter (a highly ornamental rod or staff). Likewise, a caduceus (a staff with wings at the top and two snakes coiled around the rod; the caduceus is now the worldwide symbol of physicians) established the authority of Greek god Hermes/Roman god Mercury/Celtic god Lugus, who aided, acted as messenger for, and rescued many gods and goddesses. Ancient priests carried short rods; carrying on the tradition, Catholic bishops, cardinals, and the pope still carry scepters as a symbol of their wisdom and authority. Leaders of musical groups, whether a conductor or a drum major, carry batons, which can be small rods (as in the case of a conductor) or a large staff (as with a drum major).

  One wizard can use another’s wand in a pinch (or, for that matter, any nonhuman creature can “borrow” a wizard’s wand, although that is expressly forbidden by the Ministry), but that wand will not perform as well as the wizard’s own. Ultimately, there is one wand that’s exactly right for each wizard. As the story goes, the wand chooses the wizard, not the other way around.

  Wood Species and Sizes

  Wands range in size from 7 inches to 16 inches, but could, technically, be any length. Wands are crafted from any of the following species, and based on the propensities of that species, may range from rigid to downright springy:• Ash: Ash is from the genus Fraxinus and is a member of the olive family. The wood is hard and springy, which is why it’s also used to make broomsticks (see Chapter 5). Greek mythological nymphs (young, beautiful nature goddesses) of the ash trees, called meliae, were born when the god Uranus was castrated by his son, and the blood spilled onto the ground. In Norse mythology, an ash tree called Yggdrasil is considered the axis of the universe, not only providing protection and nourishment for all the creatures in the world but also bearing the wounds of the damage done by its inhabitants. Life literally could not have existed without this great ash tree. Also according to Norse mythology, the first man and woman were formed from trees, and the man, named Ask, came from an ash tree.

  • Beech (or beechwood): Beech trees, tall and gray-barked, tend to grow near lakes and oceans, because of their propensity for sandy soil. From the genus Fagus, this hardwood is light yellow in color. Beech is relatively inexpensive, and woodworkers find it easy to work with; thus, it’s an economical choice for wand-making.

  • Cherry: This is, of course, the tree from which cherry fruit comes; cherry wood is a golden hardwood (from the genus Prunus) that darkens to a deep red over time and is highly valued. Magically, it has been thought of as an excellent wood for divination (see also “Willow”). Long associated with earthiness and environmentalism, cherry is the subject of Chekhov’s play The Cherry Orchard, which tells of the demise of a beautiful cherry orchard, cut down to make way for a housing development.

  • Ebony: A tropical hardwood (from the genus Diospyros) that is especially heavy and usually almost black in color, which may explain its reputation as the most magical of all woods. It is related to the persimmon.

  • Holly: Holly wood (from the genus Ilex) is a white hardwood that comes from tall trees, a variety related to the small evergreen shrubs used to celebrate Christmas (the name comes from the word “holy”). Long used in Celtic regions, holly is known to have the magical powers of protection, purity, and strength, making it a good fit for Harry Potter’s wand, which was made from holly.

  • Hornbeam: From the genus Carpinus of the birch family, hornbeam is a very hard, almost white wood that is often used when strength is a necessity as with the handles of fine tools. In fact, hornbeam is so hard that it’s difficult to work with, so crafting a wand of hornbeam is no easy task.

  • Mahogany: Mahogany is a tropical tree of the genus Swietenia that is characterized by its dark, reddish-brown color. It is an expensive wood that is used when durability is called for, such as in furniture and boat-making. The wand of James Potter, Harry’s father, was made of mahogany.

  • Maple: A tree from the genus Acer, this light-colored hardwood has distinctive leaves that can vary from golden to deep red in autumn; the sap is used to make maple syrup. Although most people think of maple wood as a blond—sometimes almost peach—color, maple woods can be plain and light or wildly marked and darker golden.

  • Oak: Oak trees, which bear acorns, are from the genus Quercus and produce a hardwood that yields a dark, golden wood. Mythological stories associate the oak tree with strength (oak trees were sacred to Zeus); it is no wonder that the half-giant Hagrid used a wand made of oak. The Celts revered oak trees and considered oak groves to be sacred places; in fact, the word druid, which refers to the poets, priests, fortunetellers, divinators, and other magicians of the Celtic world, literally means “oak-wise.” Folktales from Wales also feature oak trees, which are considered extremely magical.

  • Rosewood: Rosewood (from the genus Dalbergia) is a tropical hardwood that sometimes smells just like a rose; its dark reddish-black wood can be almost purple. Pianos are often made of rosewood, which has a feminine quality that’s often associated with beauty.

  • Vine wood: Hermione Granger’s wand is made of vine wood, which is listed in old Celtic tree calendars as the wood associated with either August or September (Hermione’s birthday month). However, vine wood does not exist in today’s world, at least not any longer, so it was never placed in a particular genus.

  TOURIST TIP

  To experience an outstanding variety of tree species (
including several of the best wand trees) in one place, visit the University of British Columbia Botanical Gardens in Vancouver. This spectacular tourist attraction—a must-see if you’re ever in British Columbia, Canada—is organized into separate gardens and forests that specialize in plants from around the world, most of which thrive in Vancouver’s mild climate. Information is available at .

  • Willow: Willow trees are from the genus Salix and generally have narrow leaves and flexible branches. One variety, the weeping willow, has branches so flexible that they bend all the way back down to the ground. Biblically, the willow is a symbol of sorrow associated with the Jews’ exile in Babylon. Such trees have long been thought of as enchanted—when one ventures under the canopy of a weeping willow, interesting events are sure to happen. Northern European peoples associated willow rods with magical powers, and it is likely that the words “witch” and “wicked” are derived from “willow.” Willow, like cherry, is known to be an excellent wood to use for divination. Harry’s mother, Lily, had a wand made from willow, as does Harry’s best friend, Ron.

  • Yew: An evergreen from the genus Taxus with red cones, yew is commonly used to make archer’s bows because of its elasticity. Yew trees may live to be several thousand years old; thus, it makes sense that Lord Voldemort’s wand is made of yew.

  A Wand’s Special Ingredients

  Although the hair or feather of nearly any magical creature can act as the core of a wand, the three used most commonly by expert wand-maker Mr. Ollivander (see Chapter 7) are unicorn hair, phoenix feather, and dragon heartstring.• Unicorn hair: A unicorn is a one-horned animal (the Latin unicornus literally means “one horn”) that otherwise resembles a horse. The horn of the unicorn was thought by the Greeks and Romans to have the power to heal deadly poisons; the hairs of this animal often go into the wands of wizards.

  • Phoenix tail feather: The phoenix is a large, magnificent, long-lived bird that, as it is dying, bursts into flames and is reborn from the ashes. For this reason, Egyptians (and many subsequent peoples) associated the phoenix with immortality. Fawkes, a phoenix kept by Hogwarts’ Headmaster Dumbledore, donated two tail feathers to two wands—one went into the wand of Lord Voldemort, who believed he could achieve immortality, and the other to Harry Potter. For this reason, their two wands—and, therefore, their two persons—are inextricably linked.

  • Dragon heartstring: Dragons, large serpents whose name is derived from the Latin for snake (draco), are well represented throughout both mythology and literature. Chinese mythology (and later, Japanese culture) recognized dragons as gods of nature; the Greeks and Romans saw both potential for evil and potential for good. Early Christians saw dragons as inherently evil, however, and their reputation has remained as such today. Dragons also figure prominently in fairy tales and folk tales (with young men fighting them to save the subjugated princess) and more recent literature, particularly fantasy literature. Perhaps the two best known stories are Tolkien’s The Hobbit, in which Smaug, the dragon, is the nemesis of the dwarves; and Michael Paolini’s Eragon, in which dragon riders and their counterparts are the most powerful and revered of all nobility. Heartstrings, by the way, are the tendons and nerves that protect the heart.

  Dressing the Part: Robes, Cloaks, and Hats

  Most wizards dress in long, flowing, plain robes, similar to what U.S. judges still wear today, and rather like the robes of priests or monks, but not cinched at the waist.

  Robes, made from a variety of materials, come in all colors, and can match the wearer’s tastes, personality, or color preferences, or can show a particular affiliation, such as a school, house (a subdivision within a school), or team.

  In school, at work, and even around the house, wizards wear their everyday robes (called work robes), often black and always floor-length (unless the wizard in question has had a growth spurt and hasn’t yet purchased new robes). For ceremonies, celebrations, balls, and other special events, wizards wear dress robes in a variety of colors.

  As has been true throughout history, in the wizarding world, the materials used in robes are drawn from geographic markers. Mediterranean wizards wear silk robes; wizards from cold climates wear fur, wool, and other warmth-retaining fabrics. In colder weather, wizards also wear long cloaks (that is, a long coat that wraps around the body and fastens near the neck but may not have actual sleeves) that either match or complement their robes. At Hogwarts, cloaks must be black with silver fastenings. Hats—generally black (although they can match one’s robes) and pointed—may be worn during formal occasions, but rarely at any other time.

  One other type of cloak—and one that’s a rare find among wizards—is an invisibility cloak. When worn, others cannot see any part of your body under the cloak, so if you pull the cloak over your head and your feet are still covered, you’ll be completely invisible. And you can even bring your friends along for the ride, as long as they, too, fit entirely under the cloak. An invisibility cloak has strikingly similar abilities as the One Ring in Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, but the Ring is, at least in the short term, easier to use than an invisibility cloak, because your entire body becomes invisible the moment you put the ring on—no worrying about your feet being seen, the cloak coming off your shoulders, and whatnot. But the Ring has the downside of drawing you ever closer to a major source of evil in the world, so there’s that tiny issue of losing your soul and forever altering the world’s balance of power between good and evil. Details, details. Either way, though, no matter how you make yourself invisible, someone can still bump into you and feel your corporeal being, and you still leave footsteps in snow, dirt, or ash.

  As in nearly all cultures, personal wealth determines the style, fit, and quality of fabric used to make robes. Styles change ever-so-slightly from year to year, but wealthier wizards keep up with those trends, as well as using fine, beautiful, flowing fabrics for their robes. Wizards with less money to spend on their wardrobes will tend to be seen in ill-fitting, out-of-style robes made with courser fabrics and in less distinct colors.

  Wizards throughout literature have always worn long robes and/or cloaks. Although Tolkien called what Gandalf wore a grey (and later white) “cloak,” the garment’s description appears to be more robelike than cloaklike. Gandalf also nearly always sported a tall, pointed blue hat—but he also traveled nearly constantly, and travelers have long worn hats wherever they go.

  Sure, the long robe and pointy hat are dead giveaways for any wizard, but underneath, those in the wizarding world are the same as anyone else. Literally, they dress just the same—many wizards, especially young wizards, wear jeans, sweatshirts, and trainers (tennis shoes) under those robes.

  KING’S ENGLISH

  Bowler hats, also called derbies, are very British, and although not as common in the wizarding world as a pointed hat, bowler hats are sometimes worn by Ministry officials. If you’ve ever seen a picture of Winston Churchill out in public in winter, you probably saw him in a bowler hat. A bowler hat comes exclusively in black and has a narrow brim. Another British type of hat, a balaclava, is a ski mask commonly used by bank robbers. In the cold winter months in Hogsmeade, a balaclava is a must.

  Quills, Ink, and Parchment

  Wizards are not early adoptors when it comes to technology, so you don’t see any ATM cards, cellphones, MP3 players, or laptops among the wizarding set. But really, when you can use magic, do you really need high technology?

  Two modern conveniences that would likely come in handy among wizards writing papers, taking notes, writing out shopping lists, and the like are the lowly, low-tech pen and paper. Not only do wizards not take notes on laptops, they don’t even take notes with a ballpoint pen and pad of paper! Instead, wizards use a quill, dipped in ink, to write on parchment paper.• A quill is a feather of a bird that, when dipped in ink, is used for writing. Unlike modern pens, quills tend to be quite long and beautiful, especially one from a large, attractive bird, like that of an eagle. Imaginative wizards have
come up with all manner of high-tech quills, including those that ink themselves, magically check spelling, correct any errors, and even derive the correct answer on exams. Smart-Answer, Auto-Answer, and Self-Correcting quills are, of course, banned during examinations. A Quick-Quotes Quill, used during a lecture or conversation, takes notes automatically, leaving the wizard to concentrate on the discussion at hand.

  • Black ink comes in bottles, into which a quill is dipped before writing on a parchment. This process can be rather messy, with ink bottles spilling, wet ink getting on one’s hands or clothes, and ink bottles smashing when a book bag is accidentally dropped.

  • Parchment replaced Egyptian/Greek/Roman papyrus, which had been made by soaking the papyrus plant and drying it in thin sheets. When papyrus became inefficient as a tableau, parchment, made from the skin of an animal (usually sheep or goat), came into favor. Paper, which is used the world over by nonwizards, is made from wood pulp. Whereas paper comes in set sizes (generally 8½ by 11 inches) parchment comes in long rolls that are a bit difficult to manage—the parchment tends to roll up on you as you’re writing, which can smear the ink. Unlike flat pieces of paper that stack and file neatly, rolls of parchment are also difficult to store.

  Other Magical Gadgets

  Although wizards don’t embrace Muggle technology, they are not immune to the lure of gadgets. However, magical gadgets tend to be less about convenience and time-savings—as are most Muggle gadgets—and more about digging a little deeper into the depths of a wizard’s magical powers. In this section, you discover just a few of the many magical gadgets available in the wizarding world.