Yourself back to a time of simplicity, before the advent of social media giants like Snapchat, Twitter, and Facebook. A time when internet access in your pocket was an elusive concept. A time when people were swooning over “Fallin'” by Alicia Keys, and denim on denim worn by Britney and Justin were in vogue.
In 2001, the new craze was the Xbox, and chunky highlights were the hottest hair trend. During the presidency of George W. Bush, the public was growing impatient after completing Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, as they faced a prolonged wait until the fifth book’s release in 2003.
However, J.K. Rowling came to the rescue during this lull. In the interim period between the two books, she released a slim companion series consisting of two short books, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and Quidditch Through the Ages. The profits from the sales of these books went directly to the charity Comic Relief U.K., which made the readers feel good about themselves while indulging in their love for Harry Potter.
Fantastic Beasts, written by J.K. Rowling under the pen name Newt Scamander, was a concise book of approximately sixty pages. Newt Scamander was a renowned magizoologist who had traversed the globe to collect information on magical creatures. His compilation of this knowledge in Fantastic Beasts was a guidebook for wizarding students and households for nearly seventy years.
Inside this book, you will find a comprehensive manual of all the magical creatures known in the wizarding world, including whether to approach them or avoid them altogether. You will learn how to deal with a Bundimun infestation, treat a doxy bite, and what to do if you encounter the deadly Nundu.
While Fantastic Beasts might have seemed insignificant at the time, it had a significant impact. As of 2009, the two companion books had raised over $22 million (£17 million) for Comic Relief U.K., a remarkable contribution to those in need. Furthermore, Fantastic Beasts was later adapted into a blockbuster movie series.
What began as a mere supplement to the Harry Potter universe turned out to be so much more. Let us delve deeper into the magical world of fantastic beasts, for you never know when you might come across a nest of bloodthirsty giant Acromantulas.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Websites
- Pottermore – Why settle for less Potter when you can have Pottermore? This authorized website features the latest updates from J.K. Rowling on the Harry Potter universe and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
- Harry Potter Wiki – This all-encompassing fan-operated wiki offers a thorough exploration of all things related to Potter (including the magical creatures of the wizarding world).
- Comic Relief U.K. – Discover ways to contribute to the charitable cause of Comic Relief (hint: if you purchased a copy of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, you’ve already played your part).
Movie or TV Productions
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them – This trailer is for the first part of a planned trilogy of movies.
- Fantastic Beasts Film Website – This is a complete guide to the film series, covering all the essential information.
Video
- Magic in North America – Although wizards exist worldwide, the Harry Potter universe has not yet explored the realm of American magic…until now. In 2016, J.K. Rowling introduced a series of new stories centered around magic in North America, as a complement to the Fantastic Beasts movie series.
- Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry – Have you ever pondered the method through which American witches and wizards acquire their magical education? Enter Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Additionally, visit Pottermore to delve into the history of how the school was established and subsequently became the principal institution of magic for American witches and wizards.
- Newt Scamander: This brief video was created as a connection to the Fantastic Beasts film series, centering around none other than Newt Scamander. Along with fascinating clips from the movie, it showcases a number of brief interviews with J.K. Rowling and Eddie Redmayne.
