Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Allusions and Cultural References

When authors give shout outs to other great works, people, and events, it's usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.

Literary and Philosophical References

  • Miranda Goshawk, The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) (5.70)
  • Bathilda Bagshot, A History of Magic (5.70)
  • Adalbert Waffling, Magical Theory (5.70)
  • Emeric Switch, A Beginners' Guide to Transfiguration (5.70)
  • Phyllida Spore, One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi (5.70, 14.10)
  • Arsenius Jigger, Magical Drafts and Potions (5.70)
  • Newt Scamander, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (5.70)
  • Quentin Trimble, The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection (5.70)
  • Vindictus Viridian, Curses and Countercurses… (5.202)
  • Modern Magical History (6.221)
  • The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts (6.221)
  • Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century (6.221)
  • Mrs. Norris (implied reference to Jane Austen, Mansfield Park) (character, referenced throughout)
  • Quidditch Through the Ages (9.7, 10.4, 10.8, 10.13)
  • Great Wizards of the Twentieth Century (12.32)
  • Notable Magical Names of Our Time (12.32)
  • Important Modern Magical Discoveries (12.32)
  • A Study of Recent Developments in Wizardry (12.32, 13.60)
  • Dragon Species of Great Britain and Ireland (14.22)
  • From Egg to Inferno, A Dragon Keeper's Guide (14.22)
  • Dragon Breeding for Pleasure and Profit (14.51)

Historical References

  • Nicolas Flamel (referenced throughout; see Chapter 13 specifically)
  • Perenelle Flamel (character, referenced throughout)
  • Agrippa (6.173, 6.175, 6.178)
  • Ptolemy (6.175)
  • Morgana (6.184, 6.188)
  • Hengist of Woodcroft (6.188)
  • Alberic Grunnion (6.188)
  • Circe (6.188)
  • Paracelsus (6.188)
  • Merlin (6.188)
  • Cliodna (6.188)

Pop Culture References

  • West Ham football team (11.41)