This 31st July marks the 49th birth anniversary of the magical mind behind the ‘Harry Potter’ tales, J.K. Rowling. Indeed, this woman has become a legendary figure after giving birth to Harry Potter which is probably the most widely read children’s fiction all over the world. Harry Potter no longer remains confined within the genre of children’s literature anymore. People across ages and culture have engaged with it. The success was further triggered by the soaring popularity of the films. Coincidentally, both J.K. Rowling and Daniel Radcliffe (who has become the face of ‘Harry Potter’) share their birthdays on the same month.
To commemorate her 49th birthday, here are these 13 trivia about J.K. Rowling which you probably have not known:
1. The first story of Rowling was named ‘Rabbit’ which she wrote when she was five or six years old. This followed the life of a rabbit, the titular character.
2. Rowling was named the 12th richest woman in Britain by the ‘Sunday Times’ in 2008. This laurel has been brought by the sheer popularity of ‘Harry Potter’ fiction.
3. Rowling modelled the character of Hermione on herself.
4. The final chapter for the seventh book, ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ was written much before (even when the sixth part was not finished).
5. The first chapter of the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone had ten different versions.
6. Dementors are depression personified and they are born out of Rowling’s own experiences with the disease! A chocolate, however, can keep the effects away.
7. Rowling’s personal favourite mythical beast is the Phoenix for its ability to rise from the ashes.
8. Rowling once took the online sorting hat quiz. And guess what? She was sorted into the Hufflepuff house.
9. ‘The Little White Horse’ by Elizabeth Goudge was Rowling’s favourite book as a child.
10. Harry Potter, the character’s birthday is on 31st July too (that of the author).
11. Rowling’s revealation that Dumbledore is gay created much furore in the literary and academic circle.
12. Rowling is probably the only person to have become a billionaire by writing books. She has created records and history.
13. ‘The Tales of Beedle the Bard’ was written after the curiosity of the readers mounted as to what the book contains.