The boy who lived has grown up, and so have we.
Published in 1997, the first Harry Potter book is now 27 years old, and the series has become a cultural phenomenon that has shaped a generation. Many of us have grown up alongside Harry, Ron, and Hermione, quoting the movies and debating the correct pronunciation of spells (e.g. “It’s levi-O-sa; it’s levi-o-SA!” ).
But even for the most dedicated Potterheads, there are still plenty of fascinating facts about the series that might surprise you.
1. J.K. Rowling’s Original Harry Potter Pitch Was Rejected 12 Times
Before becoming a global phenomenon, J.K. Rowling’s original Harry Potter pitch was rejected by 12 different publishers. She persevered, and the rest is history. Imagine how those publishers must feel now!
2. The Hogwarts Express is a Real Train
The Hogwarts Express that takes students to the magical school is actually a real steam train. It’s called the Jacobite Steam Train and runs through the Scottish Highlands. (ref)
You can even ride it yourself and pretend you’re on your way to Hogwarts.
3. Daniel Radcliffe Went through 160 Pairs of Glasses Filming the Series
While playing Harry Potter, actor Daniel Radcliffe went through an incredible 160 pairs of glasses.
The prop department had to constantly replace them due to wear and tear from all the action scenes. That’s a lot of trips to the optometrist!
4. The Weasley Twins Were Born on April Fool’s Day
Fred and George Weasley, the mischievous twins known for their pranks, were born on April 1st, also known as April Fool’s Day.
It’s the perfect birthday for these two tricksters who kept Hogwarts laughing throughout the series.
5. The Harry Potter Movies Feature Many Real-Life Animals
From Hedwig the owl to Crookshanks the cat, many of the animals in the Harry Potter movies were played by real-life animals.
Hedwig was played by a female snowy owl named Gizmo, and Crookshanks was played by a Maine Coon cat named Crackerjack. Talk about talented pets!
6. The Hogwarts Motto is a Bit Unsettling
The official Hogwarts motto is “Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus,” which translates to “Never tickle a sleeping dragon.”⁷
It’s a whimsical yet slightly ominous phrase that perfectly captures the school’s magical but dangerous nature.
7. Quidditch was Inspired by a Real-Life Sport
J.K. Rowling has said that she was inspired to create Quidditch after watching a game of basketball. She loved the idea of a sport played while flying through the air and adapted it into the wizarding world’s favorite pastime.
Now Quidditch is even played in real life (ref) by Harry Potter fans around the world!
8. The Great Hall’s Ceiling is an Actual Prop, Not CGI
The enchanted ceiling in Hogwarts’ Great Hall, which mirrors the sky outside, is an actual physical prop, not a CGI effect.
The filmmakers created a massive suspended structure with over 1,000 lightbulbs to simulate the magical effect.
9. The Harry Potter Books Have Been Translated into Over 80 Languages
The Harry Potter series has been translated into over 80 languages, including some uncommon ones like Ancient Greek and Greenlandic.
This makes it one of the most widely translated book series in history, bringing the magic to readers all around the globe.
10. J.K. Rowling Wrote Much of the First Book in Cafes
While writing the first Harry Potter book, J.K. Rowling spent a lot of time working in cafes around Edinburgh, Scotland. She found that the background noise helped her focus, and she could write for hours over a single cup of coffee.
Many of these cafes have since become popular tourist spots for Harry Potter fans.
11. The Dementors Were Played by Puppeteers in Greenscreen Suits
In the movies, the terrifying dementors were brought to life by puppeteers wearing greenscreen suits.
The suits allowed the visual effects team to digitally add the dementors’ flowing cloaks and eerie appearance in post-production. It’s a testament to the skill of both the puppeteers and the VFX artists.
12. Rupert Grint’s Audition Included a Rap about Ron Weasley
When auditioning for the role of Ron Weasley, actor Rupert Grint sent in a video of himself rapping about the character.
His creative approach caught the casting directors’ attention, and the rest is history. Who knew Ron had such sick rhymes?
13. J.K. Rowling’s Favorite Chapter is in the Deathly Hallows
J.K. Rowling has said that her favorite chapter in the entire Harry Potter series is Chapter 34 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, titled “The Forest Again.”
In this emotional chapter, Harry comes to terms with his destiny and walks bravely to his apparent death. It’s a powerful moment that showcases the series’ themes of love, sacrifice, and courage.
14. The Weasleys’ Burrow was a Real House, Not a Set
The Weasley family home, known as the Burrow, was an actual house built for the movies, not just a set.
The crew constructed the multi-story, ramshackle structure on location, complete with the iconic clock and cozy interior details. It’s a true feat of movie magic that brought the beloved location to life.
15. Voldemort’s Wand Contains a Feather from Fawkes
In the Harry Potter universe, Voldemort’s wand contains a feather from Fawkes, Dumbledore’s phoenix.
This is the same phoenix that provided the feather for Harry’s wand, creating a powerful connection between the two wizards. It’s a subtle but significant detail that adds depth to their rivalry.
16. The Harry Potter Books Have Sold More Copies Than the Bible Since 1996
Since the first book was published in 1996, the Harry Potter series has sold more copies worldwide than the Bible.
This staggering fact cements the series’ place as one of the most influential and widely read stories of all time. It’s a testament to the universal appeal of J.K. Rowling’s magical world.
17. The Hogwarts Library Contains Over 80,000 Books
According to the set designers, the Hogwarts library contains over 80,000 books. However, most of these books are actually just phone books and Yellow Pages wrapped in leather or paper covers to look like ancient tomes.
18. J.K. Rowling’s Favorite Character is Albus Dumbledore
When asked about her favorite Harry Potter character, J.K. Rowling revealed that it’s Albus Dumbledore, the wise and enigmatic headmaster of Hogwarts.
She’s described him as the “epitome of goodness” and has said that he’s the character she misses the most since finishing the series.
19. The Tales of Beedle the Bard’s Charitable Cause
Before being officially published, J.K. Rowling handwrote seven copies of “The Tales of Beedle the Bard,” one of which sold at auction for $3.98 million, with proceeds donated to children’s charities. (ref)
20. Dumbledore’s Scar is a Map of the London Underground
In the movies, Dumbledore’s scar above his left knee is shaped like the London Underground map. This detail was added by actor Michael Gambon, who played Dumbledore in the later films.
21. Voldemort is Pronounced Differently in Different Languages
In the French versions of the Harry Potter books and movies, Voldemort’s name is pronounced with a silent “t” at the end, as is typical in French.
However, in the English versions, the “t” is pronounced, creating a harsher sound that fits the character’s evil nature.
22. There are Wizarding Schools in Japan & Africa
While Hogwarts is the most famous wizarding school, it’s not the only one. J.K. Rowling has revealed that there are wizarding schools in Japan and Africa as well.
The Japanese school is called Mahoutokoro, and the African school is called Uagadou. Each has its own unique history and traditions.
23. The Flying Ford Anglia Was a Real Car
The flying Ford Anglia that Harry and Ron crash into the Whomping Willow in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was a real car, not just a CGI creation.
The filmmakers used a 1962 Ford Anglia 105E Deluxe, which they modified. After filming, the car was stolen from the studio lot and has never been recovered.
24. Hermione’s Cat, Crookshanks, is Part Kneazle
In the Harry Potter universe, Hermione’s cat, Crookshanks, is actually part Kneazle, a magical feline creature.
Kneazles are known for their intelligence and ability to detect untrustworthy individuals. This explains Crookshanks’ uncanny intuition and loyalty to Hermione.
25. The Dementors are Based on J.K. Rowling’s Experience with Depression
J.K. Rowling has been open about her struggles with depression, and she used that experience to create the terrifying dementors. She’s described the feeling of depression as having all the joy sucked out of you, just like the effect of a dementor’s kiss.
26. The Hogwarts Express Trolley Was Filled with Real Candy
Remember the iconic Honeydukes Express trolley on the Hogwarts Express, filled with magical sweets like Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans? Well, it turns out that the trolley in the movies was actually filled with real candy!
The filmmakers used real sweets to make the scene as authentic as possible, and the actors got to enjoy the treats between takes. Talk about a sweet gig!
27. The Final Battle Scene Took Over 5 Months to Film
The epic final battle scene in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 took over 5 months to film. The sequence involved hundreds of extras, complex visual effects, and multiple locations.
The result is a stunning climax to the series that showcases the scale and stakes of Harry’s journey.
Read Next:
Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
