Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is the first novel in the much-loved Harry Potter series by British author J. K. Rowling. The book tells the story of a boy wizard, Harry Potter, and his friends, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. Harry Potter discovers his magical heritage on his 11th birthday when he receives a letter of acceptance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The book became an instant success, translated into 60 languages. The following novels about Harry Potter's adventures were equally popular. J. K. Rowling's writing has been compared to that of Jane Austen, one of her preferred authors.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione read a newspaper account of an attempted robbery at Gringotts Wizarding Bank. It's the same vault from which Rubeus Hagrid retrieved an item for the school's headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, on the same day. The three classmates deduce the treasure underneath the trapdoor is the Philosopher's Stone, which can transform metal into goldand produce an Elixir of Life that grants the drinker immortality. The idea of the Philosopher's Stone is a prevalent one in European mythology. Harry, Ron, and Hermione embark on a secret mission to get the stone and protect it from Voldemort.
J. K. Rowling Was Inspired by Alchemy and Wove It into Her Story
J. K. Rowling created a stone with magical properties for her immensely popular Harry Potter series, but the Hogwarts universe isn't entirely fiction. From the Middle Ages to the late 17th century, the philosopher's stone was the to-die-for goal in alchemy, the mediaeval forerunner of chemistry. The philosopher's stone, commonly referred to as the stone of wisdom, was able to transform tin and copper into gold. Soon after, alchemists were obsessed with the idea of creating a powder or liquid elixir to heal them from disease and grant them immortality. In their pursuit, they examined numerous substances in their laboratories, building an extensive knowledge base.
In 1382, Nicolas Flamel claimed to have turned lead into gold after deciphering an ancient book. True or not, Flamel became filthy rich. After his death, the French bookseller and notary earned a reputation as an alchemist. Nicolas Flamel later inspired some of the world's most brilliant minds, namely Isaac Newton, Sir Robert Boyle, and other 17th-century chemists. While trying to continue Flamel's work, alchemists came across important discoveries, such as zinc and bismuth. It goes without saying that the philosopher's stone is a legend – it's never actually been discovered. As far as alchemy is concerned, there are still people today who devote their time to this undertaking, some even trying to make the philosopher's stone in their home.
The Philosopher's Stone Is a Crucial Element of The Harry Potter Book
The other-worldly thing appeared in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, released under the title Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in the United States. It seems that the title was changed because the American publisher believed youngsters wouldn't want to read a book with the word 'philosopher' in the title. J. K. Rowling disapproved of the change, yet she didn't have bargaining power at the time. In the book, the philosopher's stone becomes the target of Lord Voldemort, a half-blood wizard who seeks to secure unmatched power and achieve immortality. Nicolas Flamel was a friend of Dumbledore, who agreed to protect the stone.
Working alongside several instructors at the school, Dumbledore creates a series of impediments, so it's hard, if not impossible, for anyone to get their hands on the stone. Nevertheless, Voldemort manages to steal the magical item despite the enchanted protections. At one point, Harry is forced to sit in front of the Mirror of Erised, which acknowledges his lack of greed and deposits the stone in his pocket. After the final scene, Dumbledore and Flanel agree to destroy the philosopher's stone to prevent Voldemort from obtaining it. In the novel, the philosopher's stone is portrayed as a symbol of perfection and enlightenment.
You Can Try to Make the Stone Yourself
If you're a die-hard Harry Potter fan, there are different backpacks for Harry Potterfor you to check out. You can spice up your wardrobe with fun and stylish bags (it's a great way to show off your fandom, too). Maybe you have your heart set on the philosophical stone. In that case, make your own and put it on a necklace. The mystical thing that appears in the movie is red, rough in appearance, somewhat translucent. According to alchemical texts, the stone comes in two varieties: white and red. Red is required for change into gold. Colour changes were carefully examined.
Of course, you can't create a philosopher's stone for real. The idea is to create a replica. In this respect, you'll need red glass gemstones, a hot glue gun, paper towels, and black paint. All you have to do basically is glue the jewels together using the hot glue gun. Remember that the stone is supposed to be irregularly shaped. Once you're done, put some paint here and there. Dip a paper towel into the black paint and rub it amply onto the stone. If you want to put your philosopher's stone on a necklace, use an old chain or a headband.
Wrapping It Up
J. K. Rowling used alchemical symbolism in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. The philosopher's stone is the central symbol of alchemy, supposedly granting the ability to produce gold from base metals, useful for rejuvenation and becoming immortal. Colours also play a role in the novel. More exactly, Hagrid and Dumbledore's first names are Rubeus (Red) and Albus (white), crucial mystical elements that represent different stages of the alchemic process. Rowling was also inspired by Chinese oracle bones, Ripley scrolls, and the Phoenix, to name a few. In other words, many objects inspired the British author to write one of the most influential novels ever.
It's been suggested that Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was inspired by Coelho's The Alchemist. It's not absurd, but it's highly unlikely. As for Harry Potter, you can love the book for what it is without needing it to be more.