Leaky’s headmistress reports that in one of her interviews with Rowling, she was told that Harry Potter and the Hallows of Hogwarts was the working title of Book 7 “for years.”
I find this a fascinating revelation, because it lends credence to my theory that the Hallows are deeply steeped in Arthurian legend, and that the four founder’s relics were always considered by Rowling to be “Hallows,” though they are not expressly called such in the book.
I wrote about this shortly after Deathly Hallows’ release in a post called, 7 Hallows, 3 of Which are Deathly, and I expounded on it in chapter 4 chapter 5 of my book.
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Didn’t Jo say to someone else, though, that she thought of the title in the shower before going on some morning program?
Revgeorge, I believe you are right. She said that the morning before doing Harry, Carrie and Garp at Radio City Music Hall. She said after publishing the book that HP and the Elder Wand and HP and the Peverell Quest weren’t cutting it for her, so she was glad Deathly Hallows came to her. Or that’s how I remember it.
Travis, don’t you mean Chapter 5? I just finished that chapter and had to write because I simply loved it. The Arthurian influence and the concept of “virtue and worthiness” being linked to the ability to fully use the Hallows are things I hadn’t considered much and I was so excited to see those connections. Also, I loved the section on courage – ordinary virtues pushed to the extreme – and how courage plays such a role in Ron’s moment of saving Harry and destroying the locket as he fully faced his own fears. Powerful! Loved it…
Travis, you said “the four founder’s relics were always considered by Rowling to be “Hallows,” though they are not expressly called such in the book.” Do you mean that Rowling may have considered that each can only be used by one who is worthy to possess it? (Like the Griffindor sword that will present itself to any worthy Griffindor?) I’m just confused by what you mean when you say “Hallows”. (I am literally googling while I type, because I am woefully ignorant of some things
)
Chelsea, that’s the basic idea, yes. And Leanne is correct – I meant to say Chapter 5.
I glanced at your previous post on this, Travis, & immediately noticed two startling things. One, I never commented on it! Which is unusual but since it was the first week after DH, I’m sure there was plenty of other discussion going on.
Two, it’s a terrible injustice when a young man is prevented from playing Dungeons & Dragons! Oh well, as they say, it’s never too late to get into satanic role-playing games. It would really enhance your geek credibility, Travis.
Now, I might have to actually reread the post as well & see what’s going on with Jo’s statement to Anelli & how it plays into past statements.