The Symbol on the Spine, Part 2, Is it alchemy, ancient runes, or other? |
 Apr 29 2007, 03:55 AM
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#11
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Hiding in the Iron Maiden at Borgin and Burkes  Posts: 345 Joined: 7:27am April 4, 2007 Location: Mountain Biking in the Forbidden Forest    |
QUOTE(Poet @ Apr 29 2007, 08:06 AM) [snapback]1198813[/snapback] Books 1-5 all ended at Kings Cross Station, but Book 6 ends with Harry, Ron, and Hermione on the other side of the lake from Dumbledore's tomb. There are even stragglers from the funeral still in the area over near the tomb. I wouldn't be surprised if at the beginning of Book 7 the trio walked back around the lake and took time to say some private goodbyes to Dumbledore. I agree that the symbol on the cover (and now on Bloomsbury's website) is a raised (Bas-relief) projection on white marble. You can tell its raised by looking at the top of the triangle. I think the trio will see the symbol on Dumbledore's tomb before they leave Hogwarts. I think they will come across this symbol more than once in Book 7, and that is has some purpose connected with alchemical processes. Dumbledore and Flamel were alchemists and Dumbledore's tomb was even created in some mysterious, almost alchemical fashion. I'm hoping that Harry gets the chance to stop by Dumbledore's office one more time before taking the train home. Possibly McGonagall and he will have a reason to speak to each other briefly. Afterall, Harry left the office in a rush the previous time because Ministry officials were on their way up to talk to McGonagall. If Harry ends up in Dumbledore's office, he may see the symbol again - on a book, on an instrument, in a memory, or even in a 3D form. Jo likes to show Harry objects or things and then later have him (or one of the trio) come across those same things and have their curiosity peaked. We're seen a pattern of this leading Harry to solve mysteries and discover truths. I think the symbol on the spine will be one of those types of things that Jo uses to lead Harry to information he needs on his journey through Book 7. I couldn't agree more, poet. My theory about the symbol representing alchemical quintessence (in part one) originally led me to believe that this symbol was carved somewhere within Hogwarts castle, and marked the hidden gateway to the burial chamber of the four founders (The Deathly Hallows) because each of their elemental symbols are incorporated in the symbol design. I had a feeling that the entrance might be concealed in the rough stone walls (clearly one of the oldest parts of the castle) of Snape's dungeon corridor. However, when you pointed out that people had suggested Dubledore's tomb, this instantly made sense to me - Dumbledore was an alchemist who in life strove to unite the magical world (note almost all the sentient magical races are represented at his funeral) and speaking to the school following the death of Cedric, also the Hogwarts Houses and visiting students. I would bet my bottom dollar that this symbol is present on Dumbledore's tomb, which appeared in an alchemical flash of 'bright white flames' and smoke. The texture of the illustration suggests marble. The symbol maybe repeated somewhere in Dumbledore's office, on an instrument, an artefact or the spine of a book. It may simply serve to remind Harry that the way people perceive him as 'the chosen one' could make him a figurehead behind which all wizards and many if the other magical peoples could unite against Voldemort. However, I think Harry will be operating more or less with the trio on an undercover mission for the majority of book 7, not as the general of a magical army, although this may well occur - as foreshadowed by the DA. I think judging from the Uk cover summary that we will start the action in Privet Drive. Harry's path will certainly bring him back to Hogwarts, and to the White Tomb. This post has been edited by hagridlurveshappyhour: Apr 29 2007, 04:08 AM -------------------- I...must...not...look...like...a...baboon's...backside.
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Apr 29 2007, 04:17 AM
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#12
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Getting Fitted for New Dress Robes Posts: 45 Joined: 4:24am April 26, 2007 |
Is it just me, or has anyone else feel like they've seen that sign before? I think, if I can remember properly, the triangle represents protection and the circle, which I believe is an eye, represents knowledge, or "all-seeing".
-------------------- <a href="http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/#quiz:results:150300"><img src="http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/newquiz/take_quiz/image_sm/150300" /></a
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Apr 29 2007, 07:31 AM
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#13
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Gringott's Cart Axle Greaser Posts: 2,773 Joined: 4:37pm September 28, 2005 Location: In my tower, dwelling on ... |
I love the way that JKR can take something familiar (like a circle and a triangle) and give it a twist. There are other, similar symbols, like a triangle within a circle, but I've yet to find an exact match for this one.
The pyramid with the all-seeing eye is a familiar symbol to anyone who has seen the back of a US dollar bill--but I doubt there is supposed to be any connection between the Great Seal of the United States and this bisected circle within a triangle. (BTW-the exterior shape is a triangle and not a pyramid. Even though it appears to be cut from white stone or marble, the symbol itself is a flat, two dimensional combination of arcs and lines. It could represent a pyramid, but it is itself not a pyramid because a pyramid is a three dimensional shape with four faces, three of witch are triangles and the fourth being either a square or another triangle. If the symbol is Alchemical, it would trace its origins to Greece and/or Egypt. Therefore, the symbol could represent one of the pyramids, perhaps even the Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza. Perhaps it will tie in with the trip the Weasleys made to Egypt in year 2 to visit Bill. Perhaps Bill, who is a professional curse breaker, will be able to tell Harry what it is and what it means. -------------------- “Wisdom is a flower from which the bee its honey makes and the spider poison, each according to its own nature.” (By an unknown adept) Proud Supporter of the "Rotfang Conspiracy." |
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Apr 29 2007, 11:10 AM
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#14
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Flesh-Eating-Slug Catcher Posts: 185 Joined: 8:43pm February 6, 2007 Location: Still immersed in the Potterverse |
QUOTE I couldn't agree more, poet. My theory about the symbol representing alchemical quintessence (in part one) originally led me to believe that this symbol was carved somewhere within Hogwarts castle, and marked the hidden gateway to the burial chamber of the four founders (The Deathly Hallows) because each of their elemental symbols are incorporated in the symbol design. I haven't read all of the posts in part one (about half of them), and I don't know if anyone mentioned this but in one of the books, Hermione reads a book titled Quintessence, A Quest, so I think it's intirely possible that the symbol represents alchemical quintessence. Sorry, this post isn't exactly... insightful. 
This post has been edited by Quiscalus: Apr 29 2007, 11:11 AM -------------------- *´¨)
¸.·´¸.·*´¨) ¸.·*¨) (¸.·´ (¸.·´ Quiscalus |
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Apr 29 2007, 11:42 AM
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#15
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Being Eaten by the Pea Soup Posts: 28 Joined: 9:19am December 23, 2006 |
QUOTE(Da_bomb143 @ Apr 29 2007, 11:17 AM) [snapback]1198861[/snapback] Is it just me, or has anyone else feel like they've seen that sign before? I think, if I can remember properly, the triangle represents protection and the circle, which I believe is an eye, represents knowledge, or "all-seeing". I also think I've seen this symbol before... but I think it's just that it is similiar to some alchermic and astrological symbols so I'm not sure if it's that specific symbol I've seen... maybe it's just a symbol J.K. made up to confuse us a little bit... well, I hope she'll explain it in book seven...;-) |
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Apr 29 2007, 12:47 PM
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#16
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Neville's Biggest supporter  Posts: 12,494 Joined: 8:51am January 28, 2006 Location: On V.S.D.G.  |
That symbol is certainly intriguing. I am sure Hermione's favourite book "Ancient Runes made Easy" would assist us to understand it! To me the circle is the Trio's friendship, never-ending, and the triangle (for a better word!) represent a pyramid perhaps? Will Eygpt come into Deathly Hallows, seeming Bill used to work their?
The symbol looks as it has been carved on marble so I am guessing the Pensieve - as there was runes around it. There may be a magic symbol on Dumbledore's grave too. 
--------------------  (Gringotts vault 007 siggy by Gilleyweed, Neville siggy by Dreamteam, Marple siggy by SnapesSister and Avatar from Leaky Galleries) |
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Apr 29 2007, 02:20 PM
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#17
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Hiding in the Iron Maiden at Borgin and Burkes Posts: 345 Joined: 7:27am April 4, 2007 Location: Mountain Biking in the Forbidden Forest |
QUOTE(Quiscalus @ Apr 29 2007, 05:10 PM) [snapback]1199132[/snapback] QUOTE I couldn't agree more, poet. My theory about the symbol representing alchemical quintessence (in part one) originally led me to believe that this symbol was carved somewhere within Hogwarts castle, and marked the hidden gateway to the burial chamber of the four founders (The Deathly Hallows) because each of their elemental symbols are incorporated in the symbol design. I haven't read all of the posts in part one (about half of them), and I don't know if anyone mentioned this but in one of the books, Hermione reads a book titled Quintessence, A Quest, so I think it's intirely possible that the symbol represents alchemical quintessence. Sorry, this post isn't exactly... insightful. Hi Quiscalus Surprisingly (and so probably significantly) its HARRY that reads Quintessence: A Quest in HBP, and its actually a charms book (thank you Lexicon!) I wrote a post or two about this in part 1: I think this symbol is carved on Dumbledore's Tomb, and that it represents alchemical quintessence (the unification, balance and perfection of the four elements, usually associated with the creation of the Philosopher's Stone). Its just possible that Harry seeing it on the tomb will help him connect it with something he has read in that textbook. Possibly it relates to some branch of alchemical magic which Dumbledore pioneered with Flamel, or an alchemical object, that will help the trio in their quest, or help to unify the school. -------------------- I...must...not...look...like...a...baboon's...backside.
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Apr 29 2007, 06:45 PM
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#18
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Being Eaten by the Pea Soup Posts: 38 Joined: 2:51am November 14, 2006 Location: In the Forbidden Forest telling the Centaurs to lay off on Hagrid |
From Part 1 of this discussion:
padfoot1500: QUOTE Forgive me if this has already been said. But, I've read through some of the post and listened to most of the podcasts out there and I haven't seen or heard this idea yet. I was at my HP book club a few days after the covers came out and when the topic of the symbol came up someone said that they believed the triangle was a symbol for fire and the circle a symbol for the infinite. When we combine the two the first thing that came into my mind was the phoenix; a fire bird that has infinite life. Oooo....that sparked another idea in my head. I had found somewhere (an alchemy site) that the triangle represents fire, the circle represents infinity, and...the verticle line represents man. padfoot1500's phoenix reference got me to thinking that maybe the symbol could represent people (possibly including the founders) who had phoenix-like qualities and could be reborn after their deaths. Maybe those people are what are referred to as the "Deathly Hallows"... Just a wild theory off the top of my head at the moment. I definitely like the idea of this symbol being found on Dumbledore's tomb. -------------------- "No good sittin' worryin' abou' it," he said. "What's comin' will come, an' we'll meet it when it does."
--Rubeus Hagrid W.O.M.B.A.T. Grade 2 -- *Outstanding* |
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Apr 29 2007, 07:46 PM
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#19
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Cauldron Bottom Measurer Posts: 98 Joined: 8:32am January 31, 2007 |
I don't think we can read THAT much into the cover art as the artist is just doing a general impression of something they have been told by someone, not necessarily the author even and have never read the book so I think that any great detail is more likely the artist's fancy drawn from what they have either read or heard in or of books 1-6. Someone has to approve the art for sure, but that is not necessarily JKR either, so I don't think that the cover art is Hugely significant as it is done by someone without any great real knowledge of the details of the scene they are creating.
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Apr 29 2007, 08:19 PM
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#20
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Eeylops Owl Cage Cleaner Posts: 245 Joined: 8:04pm January 4, 2007 |
I believe that the artists have a chance to read the book before anyone else, just like the publishers. That is why the art may show significant parts of the book.
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