Harry Potter and Alchemy

Oct 28, 2007

Posted by: Doris

Uncategorized

Harry Potter and Alchemy

“To invent this wizard world, I’ve learned a ridiculous amount about alchemy. Perhaps much of it I’ll never use in the books, but I have to know in detail what magic can and cannot do in order to set the parameters and establish the stories’ internal logic.” JK Rowling The Herald, 1998

With the introduction of Nicolas Flamel and the Philosopher’s Stone in her first book, JK Rowling introduced alchemy to a new generation of readers.

The following links will give you back ground information to alchemy and how it relates to Harry Potter.

Discussions in the Lounge:



Alchemy in Harry Potter, Part VI

Alchemy in Harry Potter, Part V

Alchemy in Harry Potter, Part IV

Alchemy in Harry Potter, Part III

Alchemy in Harry Potter, Part II

Alchemy in Harry Potter, Part I
This is the very beginning of this topic. Frequent posters recommend you start here to get a feel of how it all began!

Scribbulus Essays:



“Alchemy and Harry Potter (Part I)” an essay by Arianhrod

“Alchemy and Harry Potter (Part II)” an essay by Arianhrod

“The Mystery of the Number Seven” an essay by memyslfnI

External links:

FYI (Note-these sites are not affiliated with the Leaky Lounge and are intended for information purposes should you desire them)

Definition and History of Alchemy This site provides a brief definition of alchemy, (the one provided above), as well as a more in depth definition of alchemy and a look at its history as a scientific endeavor.

Alchemy Electronic Dictionary This site provides definitions to terms, processes, and experiments.

Alchemy – LLewellyn Encyclopedia This site deals with the idea of the spiritual aspects of alchemy and what it means to perfect the soul and reach a much higher state.

Links to Related Topics:



These links are to subjects that do not discuss alchemy outright, but have been found by our members to intertwine with the subject. In many cases, some of the same subjects or theories discussed in these threads also appear in the Alchemy threads from a different perspective.

Arthurian Legends and HP, How do the Names and Symbols Relate?

The Four Elements Answer All, Framework of the Story & Key to the End

The Elements: Fire, Air, Water, Earth., What roles do they play in the Harry Potter series?

The Power of Four, What does it all mean?

Ancient Runes This thread discusses the importance of Hermione’s study of Ancient Runes.

Runes This is an older thread on the presence of Runes in the HP series.

Any Tarot-Readers Here? Card 16 The Lightning Struck Tower

The symbolic Nature of the Number 7, Is it a lucky number for Harry?

NOTE: A huge thanks goes out to members Arianhrod, Alchemist Apprentice, firephoenix, memyslfnI, towerdweller, mlwl, Asphodel Wormwood, Eeyore, and Pat_Rorrythe for their amazing help with pulling this resource page together!

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The Leaky Cauldron is not associated with J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., or any of the individuals or companies associated with producing and publishing Harry Potter books and films.