10 Easter Eggs in Harry Potter That You Never Noticed
The magical world of Harry Potter has been enchanting fans for over two decades. As with any beloved series, there are hidden details and clever Easter eggs that even the most dedicated Potterheads might have missed. We’ve conjured up a list of 10 of these magical secrets that can be found in the Harry Potter books and movies. So grab your wand and let’s dive into the mysterious world of Hogwarts!
The Mirror of Erised
The Mirror of Erised is an iconic part of the first Harry Potter book and movie, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.” The inscription on the mirror reads “Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi.” If you read it backward, it says, “I show not your face but your heart’s desire.” This clever play on words by J.K. Rowling reveals the true nature of the mirror.
The Platform 9¾ Sign
In “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” when Harry is looking for Platform 9¾, a sign can be seen briefly in the background with the words “G. Norman Lippert.” This is a nod to the author of the unofficial sequel to the series, “James Potter and the Hall of Elders’ Crossing.”
Foreshadowing with the Vanishing Cabinet
In “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” Nearly Headless Nick convinces Peeves to drop a Vanishing Cabinet to distract Filch. This is the same cabinet that would later play a crucial role in “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” when Draco Malfoy uses it to transport Death Eaters into Hogwarts.
Dumbledore’s Emotional Candy Preferences
In “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” Professor Dumbledore mentions that his favorite Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Bean is earwax. This may be a subtle hint at his tragic past, as the character of Ariana Dumbledore, his sister, was rumored to have been deafened by a curse gone wrong.
The Wizarding World of Music
The names of various magical bands and musicians in the series are plays on popular Muggle bands. For example, The Weird Sisters is a reference to the band The Smiths, and Stubby Boardman of The Hobgoblins is a nod to The Beatles’ Paul McCartney.
The Leaky Cauldron’s Sign
In the movie adaptation of “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” a wizard is seen using magic to paint a new sign for the Leaky Cauldron. The scene is a subtle tribute to the famous artist Van Gogh, as the painting style closely resembles his distinctive technique.
The Mischievous Marauders
When Harry first receives the Marauder’s Map in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” the names Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs are revealed to be Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew, Sirius Black, and James Potter, respectively. Each name is a clever hint at their Animagus forms or werewolf status.
Snape’s First Lesson
During the first Potions lesson in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” Snape asks Harry a series of questions about various potions ingredients. These ingredients—bezoar, asphodel, and wormwood—are all connected to themes of death and antidotes, foreshadowing the later events of the series.
Neville’s Boggart
In “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” Neville Longbottom’s boggart transforms into Professor Snape. In the movie adaptation, when the boggart is forced to wear Neville’s grandmother’s clothes, pay close attention to Snape’s attire. Alan Rickman, who portrayed Snape, is actually wearing a vulture-topped hat and a handbag, which are direct references to the description of Neville’s grandmother in the books.
The Chess Game in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”
The life-size chess game in the first book and movie is a thrilling scene, but it also holds a hidden meaning. Each character’s role in the game reflects their role in the overall story. Harry, as the bishop, represents the spiritual and moral compass. Hermione, as the castle (or rook), signifies the logical and strategic mind. Ron, as the knight, embodies bravery and self-sacrifice.
These are just a few of the hidden Easter eggs and clever details that make the Harry Potter series so magical and captivating. Whether you’re reading the books for the first time or re-watching the movies, keep an eye out for these enchanting secrets. There’s always more to discover in the wizarding world of Harry Potter!
