This PubCast is dedicated entirely to the topic of “Deathly Hallows,” and it also exists as a post. [Note: The annoying noise you hear every time I speak is my wood pellet stove running in the background; I'll not be recording PubCasts downstairs anymore, so you won't hear it an any PubCasts after this one.]
All the links for the “Pub Menu” are found in that post, and I’ll put them here in bullet format later tonight.
Also, I heard a rumor that if you subscribe to this podcast with iTunes and write me a good review, J.K. Rowling will tell you (you, and no one else) what a “deathly hallow” really is. No, really. Try it, you’ll see.
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{ 34 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for the pubcast, Travis.
There’s a really annoying ringing noise on the recording that goes on only when you speak. It keeps changing pitch and does my head in.
You mention that a pentacle means Slytherin’s locket. I don’t get it. A pentacle is the same as a pentagram or five-pointed star. I don’t remember any reference to a star on the locket. Could you explain it a bit further?
Matt
Matt, wow, yeah…sorry about that ringing noise. Wanna know what it is? When I’m not talking, the recording software is filtering out all noise. When I am, it’s picking up the noise of the wood pellet stove which is running in the background. I guess that’s what you get with an internal mic.
I’ll have to not record podcasts downstairs anymore! I am planning to spend some time as well as Christmas gift money on better resources for podcasting (a good mic, etc.), so hopefully all sound issues will get cleaned up in the future.
Ouch! you have to deal with that noise whenever you want to run your stove?
Still wondering about the pentacle/ locket issue. Is it supposed to be “pendacle”? Like a pendant or pendulous in shape ie. necklace or locket?
Matt
Matt, thankfully, it doesn’t sound like that in real life. It just records funny from across the room while I’m talking. It actually provides a very pleasant atmosphere in my den.
As for the pentacle, check out the first paragraph of the wikipedia entry. A pentacle is a magical amulet, often worn around the neck, of which the famous five-point “Star of Solomon” that is often used in Wicca is just one example (though certainly the most popular one).
Yeah,
That’s what I thought, the “penta” prefix means five.
Matt
Travis, very interesting connections. You mentioned a few names of the Weasleys being Arthurian connections. Wasn’t Percival part of the King Arthur legend also? And Ron has some significance, if I remember correctly.
A year or so ago, I wondered the same thing, and a friend on another forum, whose specialty is medieval literature, filled in the blanks for me with a nice long post. However, that forum literally died and the post is long gone. But basically, every Weasley name has some Arthurian significance, or if not Arthurian, a British royalty connection. I think Molly was the hardest, but he came up with something for that as well–I just don’t remember what it was. And I’ve never gotten very far in reading Arthurian legend for myself. Someday I will.
The other thing that I thought of as far as what legends Rowling is using, is that she lived for a while in France and for a while in Portugal. So, there could be, I would think, some influences from literature of both countries, since she likes to pull from legends all over.
I appreciated also, your explanation of relics and how their importance is that they point to the dead saints, rather than that they have some power of their own. Not being Catholic (I’m Presbyterian), that’s not something I’ve every really understood. When we were in Guatemala and visited many churches (nearly all were Roman Catholic), I found I didn’t have a clue about the relics that we saw. That now makes so much more sense.
I’m glad you brought up the inconsistencies of Rowling’s interviews. She really does seem to be trying to back track by saying things that are in complete opposition to earlier interviews, such as her comments about Narnia and LOTR, and also about the graveyard at Hogwarts. What I found interesting about the comments from Cuaron (btw, it’s pronounced “Quaw-RONE”)was that he was telling of their conversation, while she sat looking rather uncomfortable about the whole thing. He threw in the part about wanting to add little people, and when she responded, she did what she usually does when she wants to avoid a topic–she talked about the little people part and didn’t mention the graveyard at all. However, she didn’t say (as later interviews indicate), that it was just Cuaron making things up for the movie.
I think at this point she is very much trying to protect her story, and I’d guess that there are a few things that people have come up with that are getting a bit too close to where she is going. In fact, I’d guess that somewhere out there, someone has figured it out, but it might not be on a forum that she has visited. She can’t have got round to all of them, and there are those where she would have to register to even read the comments, like John’s forum.
Thanks for all your insights–sorry it took me so long to get around to listening–it was a busy week.
Pat
Pat, thanks for your comments! A few quick things in response.
I posted this essay at HP Essays, and someone linked to a Rowling quote where she did indeed say she never read “The Last Battle.” That said, I think the point stands she’s turned up the elusive-ness in interviews. I tend to try not ever to argue that Rowling flat-out lies in interviews. But she certainly does like to manipulate the media. I think John point out that (a) Rowling has said Hermione is the character most like her, and (b) Hermione manipulated the media with the whole Skeeter thing.
I’m a Presbyterian too, (and was raised Baptist), but I got a very interesting historical theology education at Northeastern Seminary (on Roberts Wesleyan College), and I learned a great deal more about the broader ecumenical consensus of Christian history.
Very helpful insight, by the way, about the Cuaron statement; thanks! (and thanks for correcting my abysmal pronunciation).
I want to comment first to the mom of 4 who wants to ban the harry potter books from schools how dare you! Children love these books and you want to take them away! And you haven’t even read them!second we want spoilers from book 7 if you don’t then don’t look untill it comes out don’t ruin our fun we want to know!
Hi! I just wanted to comment on something i read.it said harry’s eyes will be very important in book 7 i was just wondering if anyone had any idea why.
Hi Wm,
I suspect that the assertion you’ve read may be based on an error.
Some time ago JKR did say that Harrying eyes being like his mothers would prove important in a future book. Then came book six, in which Harry’s eyes were pivotal in the scene where he manages to pursuade Slughorn to part with the crucial memory regarding the seven Horcruxes.
I suspect that the people who are saying that Hary’s eyes will be important in book 7 are overlooking the fact that they have already been important in book 6.
Of course, that’s not to say that they won’t be important in book 7 *as well*
Hi seriously black! Thanks for responding. You are right! I never thought of that.i appreciate your response. Thanks!
Hi seriously black! I was reading your eye comment to my aunt Wm and i agree with what you say. I wonder if you could tell me your opinion on a theory I heard: Lupin will prove to be more powerful than he’s letting on, and that Snape will prove to be on Harry’s side. There are potential clues that Jo had the director put in the POA movie that indicate this. Please reply ASAP. Thanx
Hi LM and Wm. Thank you for your comments – and sorry about the typos in my earlier post (my only excuse is that it was getting rather late when I wrote that…).
I’m reluctant to respond in detail to your questions about Lupin and Snape, as they are off topic for this thread, which is about Hallows. Perhaps Travis will be inspired to explore these topics elsewhere (there are already some entries referring to Snape on SwordOfGryffindor).
So, with the greatest of brevity, I will simply say this: I would not be at all surprised if Lupin turns out to be more powerful than has been revealed – but I *would* be surprised if it turns out that Snape is on Harry’s side. Very surprised. Personally, I think that the only ’side’ Severus is truly on is *his own*.
Meanwhile, to return to the subject at hand, the conjectures that Travis offers in this edition of the PubCast are intriguing, and they offer some useful insights, particularly the explorations of links and parallels with Cletic myth and legend, including the tales of Arthur.
I would, however, point out that the graveyard issue reported by Cuaron *could* have heen in relation to the tomb for Dumbledore, which Rowling knew was to be created at the end of HBP. Rowling may have asked Cuaron not to include a graveyard because if there was already a graveyard at HogWarts, it would be the natural place for Dumbledore to be laid to rest and his entombment by the lake would then no longer make obvious sense.
This seems to be borne out by the fact that:
a) In relation to Dumbldore’s wish to be laid to rest at Hogwarts, McGonagall states “no other headmaster or headmistres has ever been”. This would seem to exclude the possibility of the founders tombs being at Hogwarts and makes the prospect that there is a cemetery already in existence at that time seem unlikely.
b) Notwithstanding the above, noone challenges the comment that “no other headmaster or headmistress ever gave more to the school”. Which presumably also includes the founders. In which case if the founders were buried in a cemetery at the school, the logical argument would be that Dumbledore should be buried with the founders, and this does not even come up.
These reasons leave me questioning whether the founders’ graves will be shown to be at Hogwarts. That’s not to say that other objects (eg relics) might not be of equal significance as the story is resolved. Either way, these are interesting speculations.
Hi again! Thank you seriously black. My neice is rather impressed with your theories and thinks you are rather smart.i would like to also know what you think of ron and do you think he is more powerful than he lets on.my neice wants to know your thoughts on the black veil.
To seriously black, thanx for your answer. And as my aunt Wm said, I would like your thoughts on the veil and its significance in DH. Also I would very much appreciate your input on a rumour that Fawks will play an important factor in DH. aunt Wm would also like to know if you think Sirius will make a return in DH. Thanx and plz reply ASAP
Dunno if this’ll work, but I want to leave a comment to Travis about an off topic comment written about Snape’s allegance and your opinion, as seriously black told my friends Wm and LM to ask you
If you want to private message Travis send him an “E-Owl” by pressing that link at the top of the page.
Matthew
Hi Wm. I think Ron is young and his powers are not yet developed, but I believe we will see him mature considerably in DH.
It’s my suspicion that Fawkes may yet return to Harry’s aid in need. I don’t think his service to Dumbledore ended with the death on the tower. So yes, we may well see him again.
As to the veil, when first I heard the name “Deathly Hallows”, I thought of the veil and suspected that the veil itself or something associated with it may be what is referred to in the title. Despite all the alternative theories that have since emerged, I still tend to favour that idea. We shall see in July.
It’ is also worth noting that the dead have already played a significant part, even acting to protect and assist Harry in his confrontatiom with Voldemort at the end of GOF. I don’t think Sirius is coming back – Rowling is writing, in part, about the finality of death and the cost of the evil that causes it. However I think that we will nevertheless encounter Sirius’ presence in some way. Possibly via Sirius’ mirror – harry was way too quick to give up on that two way trick, IMO.
MC, you must be referring to the conversation that happened in another thread.
I can’t believe that after a year and a half, I don’t have a post solely dedicated to Snape’s loyalties (aside from a few short blurbs and a quick paragraph or two in my “Life Debts” essay). I guess I just figured that it’s been covered so well by so many people, why bother here? I’ll have to start putting together a post on that so we can all debate it here.
But seriously_black is correct. This is not the thread for that discusssion, since the subject of this podcast is “Deathly Hallows.” I’ll work on getting something up about Snape so we can go a few rounds on the subject of his loyalties.
seriously black: My aunt and me thank you once again for your insights. I believe you are definately right in most of your theories, especially the one with the two way mirror, and also the founders. I think you are a rather smart person, and my friend would like your opinion on what you think will happen in the end, though your opinion may differ from his. I cant ask anything in detail, as things are getting chaotic in my classroom and I will soon have to leave. But I would like to know if you think time turners might play an important role in DH. After all, there is more than one ministry which means thee maybe more time turners, which could play a key role in DH. Thanx.
To seriously black, I’m sorry that I’m asking so much lately, but this book is such a mystery…
But my friend from my class is also wanting to know your input on whether the Chamber of Secrets OR Azkaban prison will appear once more in DH. Personally I doubt that Azkaban will appear, but I’m not Jo, of course, as you already know. And my aunt Wm and I are also theorizing that Nagini (the snake is a Horcrux. My friend also had a rather interesting point: You mentioned the gaves of the 4 founders. he seems to think that perhaps one of the Horcruxes may be buried with a founder or someone else… I also have something else about the veil’s relation to DH. I read on a site that the song in GOF may be a clue
to seriously black: i am once again sorry. the song i mean is the song in the egg ‘an hour long you’ll have to look…’ sang by merpeople, and there are singing voices behind the veil. Many people think this is of significance. My excuse for any errors is that i was watching a movie in class and am now missing lunch and am rather in a hurry and distracted. *_* got to go now so until next time
Hi again! I just had a thought about dh. Is it possible that dudley could be magical and will gain his powers late in life?also does anyone think crookshanks will have some role in the last battle?
To Wm: Crookshanks is only half cat, and the other half is magical, thus the cat was sold in a magical pet shop. As to whether he will play a role, perhaps, though it isn’t the most supported theory I have heard. But if you remember correctly, he DID play a key role with helping SIrius get Peter, and of course knows evil when he sees it. It could go either way, really, the way I see it.
thanks for the comment. noone answered my comment about dudley. does anyone think he has magical powers and will come into his powers later.i also think ron and hermione will be together.
Wm: I have nothing to do at the moment, so I will therefore answer to your comments. I seriously doubt that Dudley will have magical powers or ever will, as he wouldn’t be afraid of wizards with powers if he did have any magical potential. I think that the only power that boy has is the power to get what he wants from his parents. As for Ron and Hermione, I have always thought that those two belonged together, and that they almost ended up together in HPB. So they most likely will get together.
thank you for answering my comment. i think ron and hermione belong together to.also i think we were supposed to think harry and jenny broke up but i think they will end up together.also does anyone think lupin and tonks will get married?
Lupin and Tonks? Point taken. Well, my answer to that would be that werewolves mate for life, so if Tonks wants to stay with Lupin, then she will of course have to promise him her life, AKA marrying him. So yes, perhaps they eventually will. Maybe HP and GW will get together when the danger is gone if he lives that long, but I think that he meant what he said when he said he wants to keep her away from Riddle, not saying that he may not take her despite that anyway…
Wm, guess what? I finally found this site! And Sat. was my parents 18 yrs since they met anniversary. And since someone is answering questions, does anyone think that perhaps RAB plays a key role in DH?
Hi Wm! Ashlee’s dawg and my dawg had another dawg and I mite keep it, and speaking of dogs… Do you think that Fluffy can play a role in DH?
Hello to everyone! To respond to LM’s comment, I believe that the role RAB has played is destroying the Horcrux necklace, so perhaps he has destroyed yet another. Personally, I think that RAB and Sirius Black may both make an appearance, whether alive or not. I can’t say that I think Fluffy will reappear, as they or it wasnt the most significant thing ever.
thank you for answering my comments everyone. and to lm yes maybe fluffy will be of some importance in dh. does anyone have comments about patunia?
Hello people! I hope you all had a lovely spring. Wm: Petunia? I believe that she is not magic if that is what you’re implying, but I DO think that she knows much more than she is letting on. Maybe we shall learn more in DH
Hi Wm! Thanx for answering me here and in RL. I agree with comment posted above.