“The Tales of Beedle the Bard”, by J.K Rowling, is a recent addition to the popular Harry Potter book series by the same author. In the Harry Potter series, Rowling tells the story of a young wizard, destined to take part in one of the greatest battles between good and evil that ‘Muggles’ (non-magic folk) have ever known. Toward the end of the book series, young Mr. Potter comes into the possession of a book of magic fairy tales, written by one Beedle the Bard, a Yorkshire-born man (we are not certain of his magical lineage, as his life is greatly shrouded in mystery) who lived during the 15th century. This is that very book. The book of tales, passed down through the ages, from one magical generation to the next.
The five tales documented in “The Tales of Beedle the Bard” tell stories of courage and valor, as well as carrying morals and messages behind them. The main difference, however, in comparison to ‘Muggle’ tales, is that magic carries a more positive trend, as apposed to evil, cackling witches, brooding over a smoldering cauldron.
The messages carried within the tales are echoed by a noble gesture, carried out by muggles who are exposed to Beedle’s tales. A portion of proceeds from the sales of this magical anthology go towards the Children’s High Level Group, a charity set up by J.K Rowling and Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne. As stated in the finishing pages of “The Tales of Beedle the Bard”, ‘CHLG aims to bring an end to the use of large institutions and promote ways that allow children to live with families – their own, foster or national adoptive parents – or in small group homes.’ The charity is aimed at children who are living in insitutional housing projects due to disability, ill health and/or lack of sufficient funding in their families to assist with their health care.
If you have yet to read “The Tales of Beedle the Bard”, I strongly recommend it. The tales are suitable for muggles of all ages, from reading age upward, and carry a moral behind each one, however bizarre the story itself may seem. For a minimal cost (approx. R100 at time of purchase), you get 5 wierd and wonderful tales (with commentary, penned by Professor Albus Dumbledore himself) as well as headline illustrations for each tale, crafted and penned by J.K Rowling, and aiding the CHLG in realising their aims.
For more info, visit the “The Tales of Beedle the Bard” website.
Have you read “The Tales of Beedle the Bard”? Share your thoughts on this post, and on the book, in the comments section.
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