Stover_Tales of Beedle the Bard.pdf

Introduction:
J.K. Rowling’s newest book was first introduced
as a plot device in Harry Potter and the Deathly
Hallows. When Harry Potter’s friends, Ron and
Hermione, discover a connection between the
evil Lord Voldemort and a favorite bedtime story,
Harry finds his ignorance of Wizard World folklore
a great disadvantage. Apparently, Beedle the
Bard, a combination of Aesop and the Grimm
brothers, was an important figure in lives of young
witches and sorcerers.
As with Rowling’s Magical Beasts and Where to
Find Them and Quidditch Throughout the Ages, The
Tales of Beedle the Bard was written to complement
the world of Harry Potter, not to extend it.
Working as both whimsical story telling and social
commentary, this multilayered book has a broad
reach and will be enjoyed by readers of all ages



Story Summaries:

“The Wizard and the Hopping Pot,” the first
tale in the book, would be the best one to read
aloud to elementary students. The story is short,
action-packed, and has a relevant moral. The
commentary that follows is also worth sharing.
It could lead to discussions about book banning,
prejudice and authors who “write down” to their
readers. (Could Beatrix Bloxam be the Wizarding
World’s Beatrix Potter?) “The Fountain of Fair
Fortune” is a Wizard of Oz-type tale in which
the characters save themselves. The dark and
creepy “The Warlock’s Hairy Heart” is a story
for older students who might be fans of Stephanie
Meyer’s Twilight series. “Rabbitty Babbitty and
Her Cackling Stump,” while first appearing
to be a simple trickster tale, is rather profound
and includes the rules about magic having no
dominance over death. “The Tale of the Three
Brothers” is the pivotal tale that was referenced in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows. It is the
catalyst for The Tales of Beedle the Bard.

For Students of grade 3-6
seed if you like the book