On June 28, J.K. Rowling finally released the long awaited details about the North American wizarding school Ilvermorny. Potterheads, such as myself, have been shaking on the edge of their seats awaiting the news on the mysterious new wizarding school. Even though Hogwarts is and always will be home, it is pretty exciting to be able to lay claim to a magical school in your own country with it's own unique history. Not only that, but with "Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them" coming out in November, it will be nice to go in already knowing a bit about the American wizarding world. Now, if you are reading this and have no idea what in the bloody hell I am talking about, then you need to turn around, shut off the computer or smart phone, and get your muggle booty comfortable in a blanket cocoon to read "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" through "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," then you may proceed to watch the films, then come back.
If you have come this far, then that must obviously mean you are not a muggle and are ready to dive into the world of Ilvermorny! Seriously, how great is the name? To begin, Ilvermorny is located in Mount Greylocke, Massachusetts, hidden away, like Hogwarts, from any muggle eyes. It was founded by Isolt Sayre, an Irish immigrant, in the seventeenth century. Like Hogwarts, the school has four houses. Unlike Hogwarts the houses are named after four North American magical creatures - the Horned Serpent, Puckwudgie, Thunderbird, and the Wampus.
Reading about Ilvermorny, it's founder(s), and it's history gives you an undeniable American feel. An immigrant traveling to the New World to start anew, stumbling across people, and creatures, of various walks of life, magical or not, and coming together to build a diverse community and overcome trying obstacles. I won't spoil the story, as it was such a joy to read and made me very excited to learn more about North American wizarding history and culture. The story also felt very familiar and true to J.K. Rowling's main themes that make up the Harry Potter world. Themes that she weaved seamlessly throughout the story such as love, family, friendship, good vs. evil, and the power of knowledge.
Potterheads new and old will enjoy J.K. Rowling's new writings on the history of Ilvermorny, as it feels like stepping right back into the magical world we've all come to love. Not only can you read about Ilvermorny and watch the beautifully done video of the story, you can also be sorted into an Ilvermorny house! I, apparently, am a Wampus! You can learn more about each house and their meanings, read the new story, and watch the video by going onto Pottermore If you don't have an account on Pottermore already, go ahead and make one. Don't worry, it is free and you won't regret it. I believe other fans will love the wicked history of our school, Ilvermorny, as much as I did. I look forward to learning even more about this entirely new part of my fictional home, the wizarding world of Harry Potter!
