The Games Found in the Harry Potter Series
The universe of the Harry Potter series has become one of the most well-known fictional worlds in literature. Author J.K. Rowling's valiant effort to build a living, breathing realm of witches and wizards has been widely received by many. Part of this fictional universe involves the games that magical people seem to have fun playing. This article will help explain some of these recreational pastimes.
Winged Horse Races
Although not given too much depth in the books, there is a considerable amount of proof that such game actually exists. In fact, it is viewed as more than just a pastime. It is seen as a professional sport wherein participants race their winged horses through a specified track. The only known racer in the books is a breeder named Laurentia Fletwock.
Wizarding Skittles
This is a form of magical sport in which players must topple as many skittles as possible. It is known that a wizarding skittles tournament was held within the premises of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry between the years 1996 and 1997. A number of students had participated including Andrea Kegworth and Brian Cinderford.
Exploding Snap
Exploding snap is a form of a card game for wizards. It varies depending on the rules. The Classical version of the game is simple. Whenever the player flips each card and sees two identical pictures, he must hit one of them using his wand. Doing so will give him one point. The game, however, is special in a way that the cards spontaneously "snap" or explode while the game is being played. In the Patience version, the cards explode on their first flipping, which means wizards must have a considerable amount of luck to win. In the book, Ron Weasley accidentally burned one of his eyebrows when he attempted to build a house of Exploding Snap cards.
Wizard's Chess
Similar to our normal version of the game, wizard's chess involves moving small pieces of objects (which are carved in the forms of humans) in order to take an opponent's piece. The difference is that whenever a spot is taken, the piece comes to life and "attacks" the opponent, crashing it into pieces. During Harry Potter's first Christmas at Hogwarts, Hermione witnesses him and Ron in the middle of a game. Hermione comments on the barbarism behind the way the pieces attack each other only to find themselves playing real-life wizard's chess a few months later in search of the Sorcerer's Stone. Ron takes over the game, sacrificing himself in the process to allow Harry to reach the final stage and confront Professor Quirrell.
Quidditch
One of the games found in the Harry Potter series happens to be one of the most well-known fictional games in literature. Quidditch is a sport played using flying broomsticks. It is played by two teams composing of seven members: one Keeper, two Beaters, three Chasers and one Seeker (which Harry Potter becomes known for). Four balls are also involved: two Bludgers, one Quaffle, and a Golden Snitch. The game is normally played in an oval-shaped field 500 feet long and 180 feet wide. Similar to basketball, there is a set of hooped poles in which the Chasers must shoot the Quaffle in order to gain points. The other team member's tasks are as follows:
- Keepers must guard the posts to hinder the Chasers from scoring.
- Beaters carry bats around to hit the Bludgers towards opposing team members.
- The Seeker must catch the flying Golden Snitch in order to officially end the game.
If the Seeker cannot catch the Golden Snitch, the game can go on for a long time. The longest Quidditch game reportedly lasted for three months.
Man, do I ever miss the feeling of a new book coming soon! Always thinking of the chance of a new game I have never seen before.