The Sorting Hat was almost named the "Talking Hat"
One of the most iconic items in the Harry Potter series is the Sorting Hat, which divides students into their respective Hogwarts Houses. However, the Sorting Hat almost had a different name. J.K. Rowling originally planned to call it the "Talking Hat" but eventually changed it to the Sorting Hat.
Hagrid was not always intended to be the lovable giant we know and love
Everyone loves Hagrid, the giant, gentle, and loyal groundskeeper of Hogwarts. However, J.K. Rowling originally envisioned Hagrid as a more stern and serious character. But as she wrote, he evolved into the lovable giant we know today.
The Hogwarts Express is real, sort of
The Hogwarts Express is the train that takes students from Platform 9 3/4 to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. While the train itself isn't real, the locomotive that was used in the films is a real steam train called the "Olton Hall." It is now a tourist attraction in England.
Quidditch was inspired by a childhood game
Quidditch, the beloved wizarding sport, was inspired by a game that J.K. Rowling played as a child. She and her friends would play a game called "Rooftop Quid," which involved running around on the roof while trying to catch a ball.
The Marauder's Map had a secret insult for Snape
The Marauder's Map is a magical map that shows the location of everyone at Hogwarts. It was created by James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew, who were known as the Marauders. The map also had a secret insult for Snape, who was labeled as "Snivellus."
The Deathly Hallows symbol has a personal connection for J.K. Rowling
The symbol of the Deathly Hallows, which represents the Elder Wand, the Resurrection Stone, and the Cloak of Invisibility, has a personal connection for J.K. Rowling. She came up with the idea while on a plane ride after her mother's death, and it represents the idea of "the futility of seeking more time in life when the most precious thing is to have time with people we love."
The actors who played Fred and George Weasley are not naturally redheads
James and Oliver Phelps, who played the mischievous Weasley twins, Fred and George, in the films, are not naturally redheads. They had to dye their hair for the entire duration of the filming.
The Hogwarts motto was inspired by a poem
The Hogwarts motto, "Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus," which means "Never tickle a sleeping dragon," was inspired by a 16th-century Latin poem called "De Arte Honeste Amandi" by Giovanni Boccaccio. The poem states, "Do not arouse the sleeping lion, do not disturb the sleeping dog, and do not provoke the sleeping snake."
The first Harry Potter book was rejected by multiple publishers
J.K. Rowling's first Harry Potter book, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," was rejected by 12 publishers before Bloomsbury finally accepted it. It went on to become a worldwide phenomenon and launch Rowling's career as a writer.
The Hogwarts Express was almost replaced by a flying car
In the second book, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," Harry and Ron fly to Hogwarts in a car after missing the Hogwarts Express. This was almost a permanent change to the series, as J.K. Rowling originally considered having the students fly to school instead of taking the train.
The Dementors were inspired by J.K. Rowling's struggle with depression
The Dementors, the soul-sucking creatures that guard Azkaban Prison, were inspired by J.K. Rowling's struggle with depression. She has said that the Dementors represent "that absence of being able to envisage that you will ever be cheerful again."
Hogwarts was inspired by J.K. Rowling's childhood home
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was inspired by J.K. Rowling's childhood home in Gloucestershire, England. The castle-like structure and surrounding forests and hills provided the inspiration for the magical school.
The Mirror of Erised shows the viewer's deepest desires
The Mirror of Erised, which is hidden in Hogwarts, shows the viewer their deepest desires. The word "Erised" is "Desire" spelled backwards, and J.K. Rowling has said that if you look into the mirror long enough, "you will see yourself, exactly as you are, but with the happiest possible life you could have."
Hermione's parents are dentists
Hermione Granger, one of the main characters in the series, comes from a Muggle family. Her parents are both dentists, and they are initially hesitant to let her attend Hogwarts. However, they eventually come around and support her magical education.
The Hogwarts Houses are based on personality traits
The four Hogwarts Houses, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin, are based on different personality traits. Gryffindor values bravery, Hufflepuff values loyalty, Ravenclaw values intelligence, and Slytherin values ambition.
The Harry Potter series is the bestselling book series of all time
The Harry Potter series has sold over 500 million copies worldwide, making it the bestselling book series of all time. It has been translated into 80 languages and has been adapted into movies, stage shows, and theme park attractions.
There is a real-life Diagon Alley in London
Diagon Alley is the magical shopping street in the wizarding world where Hogwarts students buy their school supplies. While the fictional version is located in London, there is a real-life Diagon Alley in the city. It is located in Leadenhall Market and is home to several Harry Potter-themed shops and attractions.
The Harry Potter series has its own theme park
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a theme park located in Orlando, Florida. It features several attractions, including a recreation of Hogwarts Castle, a roller coaster called "Dragon Challenge," and a re-creation of Diagon Alley.
The Harry Potter series has won multiple awards
The Harry Potter series has won numerous awards, including several Hugo Awards, Bram Stoker Awards, and British Book Awards. J.K. Rowling has also been honored with multiple literary awards for her contributions to children's literature.
Harry Potter was born on July 31st
The main character of the series, Harry Potter, was born on July 31st, which is also J.K. Rowling's birthday. This date is now celebrated as "Harry Potter Day" by fans around the world.
The Harry Potter series has its own language
The wizarding world in the Harry Potter series has its own language, called "Parseltongue." It is the language of snakes and is spoken by Harry and Voldemort, among others. It is also used in the series as a plot device, as it allows Harry to understand and communicate with snakes.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many little-known facts about the Harry Potter series. From the inspiration behind the characters to the real-life locations that inspired the magical world, there is always something new to discover about these beloved books and movies.