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ry Potter is one of the most beloved book series of all time, and its author J.K. Rowling has built a world of magic that continues to captivate readers of all ages. Despite the extensive coverage of the franchise, there are still some lesser-known facts about Harry Potter that many fans may not know. Here is a list of some of the most fascinating Harry Potter cold knowledge:
1. The inspiration behind the name “Harry Potter”: J.K. Rowling has revealed that she got the name “Harry Potter" from the real-life headstone in the cemetery on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Scotland. The tombstone was that of a man named Thomas Riddell, but there was also the name “Harry Potter” inscribed on it. Rowling was intrigued by the name and decided to use it for her hero.
2. The accidental creation of the Hogwarts house colors: J.K. Rowling has also revealed that the colors of the four Hogwarts houses, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin, were accidentally chosen. She had a mental picture of each house’s personality and attributes, and then assigned colors based on her intuition and personal preferences. She only realized later that each color symbolized a common trait: red for bravery, yellow for loyalty, blue for wit, and green for ambition.
3. The inspiration behind Quidditch: J.K. Rowling has said that she invented Quidditch after a fight with her boyfriend. She was feeling angry and needed an outlet, so she created a sport that involved the kind of physical contact that her boyfriend had just taught her was allowed in rugby. She then added broomsticks and the flying ball to make the sport more unique and magical.
4. The significance of the number 7: J.K. Rowling has revealed that the number 7 is significant throughout the Harry Potter series. For example, there are 7 books in the series, 7 floors in the Hogwarts castle, and 7 Weasley siblings. Moreover, 7 also has a mystical significance in many cultures and religions, often representing perfection or completion.
5. The true identity of Albus Dumbledore's brother: J.K. Rowling has stated that Aberforth Dumbledore, Albus’ younger brother, was believed by many fans to be a goat in the books, but he was actually never depicted as such. His love of goats, however, was considered a family jest, and Aberforth was known to keep goats as pets.
6. The mistake in the first book: The first print of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone contained an error in Chapter Six when Dumbledore greets Professor McGonagall with a familiar nickname, "Minerva." However, it is later revealed in The Order of Phoenix that Dumbledore only uses her full name.
7. The inspiration behind Hermione Granger: J.K. Rowling has revealed that her character Hermione Granger was based on her own personality. She was shy and studious as a child and her friends accused her of being a “know it all”. However, she wanted to create a character who was like herself but also more admirable, so she added bravery and courage to Hermione’s traits. In conclusion, the Harry Potter series is full of hidden references and intriguing facts that make the books and movies even more fascinating. J.K. Rowling’s creativity and attention to detail have given us a world full of magic and adventure, and learning these little-known facts give us even more appreciation for the magical world she created.