Last night I stayed up late reading the first new writing from J.K. Rowling outlining the history of magic in North America. Now, I'm even more excited for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in when it hits theaters November 18.

The first piece, found on Pottermore.com, covers the Fourteenth Century through the Seventeenth Century, and details information mostly about the Native American witches and wizards. She also introduces the American term for 'muggle,' a non-magic person, 'no-maj.' It's a slang term for no magic.

Rowling creates her own explanation for Native American myths like the 'Skin Walker,' claiming that those legendary shifters were actually wizarding animagi. Though she describes their magic as powerful, she mentions that wands were not available in North America at this time as they originated in Europe.

The second piece which she released today discusses the immigration of European witches and wizards alongside muggles escaping their own persecution. She introduces a new set of villainous wizards known as Scourers and touches on the tragic events of the Salem Witch Trials.

A third and fourth piece of writing will be released tomorrow and Friday further depicting the history of witchcraft and wizardry in North America. Watch the trailer for a glimpse back into Rowling's world.

 

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