Philosopher's Stone

Lore & Background

The Philosopher's Stone is a legendary alchemical substance that can turn any metal into pure gold and produces the Elixir of Life, which makes the drinker immortal. In the novel, the stone is hidden at Hogwarts and protected by a series of enchantments devised by the teachers. The three-headed dog, Fluffy, is the first guardian, placed by Rubeus Hagrid. Other obstacles include Devil's Snare, a plant that constricts its victims; a room full of flying keys; a giant chessboard that must be won to proceed; a troll; and a logic puzzle guarding the final chamber. The stone is ultimately retrieved by Harry Potter, who finds it drops into his pocket when he looks in the Mirror of Erised, which shows the viewer what they most desire. The headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, later reveals the stone has been destroyed to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.

In Their Own Story

Harry, Ron, and Hermione learn that the three-headed dog is guarding the Philosopher's Stone. When Dumbledore is lured away from Hogwarts, the trio fears the theft is imminent and descends through the trapdoor to retrieve the stone. Various obstacles force Ron and Hermione to remain behind while Harry approaches the stone. He encounters Professor Quirrell, the Defence Against the Dark Arts instructor, who explains that he serves Voldemort and that it was he who jinxed Harry's broom during a Quidditch match; Snape was trying to save Harry. Quirrell attempts to retrieve the stone from the Mirror of Erised but cannot figure out how. When Harry looks in the mirror, he feels the stone drop into his pocket. Quirrell then reveals that Voldemort has possessed his body, showing Harry Voldemort's face on the back of his head. Quirrell attempts to seize the stone, but his flesh burns upon contact with Harry. As they struggle, Harry's scar begins to burn, and he passes out. Harry awakens in the infirmary, where Dumbledore explains that Harry survived because of a magical charm created when his mother died trying to protect him. Quirrell's hatred and greed caused him to burn upon contact with Harry, and Voldemort abandoned him to die. Dumbledore also reveals the stone has been destroyed.

Reader's Guide

To retrieve the Philosopher's Stone from its hiding place at Hogwarts, one must pass a series of magical obstacles. First, lull the three-headed dog to sleep with music. Then, navigate Devil's Snare by relaxing and using light. Next, catch a flying key among hundreds to unlock the door. After that, win a life-sized game of Wizard Chess, sacrificing pieces as needed. Then, defeat a troll. Finally, solve a logic puzzle set by Professor Snape to reach the last chamber. Once there, the stone can only be obtained by someone who wants to find it without wanting to use it; the Mirror of Erised will drop the stone into the pocket of such a person. Attempting to take the stone with greedy intentions will result in failure. The stone grants immortality through the Elixir of Life, but it can be destroyed, as Dumbledore did after the incident.

Did You Know?

• The Philosopher's Stone is guarded at Hogwarts by a gigantic three-headed dog, which Hagrid names Fluffy.
• The stone grants its user immortality, and Voldemort plots to steal it to restore his body.
• Harry retrieves the stone from the Mirror of Erised, which shows the viewer what they most desire.
• The book was first published in the United Kingdom on 26 June 1997 by Bloomsbury.
• The novel has sold in excess of 120 million copies, making it the fourth best-selling book of all time.