We fully expected to visit the Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. The Massachusetts-based institute was close to the film’s New York City setting, and, as the only history on American magic from J.K. Rowling to also get an accompanying video, it had been positioned to play an important part in the plot. Then the first movie came and went with only a passing reference from alums Tina and Queenie. But while The Crimes of Grindelwald also failed to bring us to the “American Hogwarts,” it did indicate big things are still to come for Ilvermorny, in a scene that points to just how important American magic will be in defeating the Dark Wizard.
One of Rowling’s supplementary histories has already proven incredibly important in Fantastic Beasts. The story of how American wizards decided on a strict rule of self-imposed isolationism from No-Majs was a major plot point in the first film. It was why Newt’s escaped creatures were viewed so harshly in America, and why Credence was so ashamed of his own powers. In The Crimes of Grindelwald it also led Queenie to do the unthinkable and join Grindelwald’s cause, in hopes she can be help create new laws and be with No-Maj Jacob.But Rowling’s other three American histories–on Ilvermorny, Native American magic, and American wandmakers–haven’t proven pertinent yet. That’s why Professor Hicks brief but vital appearance might be the door…or rather book…to how they will ultimately prove as important as the history of MACUSA.
Dumbledore told Harry he was able to defeat Grindelwald during their famous duel in 1945 because he was a “shade more skillful.” That was likely true, possibly even a bit of an understatement by Dumbledore, but Grindelwald did have a huge advantage during that fight. He possessed the Elder Wand, the most powerful wand ever made. His dancing wall of blue flames that killed so many Aurors showed just how potent Grindelwald was with the Eldar Wand. Was Dumbledore so much stronger and talented he was able to overcome that with with a regular old wand? Or did he have a very powerful wand of his own, one that will possibly be found in America?
North American magical roots go back to long before Muggles discovered the New World. However, Native American wizards didn’t use wands which originated in Europe. That makes their abilities more impressive, because as Rowling has said, “Wandless magic is sophisticated and takes more talent.”Wands did eventually make their way across the Atlantic, where four great wandmakers established themselves as among the best in the world. That included Shikoba Wolfe, who carved intricate wands that were very powerful but hard to control. That’s because they were made with Thunderbird tail feathers, which just so happens to be the magical creature Dumbledore used as a clever ploy to get Newt Scamander to America in the first film.
It might have only been a brief appearance from a professor in a book, but when The Crimes of Grindelwald turned to Ilvermorny it read as a major sign the school will still play a huge role in the Fantastic Beasts films.And that means we’re eventually making a visit there.What do you think the future of Ilvermorny and American magic will be in the films? Tell us in the comments below.
Images: Warner Bros.