Only A Harry Potter Fanatic Knows What These Spells And Artifacts Do
- by Johnny Reynolds
- – on
- in Movies and TV
Ever since J.K. Rowling released "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" to the world in 1997, children and adults alike have been enraptured with the magical world of the Boy Who Lived. And its no wonder why. Spanning seven novels, eight movies, and spin off series for both formats, there is plenty to love for fans of the wizarding world.
Whether it be your love of the characters, the mystical creatures, the tragic and relatable underdog story of good vs. evil, or something else entirely, Harry Potter means something special to each and every fan. But there's one thing that this world wouldn't be the same without, and that is obviously the magic that surrounds it.
It is the wondrous possibilities that spells, curses, artifacts, and creations offer to our imagination that has made us all lifelong fans. They are the reason that the series has been able to expand into the "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" franchise. We all long to see and experience more of this same magic. And with the second installment of that series coming out this November, it appears as if we'll be getting exactly what we want.
So how well do you know the magic found in Harry Potter's world? Do you think you can remember what every spell and artifact does? Take this quiz to see if you're a wizarding genius.
What does a remembrall do?
It is shown early on in the series that magical spells aren't just good for wand use. They can also be used to create helpful items. First appearing in "Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone," the soft-spoken and easily frightened Neville Longbottom receives this item in a package sent by his grandmother. It becomes a plot point later when the nefarious Draco Malfoy steals it after Neville's broom riding accident. Luckily, Harry is able to get it back for him, because Neville is the type of person who would need it. What does a remembrall do?
What does Alohomora do?
There are a plethora of useful spells shown in the Harry Potter films, and even more shown in the books. Their uses can vary from defending yourself during a duel or completing tasks around the house. Alohomora would serve no purpose if you were in a fight, but could still be incredibly useful. It's first used by Hermione Granger in "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone." But as the movies moved more towards action and battles, the spell wasn't used much. What does Alohomora do?
What does the Deluminator do?
This little invention of Dumbledore's has proved its worth in several Harry Potter films. After Dumbledore's tragic death in "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," the Deluminator was left to Ron Weasley during the hunt for the horcruxes. This device would allow Ron to teleport back to Harry and Hermione should they ever be separated. But it's original purpose was first shown in the opening scene of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone." What is the original purpose of Dumbledore's Deluminator?
What does Wingardium Leviosa do?
In the movies, this helpful spell only appears in "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone." But if you're a big Harry Potter fan, it's hard to forget what it does. Taught to the First Years by the Charms teacher, Professor Flitwick, this spell caused more strain between Ron and Hermione. Ron thought of Hermione as an annoying know-it-all, but it wasn't long before the two made peace once Ron learned how to properly use the spell. Taking on a fully grown mountain troll can have that effect. What does Wingaridum Leviosa do?
What do bludgers do?
Every fantasy world has its own game for the characters to pass the time. And the world of Harry Potter has a ton of them. From Wizard's Chess to Exploding Snap to Gobstones, there are plenty of options for Hogwarts students to pass the time. But none of them are nearly as popular as Quidditch. Harry is introduced to the wonderfully dangerous sport in his first year when he becomes the Gryffindor team seeker. The game is played with a set of magical balls, which include bludgers. What do bludgers do?
What does Finite Incantatem do?
Having a friend like Hermione Granger must come in handy quite a lot for the Boy Who Lived. She is a walking treasure trove of knowledge and useful spells. Time and time again, she proves herself as the more capable of our three heroes when it comes to remembering which spell does what. And time and time again, she uses her vast knowledge to save the other two. She uses Finite Incantatem to save Harry during "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," but this spell is actually used by many capable wizards. What does it do?
What else can the Philosopher's Stone do?
The key plot point behind Harry Potter's first year at Hogwarts is the Philosopher's Stone, a highly powerful object created by Dumbledore's close friend, Nicolas Flamel. Flamel used this stone to create the Elixir of Life, which makes the drinker immortal. This of course means Voldemort wants it. Using Professor Quirrell as a puppet, Voldemort sought to obtain the stone so he could regain his physical form. But there is something else that the stone can do that is thought of as less important. What is it?
What does Immobulus do?
Once again, the students of Hogwarts must rely on Hermione Granger to save the day. In "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," the school gains a new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, who just so happens to be a world renowned monster slayer. But it isn't long before the students learn that Gilderoy Lockhart is nothing more than a blow-hard. Their first experience with his ineptitude comes when he unleashes a group of pixies in the classroom, which Hermione quickly has to put an end to with Immobulus. What does Immobulus do?
Which spell cancels out Lumos?
One of the most useful and entirely non-combative spells in the world of Harry Potter is Lumos. This lights the tip of your wand, essentially turning it into a flashlight. The wizarding world doesn't use electricity as can be seen by their use of ink and quill to write letters and candles instead of lightbulbs. So this spell can come in handy when in dark places. One can also use Lumos Maxima to increase the power of the brightness, but there is also a spell that turns it off. What is it?
What does the Mirror of Erised do?
While it may only appear in one book (and the movie adaptation of that book, of course), this magical artifact plays a crucial role in the plot. Harry stumbles upon this mirror while he is out one night past curfew in "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" and becomes completely enraptured with it. But the more important facet of this mirror comes in the climax, when it is revealed to house Nicolas Flamel's philospoher's stone. But what does it do that made Harry become so obsessed with it?
What does Expelliarmus do?
It turns out that this simple dueling spell would go on to be the most important one Harry Potter ever learns. First taught to him during the Dueling Club in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," he used it in essentially every movie/book afterwards. The spell's level of strength can vary depending on the witch or wizard, but it has also been shown to be used by multiple casters at once, making it all the more powerful. What does Expelliarmus do?
What is the Hand of Glory used for?
While it only appears briefly in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," this object full of dark magic plays a much more vital role in the books. First seen while Harry is hiding from the Malfoys in Borgin & Burkes, Draco asks his father if he can buy it. While his father won't allow it, Draco obtains the hand sometime before his sixth year. He uses it during his assassination attempt on Dumbledore in the book "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." What does it do?
What is the spell to use on a Boggart?
Boggarts are one of the more interesting creatures that Harry Potter encounters on his adventures. They like to hide in dark places, and if you ever come across one it will take on the form of the thing you fear the most. As such, no one knows what a Boggart really looks like. Harry first encounters the creature during Professor Lupin's lesson in "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban." It's his private lessons with the professor that help him get over his fear of dementors. What is the spell that was invented to combat Boggarts?
What is special about Godric Gryffindor's sword?
To be fair, there are several things about this artifact that make it pretty cool. One is that it was owned by one of the four founding members of Hogwarts: Godric Gryffindor. Another is that it can appear to any Gryffindor student who is in need of it. Well, as long as they're close to the Sorting Hat, as that is where the blade is pulled from. It appears to Harry in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," but it also appears to the unlikely Neville in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." What is special about this sword?
What does the Sneakoscope do?
While it may never have appeared in the film adaptation, this little toy played a small but vital role in the book version of "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban." After returning from his family trip to Egypt, Ron Weasley brought this souvenir back for Harry. It was thought to be broken as it kept malfunctioning. But its usefulness wasn't truly known until the end of the book. You can actually buy these at Universal's Wizarding World theme park, but what are they supposed to do?
Which spell is used to combat Dementors?
While the world of Harry Potter is packed with joyful magic, there are also things that terrify us to the very core. And the pinnacle of that fear can be seen in Dementors, cloaked figures that make the air around them grow cold and force people to relive their worst memories. There's a spell that can be used to get rid of them. The basic version will create a shield of light around the caster, but the more powerful version will take the form of an animal that is unique to each witch and wizard. Which is it?
What is the purpose of the Pensieve?
Inside Dumbledore's office, one can find all manner of interesting magical objects. Which makes total sense, as Albus Dumbledore is one of the more intriguing and kooky characters of the series. Whether it's finger-biting candy or the indestructible teleporting sword of Godric Gryffindor, each visit brings a new wonder. A new magical object called the Pensieve was introduced in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" and became a staple of the series. It showed up multiple times afterwards, but what is its purpose?
What does Imperio do?
As one of only three unforgivable curses, this spell was outlawed by the Ministry of Magic. While Avada Kedavra (the killing curse) is the most famous of the three, the other two are nothing to sneeze at either. It was first shown off by Barty Crouch, Jr. under the guise of Professor Alastor Moody in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." He shows off all three unforgivable curses to his class, and he uses them on a helpless spider. What does Imperio do?
What is the purpose of a foe-glass?
This magical object shows up just once: in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." Harry comes across it in Mad-Eye Moody's office, though he doesn't know at the time that his professor is really the Death Eater Barty Crouch, Jr. using polyjuice potion. In the books, however, it shows up again in "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix." Harry puts one in the Room of Requirement while it is being used for training by Dumbledore's Army. What is the purpose of a foe-glass?
What does Accio do?
This spell is quite the handy one. In the movies, it's first used by Harry in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" during one of the tasks of the Triwizard Tournament. In the book version, he has to train to be able to use it properly. Luckily, he has Hermione to teach him. He uses it again several times throughout the series. While one wouldn't think it would be useful in a duel, it all depends on how you utilize it. What does Accio do?
What does Umbridge's special quill do?
Harry Potter is full of objects that look ordinary but actually have magical properties due to being bewitched by a witch or a wizard. There's the flying car of the Weasleys, which can also turn invisible. There's Hermione's hand bag, which seems to have an endless amount of space. Then there's Dolores Umbridge's magic quill. Harry learns what is different about this quill first hand in "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" And it's not long until the rest of Dumbledore's Army does too. What does it do?
What does Protego do?
In "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," Harry was forced to participate in the Triwizard Tournament despite being three years younger than the age competitors were required to be. This must have been incredibly nerve-racking as the other students in the tournament knew magic that was far more advanced than what Harry had been taught. Thus he needed to learn new spells so that he was properly prepared, like Protego. This spell is incredibly useful in a duel, but a more advanced version was used by Hermione when they were hunting down Voldemort's horcruxes. What does Protego do?
What do Hermione's fake Galleons do?
Dolores Umbridge is quite possibly hated by fans more than Voldemort himself. And she only appeared in two out of seven of Harry potter's adventures. In "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," she became the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. But as a spy for the Minster of Magic, she refused to teach her students any actual magic. Thus, Dumbledore's Army was born. In the book, the crafty Hermione created fake Galleons for each member. But what did these Galleons do?
What does Bombarda Maxima do?
There are several spells in the Harry Potter universe that are more powerful versions of basic spells. Such is the case with Bombarda Maxima, which is a stronger version of Bombarda. The less powerful spell was used by Hermione Granger in "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban." But this spell was used by the evil and merciless Dolores Umbridge during her tenure at Hogwarts during "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" while she was searching for the hideout of Dumbledore's Army. What does Bombarda Maxima do?
What do the Trick Wands created by the Weasley Twins do?
Fred and George Weasley are two of the most beloved characters from the Harry Potter series, which is saying a lot. In both the books and films, they were a constant source of comedic relief that became more welcome as the series grew darker and more dangerous. After leaving Hogwarts with a bang, the two opened up their own joke shop where they sold all sorts of whacky prank items, including these trick wands. While more expensive versions can beat the user on the head, what do the more common versions do?
What does Incarcerous do?
This handy little spell could turn the tides of a fight in your favor rather quickly. That is, if you're quick enough on your toes to use it when it would be most useful. In "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," Umbridge proves that just because she doesn't want to teach her students magic, that doesn't mean she isn't a capable fighter herself. She uses Incarcerous on a Centaur right before the climax of the movie. But it isn't long until she has a giant to deal with too. What does Incarcerous do?
What does Episkey do?
While she doesn't appear until late in the series, Luna Lovegood quickly becomes one of Harry Potter's most powerful and unique allies. Her zaniness and interesting ideals made her a fan favorite character. While some of the things she believes and says are quite strange, there are many times when Harry is lucky to have her by his side. She is first introduced in "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" and joins Dumbledore's Army. She uses the spell Episkey in "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." Can you remember what it does?
What does Felix Felicis do?
One of the more complex fields of studying magic is potion making. While some may be simple to concoct, there are others that if you don't get the ingredients just right, the consequences could be disastrous. Luckily, in "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," Harry comes into possession of a very old potions book with helpful hints on potion making that helps him win a bottle of Felix Felicis in a contest. The effects of this rare potion are incredibly enticing. What does it do?
What does Sectumsempra do?
Just because this offensive spell isn't one of the three unforgivable curses doesn't mean it isn't dangerous. This spell is only shown once, in "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." Harry finds this spell, along with many others, written in a very old Potions textbook. While many of the other spells are written with descriptions of what they do, Sectumsempra simply states it's for enemies. It turns out this spell was invented by Severus Snape while he was a boy at Hogwarts. What does it do?
What does the Resurrection Stone do?
This magical object is a little bit different in the book version of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" than what we got on the big screen. In the book, it is the stone that is in the Slytherin ring that curses Albus Dumbledore, a curse he will soon die from. But in the movie, it is an entirely different object. Regardless, as one of the three Deathly Hallows, it is one of the most powerful magical objects seen in the entire series. What doe it do?