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It’s important to remember the ongoing controversial statements by the creator of the Harry Potter franchise. CBR supports the hard work of industry professionals on properties fans know and love, and the wider world of Harry Potter that fans have adopted as their own. You can find CBR’s continuing coverage on Rowling here.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is known for its extensive world-building and deep lore. The lore of the series, originally built through the seven novels, was further explored in the film adaptations, the spin-off Fantastic Beasts film series, the Pottermore website, the Hogwarts Legacy console game, and the Harry Potter and The Cursed Child play.
Through these various adaptations and spin-offs, a clear timeline can be found mapping the history of the Wizarding World in relation to the story of Harry Potter. While Harry's story takes place over seven years, the existing lore spans decades, even centuries, upon deeper analysis. The history of the Wizarding World can be mapped out all the way from the 10th Century to the modern day.
10 The Founding of Hogwarts (900 CE) Was a Key Moment in the Wizarding World
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Was Founded in the 10th Century
- After her death, Helena Ravenclaw went on to become the Grey Lady, the ghost of Ravenclaw Tower at Hogwarts.
- After murdering Helena Ravenclaw, the Baron killed himself out of grief, becoming the Bloody Baron, the ghost of Slytherin House at Hogwarts.
- It is likely that the famous wizard Merlin attended Hogwarts during this time.
In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, it was revealed that Hogwarts was founded over a thousand years ago. With Chamber of Secrets taking place in 1992, the founding of Hogwarts can be traced back to the 10th Century. Hogwarts School was founded by Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin.
The 10th Century also saw the creation of the Chamber of Secrets, the departure of Salazar Slytherin from the school, and the creation of the Sorting Hat. A few years after Hogwarts was founded, Rowena Ravenclaw's daughter, Helena, stole her mother's diadem and fled to Albania, where Lord Voldemort would eventually find the diadem centuries later.
9 The Creation of the Deathly Hallows (1200s) Sets Up a Major Battle
The Deathly Hallows Played a Crucial Role in Harry's Story Centuries Later
- Harry Potter is a descendant of the youngest Peverell Brother, Ignotus, who passed the Invisibility Cloak down to his son.
- Hermione Granger published a translated edition of Tales of Beedle the Bard in 2008.
While Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows frames the Tale of The Three Brothers as a children's folktale, found in the book The Tales of Beedle the Bard, there is substantial evidence that some of the events of the story were true historical events in the Wizarding World.
The Tale of The Three Brothers is said to be the story of the Peverell brothers, Antioch, Cadmus, and Ignotus, who were given the Elder Wand, the Resurrection Stone, and the Cloak of Invisibility by Death. While there is no confirmation of the Peverell brothers acquiring the Hallows from Death, the Hallows certainly existed and held immense power, playing crucial roles in Harry Potter's story centuries later.