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[[File:Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 700x90.jpg|center|link=http://bit.ly/2fZVT7z]]
  
 
{{Semiprotected}}
  
{{Semiprotected}}
 
{{Youmay|the [[:category:magical objects|magical object]]|the [[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone|novel]], [[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)|film]], [[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (soundtrack)|soundtrack]], [[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game)|video game]] or [[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game soundtrack)|video game soundtrack]]}}
  
{{Youmay|the [[:category:magical objects|magical object]]|the [[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone|novel]], [[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)|film]], [[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (soundtrack)|soundtrack]], [[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game)|video game]] or [[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game soundtrack)|video game soundtrack]]}}
 
{{Object infobox
  
{{Object infobox
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|name=Philosopher's Stone<!-- DO NOT add or change to "Sorcerer's Stone". This wiki uses the British name. -->
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|name = Philosopher's Stone<!-- DO NOT add or change to "Sorcerer's Stone". This wiki uses the correct British name. -->
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|image=Pholosophers-Stone PM.jpg
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|image = Pholosophers-Stone PM.jpg
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|location=
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|location =
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|manufacturer=[[Nicolas Flamel]]
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|manufacturer = [[Nicolas Flamel]]<ref name="PS13">{{PS|B|13}}</ref><ref name="PM-PS" />
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|made=[[14th century]] or later
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|made = [[14th century]] or later
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|usage=Produces the [[Elixir of Life]] and transforms any metal into [[gold|pure gold]]
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|usage = Produced the [[Elixir of Life]] and transformed any metal into pure [[gold]]<ref name="PS13"/><ref name="PM-PS" />
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|owners=[[Nicolas Flamel]]
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|owners = [[Nicolas Flamel]]<ref name="PS13"/><ref name="PM-PS" />
 
}}
  
}}
 
{{Quote|The ancient study of alchemy is concerned with making the Philosopher's Stone, a legendary substance with astonishing powers. The Stone will transform any metal into pure gold. It also produces the Elixir of Life, which will make the drinker immortal.|A [[Hogwarts library]] book|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
  
{{Quote|The ancient study of alchemy is concerned with making the Philosopher's Stone, a legendary substance with astonishing powers. The Stone will transform any metal into pure gold. It also produces the Elixir of Life, which will make the drinker immortal.|A [[Hogwarts library]] book|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
  ⚫
The '''Philosopher's Stone'''<!-- DO NOT add or change to "Sorcerer's Stone". This wiki uses the correct British name. --> was a legendary [[Alchemy|alchemical]] substance with [[magic]]al properties. The [[ruby]]-red Stone could be used to [[Chrysopoeia|transform any metal]] into pure [[gold]], as well as to create the [[Elixir of Life]], which made the drinker [[Immortality|immortal]]. The only known Stone to have ever existed was created by the famed [[France|French]] alchemist [[Nicolas Flamel]].<ref name="PS13"/><ref name="PM-PS" />
   
  ⚫
During [[1991–1992 school year]] at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]], [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] made attempts to steal the Stone for his own purposes. The final, and almost successful, attempt resulted in a skirmish for possession of the Stone. However, Voldemort was foiled by eleven year old [[Harry Potter]] and his return to power was delayed.<ref name="PS17">{{PS|B|17}}</ref>
⚫
The '''Philosopher's Stone'''<!-- DO NOT add or change to "Sorcerer's Stone". This wiki uses the British name. --> was a legendary [[Alchemy|alchemical]] substance with [[magic]]al properties. This ruby-red stone could be used to create the [[Elixir of Life]], which made the drinker [[Immortality|immortal]], as well as transform any metal into [[gold|pure gold]]. The only known Stone to have ever existed was created by the famed alchemist [[Nicolas Flamel]].
  
−  
⚫
During 1991-1992 school year, [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] made attempts to steal the Stone for his own purposes. The final and almost successful attempt broke out in a skirmish for possession of the Stone. Voldemort was foiled by eleven year old [[Harry Potter]] and his return to power was delayed.
  
   
 
==History==
  
==History==
 
===Creation===
  
===Creation===
  +
Creating a Philosopher's Stone was one of the best known goals of [[Alchemy]], and Alchemists have sought to produce the stone for centuries. Critics of the legend of the [[Deathly Hallows]] have suggested that [[Beedle the Bard]] (c. 15th century) was inspired to create the life-restoring [[Resurrection Stone]] from the life-extending Philosopher's Stone. In reality, the Resurrection Stone was, in fact, a genuine artefact with similar powers to its legendary depiction.<ref name="DH21">{{DH|B|21}}</ref>
⚫
The only known Philosopher's Stone to have ever existed was created by the famed alchemist, [[Nicolas Flamel]], sometime in the [[14th century]] or later. Flamel used the [[Elixir of Life]] exuded from the stone to extend his and his wife [[Perenelle Flamel|Perenelle]]'s lifespan for over six centuries.<ref name="PH">{{PS}}</ref>
  
  +
  ⚫
Despite countless attempts over the ages, the only Stone known to exist was created by famed [[France|French]] alchemist, [[Nicolas Flamel]], sometime in the [[14th century]] or later. Flamel used the [[Elixir of Life]] derived from the Stone to extend his and his wife [[Perenelle Flamel|Perenelle]]'s lifespan for over six centuries.<ref name="PS13" />
  +
  ⚫
[[File:Philosopher's Stone.jpg|250px|thumb|The Stone in Flamel's [[Flamel House|House]] in 1927|alt=|left]]
  ⚫
While living in [[Paris]] in [[1927]], Flamel kept the Philosopher's Stone in the back of a shelf next to his [[Nicolas Flamel's phoenix-embossed book|phoenix book]] in a glass dome where it could be seen when he met [[Jacob Kowalski]].<ref name="COGS">{{COG|S}}</ref>
  +
  ⚫
During [[Gilderoy Lockhart]]'s student days at Hogwarts, he would rant to anyone who would bother to listen about planning to achieve many impressive feats, one of which is to create a Philosopher's Stone before graduation; of course, he never did so.<ref name="pottermorebio">{{WW|gilderoy-lockhart}}</ref>
   
  ⚫
[[File:Stone in vault.jpg|250px|thumb|The Stone in Gringotts Vault 713 in 1991|alt=]]
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===Grindelwald's revolution===
  
  +
At some time before 1st August [[1991]], the Stone was stored in [[Vault 713]], a high security vault at [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank]].
⚫
[[File:Philosopher's Stone.jpg|250px|thumb|The Stone in Flamel's House in 1927]]
  
⚫
While living in [[Paris]] in [[1927]], Flamel kept the Philosopher's Stone on the shelf of a drawer, where it was briefly seen during his meeting with [[Jacob Kowalski]].<ref>{{COG}}</ref>
  
   
 
===Protecting the Stone===
  
===Protecting the Stone===
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{{Quote|I don't know how you found out about the Stone, but rest assured, no one can possibly steal it, it's too well protected.|[[Minerva McGonagall|Professor McGonagall]] regarding the stone's safety|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
 +
{{Quote|I don't know how you found out about the Stone, but rest assured, no one can possibly steal it, it's too well protected.|[[Minerva McGonagall|Professor McGonagall]] regarding the Stone's safety|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
  +
In [[1991]], the Philosopher's Stone became the target of the [[Dark wizard]] [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]], who intended to use the [[Elixir of Life]] to create a new body for his mangled [[soul]] after being disembodied during [[Attack at Godric's Hollow (1981)|his failed attack]] on [[Godric's Hollow]] in [[1981]]. It is unknown how Voldemort learned of the Stone.
   
  +
Voldemort used a human host, [[Quirinus Quirrell]], to attempt to [[Break-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank (1991)|steal the Stone]] from Gringotts. However, possibly suspecting a threat, [[Albus Dumbledore]] had [[Rubeus Hagrid]] retrieve the Stone the very morning of the attempted robbery.<ref name="PS5">{{PS|B|5}}</ref>
⚫
[[File:Stone in vault.jpg|250px|thumb|left|The Stone in Gringotts Vault 713 in 1991]]
  
   
  ⚫
[[File:Philosopher's Stone2.jpg|250px|thumb|left|The Stone in the [[Underground Chambers]] in Hogwarts in 1992]]
−
In 1991, the Philosopher's Stone became the target of the [[Dark Wizard]] Lord Voldemort in his quest for the [[Elixir of Life]] in order to create a new body for his mangled soul after his failed attack on [[Godric's Hollow]], though it is unknown how Voldemort learned of the stone. Voldemort used a human host, Quirinus Quirrell, to seek it out at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]], where it was being held. The stone was originally stored at [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank]] in [[Vault 713]]. However, possibly suspecting a threat, Albus Dumbledore had [[Rubeus Hagrid]] retrieve the stone the very morning of an attempted robbery.
  
  ⚫
After that, the Stone was placed in a special chamber and guarded by seven enchantments and creatures, provided by the Professors at Hogwarts: [[Pomona Sprout|Professor Sprout]]'s web of [[Devil's Snare]]; [[Winged Keys]], [[Flying charm|charmed]] by [[Filius Flitwick]]; a [[Chessboard Chamber|life-size board]] of [[Wizard's Chess]], [[Transfiguration|transfigured]] and [[Piertotum Locomotor|animated]] by [[Minerva McGonagall|Professor McGonagall]]; Professor Quirrell's [[Troll in the Underground Chambers|mountain troll]]; [[Severus Snape|Professor Snape]]'s [[potion riddle]]; and the [[Mirror of Erised]], enchanted to hold the Stone by [[Albus Dumbledore]]. [[Rubeus Hagrid]]'s massive three-headed dog, [[Fluffy]], guarded the trap door through which the chamber was accessed.<ref name="PS16">{{PS|B|16}}</ref>
⚫
[[File:Philosopher's Stone2.jpg|220x220px|thumb|The Stone in the Underground Chamber in Hogwarts in 1992]]
  
⚫
After that, the Stone was placed in a special chamber and guarded by seven enchantments and creatures, provided by the professors at Hogwarts: [[Pomona Sprout|Professor Sprout's]] web of [[Devil's Snare]]; flying keys, charmed by [[Filius Flitwick]]; a life-size board of [[Wizard's Chess]], transfigured by Professor McGonagall; Professor Quirrell's mountain troll; [[Severus Snape|Professor Snape]]'s potion riddle; and the [[Mirror of Erised]], placed there by Albus Dumbledore. [[Rubeus Hagrid]]'s massive three-headed dog, [[Fluffy]], guarded the trap door through which the chamber lay. In order to keep them safe from Fluffy and the other obstacles, Dumbledore forbade the third-floor corridor to all students.
  
   
  +
In order to keep them safe from Fluffy and the other obstacles, Dumbledore forbade access to the third-floor corridor to all students.<ref name="PS7">{{PS|B|7}}</ref>
⚫
[[Harry Potter]] and his best friends [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]] and [[Hermione Granger]] suspected that the stone would be stolen. In overhearing out-of-context conversations, they believed the thief would be Hogwarts Potions Master [[Severus Snape]].
  
   
  ⚫
[[Harry Potter]] and his best friends [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]] and [[Hermione Granger]] suspected that the Stone would be stolen. They mistakenly believed the thief was Hogwarts [[Potions (class)|Potions]] Master [[Severus Snape]], due to out-of-context conversations that they had overheard and Snape's general nature.<ref name="PS16" />
⚫
[[File:Harrry_reaching_for_the_stone.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Harry Potter battling Voldemort and Quirrell for possession of the stone in the [[Underground Chambers]]]]
  
   
  ⚫
[[File:Harrry reaching for the stone.jpg|250px|thumb|Harry Potter battling Voldemort and Quirrell for possession of the Stone in the [[Underground Chambers]]]]
−
Harry felt compelled to protect the stone and he and his friends, using intellectual power and heroism far exceeding their years, fought past the obstacles, until finally Harry was forced to face [[Quirinus Quirrell]] and [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] himself. In the final showdown, Quirrell lost his life, and Lord Voldemort lost his meagre hold on the physical world once again.
 +
Harry felt compelled to protect the Stone and he and his friends, displaying intellectual power and heroism far exceeding their years, fought past the obstacles, until finally Harry was forced to face [[Quirinus Quirrell]] and [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] himself. In the final showdown, Quirrell lost his life, and Lord Voldemort lost his meagre hold on the physical world once again.<ref name="PS17" />
   
  +
[[File:HP-Stone-In-Hand.png|250px|thumb|left|The Stone in Harry's hand after he defeated Voldemort]]
−
After securing the stone, [[Albus Dumbledore]] and Flamel discussed its future, and agreed that it was best to destroy it. Flamel ensured he had enough remaining elixir to set his affairs in order before he and his wife would ultimately die, a fate with which they were quite content. According to Dumbledore, their deaths would be like "''going to bed after a very, very long day''", after living for over 600 years.<ref name="PH" />
 +
After securing the Stone, [[Albus Dumbledore]] and Flamel discussed its future and agreed that it was best to destroy it. Flamel ensured he and his wife had enough remaining elixir to set their affairs in order before they would ultimately die, a fate with which they were quite content.
  +
  +
Upon learning this, Harry believed that this was a terrible price to pay but Dumbledore assured the young wizard that their deaths would be like "''going to bed after a very, very long day''", after living for over 600 years.<ref name="PS17" />
   
 
===Aftermath===
  
===Aftermath===
 
{{Quote|The Stone was not such a wonderful thing. As much money and life as you wanted, the two things most human beings would choose above all. The trouble is, humans do have a knack of choosing precisely those things that are worst for them.|Albus Dumbledore regarding the true nature of the Philosopher's Stone|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
  
{{Quote|The Stone was not such a wonderful thing. As much money and life as you wanted, the two things most human beings would choose above all. The trouble is, humans do have a knack of choosing precisely those things that are worst for them.|Albus Dumbledore regarding the true nature of the Philosopher's Stone|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
−
After his failure, [[Tom Riddle|Voldemort]] correctly deduced that [[Albus Dumbledore|Dumbledore]] would destroy the stone to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands again. Voldemort had then given up on the stone and waited for another method to regenerate his body.<ref>{{GOF}}</ref> He only wanted the stone to create a body for himself, and nothing more, as being dependent on the Elixir and Stone for his [[immortality]] is unacceptable.<ref name="HBP">{{HBP}}</ref>
 +
After his failure, [[Tom Riddle|Voldemort]] correctly deduced that [[Albus Dumbledore|Dumbledore]] would destroy the Stone to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands again. Voldemort had then given up on the Stone and waited for another method to regenerate his body.<ref name="GOF33">{{GOF|B|33}}</ref> He only wanted the Stone to create a body for himself, and nothing more, as being dependent on the Elixir and Stone for his [[immortality]] was unacceptable to him.<ref name="HBP23">{{HBP|B|23}}</ref>
  +
  ⚫
When [[Dumbledore's Army]] met for the first time in the [[Hog's Head Inn]] in [[1995]], [[Neville Longbottom]] incorrectly referred to it as the "Philological Stone" when discussing Harry's past achievements.<ref name="OP16">{{OOTP|B|16}}</ref>
  +
  +
===The Calamity===
  +
During the [[Calamity]] which affected the [[wizarding world]], starting in the late [[2010s]], the Philosopher's Stone manifested as a [[Foundable]], guarded by a [[Wizard's Chess]] piece [[Confoundable]]. Members of the [[Statute of Secrecy Task Force]] had to destroy the Chess piece with the [[Bombardment Spell]], which released the stone and allowed it to return to its original time.<ref name="WU">{{WU}}</ref>
   
 
==Nature==
  
==Nature==
  +
[[File:Elixir of Life.jpg|thumb|220px|[[Elixir of Life]]]]
−
The Stone can turn any metal into pure gold, and produces the [[Elixir of Life]], which grants [[immortality]].<ref name="PM-PS">{{PM|the-philosophers-stone}}</ref>
 +
The Stone could turn any metal into pure gold, and it was used to produce the [[Elixir of Life]], which extended the drinkers lifespan, thus preventing them from [[Death|dying]] of old age. If drunken continuously, it effectively made the drinker [[immortality|immortal]].<ref name="PS13" /><ref name="PM-PS">{{WW|the-philosophers-stone}}</ref>
  +
  +
The downside was that once the drinker reached the end of their natural lifespan, they became totally dependent on the Stone and Elixir for their continued survival. Additionally, it only stopped them from dying, it did not stop them from ageing. After a few centuries of life, one became rather decrepit looking. The Elixir also only saved them from dying of natural causes, it did not prevent the drinker from being killed.
  +
  ⚫
The Stone was variously described as red and white in the many old texts in which it appeared. These colours were important in most accounts of alchemy, and were often interpreted as having symbolic meaning.<ref name="PM-PS" />
   
  ⚫
According to a page in ''[[Advanced Potion-Making]]'', "''the Philosopher's Stone was believed to mystically amplify the user's knowledge of alchemy so much that anything was attainable''."<ref name="Advanced Potion Making">[http://www.mugglenet.com/viewer/?image_location=/movie7/books/page_advancedpotionmaking.jpg/ Advanced Potion Making]</ref>
⚫
The Stone is variously described as red and white in the many old texts in which it appears. These colours are important in most accounts of alchemy, and are often interpreted as having symbolic meaning.<ref name="PM-PS" />
  
   
 
==Behind the scenes==
  
==Behind the scenes==
  ⚫
*The Stone is known in the United States books and films as the ''Sorcerer's Stone'' (with the exception of {{TBB}}, where it is referenced as "the Philosopher's Stone"). This was so because American children were believed to be not as familiar with the real-world mythology surrounding the Philosopher's Stone and to enhance the connection of the first book with magic.
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[[File:Philosopher Stone PS.png|220px|thumb|The stone as depicted on the console versions of {{PS|G}}]]
  
−
[[File:The_Stone.png|220px|thumb|The stone wrapped in brown paper]]
  
⚫
*The Stone is known in the United States books and films as the ''Sorcerer's Stone'' (with the exception of {{TBB}}, where it is referenced as "the Philosopher's Stone"). This was so because American children were supposedly not as familiar with the real-world mythology surrounding the Philosopher's Stone and to enhance the connection of the first book with magic.
  
−
*Critics of the [[Deathly Hallows]] claim that Beedle was inspired to create the life-restoring [[Resurrection Stone]] from the life-extending Philosopher's Stone.
  
 
*Historically for [[Alchemy|Alchemists]], the Philosopher's stone was a symbol of achieving perfection, a theme that is carried throughout the Harry Potter series as [[Harry Potter|Harry]] goes through a "Refiner's Fire" or "Crucible", and becomes the man he is at the end of the series.
  
*Historically for [[Alchemy|Alchemists]], the Philosopher's stone was a symbol of achieving perfection, a theme that is carried throughout the Harry Potter series as [[Harry Potter|Harry]] goes through a "Refiner's Fire" or "Crucible", and becomes the man he is at the end of the series.
  ⚫
*Five years after the stone's destruction, Harry suggested that if Voldemort was obsessed with immortality, he could either create or steal a Philosopher's Stone, implying that the one created by Flamel was not unique, nor is the method, or believing Voldemort is magically intelligent enough to duplicate the method.<ref name="HBP23" />
⚫
*According to a page in Advanced Potion-Making, "''the Philosopher's Stone was believed to mystically amplify the user's knowledge of alchemy so much that anything was attainable''."<ref>http://www.mugglenet.com/viewer/?image_location=/movie7/books/page_advancedpotionmaking.jpg</ref>
  
  +
**Though Flamel's stone is the only one ''known'' to have been created, the method could theoretically be duplicated. However, given that alchemists throughout history have attempted to create the stone but only one is known to have been successful indicates the process is nearly impossibly difficult and impractical as a means for Voldemort's resurrection.
⚫
*Five years after the stone's destruction, Harry suggested that if Voldemort was obsessed with immortality, he could either create or steal a Philosopher's Stone, implying that the one created by Flamel was not unique, nor is the method, or believing Voldemort is magically intelligent enough to duplicate the method.<ref name="HBP" />
  
  +
*In {{OOTP}}, [[Neville Longbottom]] mistakenly calls it the "Philological Stone" ("Sorcerous Stone" in the U.S. edition) when discussing Harry's past achievements.<ref name="OP16">{{OOTP|B|16}}</ref><ref name="lexicon">[http://www.hp-lexicon.org/about/books/op/differences-op.html Harry Potter Lexicon - Differences UK/US Editions]</ref>
−
**Though given that it was said that the stone was the only one of its kind Harry may have said it in the theoretical sense or simply forgot that only one Philosopher Stone ever existed.
  
⚫
*When [[Dumbledore's Army]] meets for the first time in the [[Hog's Head Inn]], [[Neville Longbottom]] refers to it as the "Philological Stone" ("Sorcerous Stone" in the U.S. edition) when discussing Harry's past achievements.<ref name="OP16">{{OOTP|B|16}}</ref><ref name="lexicon">[http://www.hp-lexicon.org/about/books/op/differences-op.html Harry Potter Lexicon - Differences UK/US Editions]</ref>
  
⚫
*During [[Gilderoy Lockhart]]'s studentship at Hogwarts, he would rant to anyone who would bother to listen about planning to achieve many impressive feats, one of which is to create a Philosopher's Stone before graduation; of course, he never did so.<ref name="pottermorebio">{{PM|gilderoy-lockhart}}</ref>
  
   
 
==Appearances==
  
==Appearances==
 
{{Imagecat|Images of the Philosopher's Stone}}
  
{{Imagecat|Images of the Philosopher's Stone}}
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[[File:Philosopher'sStoneWU.png|thumb|The Philosopher's Stone as shown on {{WU}}]]
  
 
*{{PS}} {{1st}}
  
*{{PS}} {{1st}}
 
*{{PS|F}}
  
*{{PS|F}}
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*{{HBP}} {{Mention}}
  
*{{HBP}} {{Mention}}
 
*{{DH}} {{Mention}}
  
*{{DH}} {{Mention}}
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*{{HPPU}} {{Mention}}
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*{{COG|S}}
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*{{COG}}
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*{{TBB|R}} {{Mention}}
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*{{PM}}
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*{{WW}}
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*{{TCG}}
 
*{{LEGO|C}}
  
*{{LEGO|C}}
 
*{{LEGO|Y1}}
  
*{{LEGO|Y1}}
⚫
*{{HPK}}
  
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*{{TCG}}
  
⚫
*{{PM}}
  
 
*{{HPV|CH}}
  
*{{HPV|CH}}
 
*{{HPV|CR}} {{Mention}}
  
*{{HPV|CR}} {{Mention}}
−
*{{COG|S}}
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*{{HPPU}} {{Mention}}
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*{{MHP}}
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*{{HPK}}
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*{{HM}} {{FWC}}
 
*{{WU}}
  
*{{WU}}
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*{{HM}} {{Mention}}
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*{{PAS}}
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*{{MA}} {{Mention}}
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*{{HPWA}}
   
 
==Notes and references==
  
==Notes and references==
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[[sv:De Vises Sten]]
  
[[sv:De Vises Sten]]
 
[[zh:魔法石]]
  
[[zh:魔法石]]
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[[Category:Foundables]]
 
[[Category:Magical objects]]
  
[[Category:Magical objects]]
 
[[Category:Nicolas Flamel's possessions]]
  
[[Category:Nicolas Flamel's possessions]]

Latest revision as of 07:10, 15 April 2024

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At least some content in this article is derived from information featured in: Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery & Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells & Harry Potter: Magic Awakened.
As such, spoilers will be present within the article.

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"The ancient study of alchemy is concerned with making the Philosopher's Stone, a legendary substance with astonishing powers. The Stone will transform any metal into pure gold. It also produces the Elixir of Life, which will make the drinker immortal."
— A Hogwarts library book[src]

The Philosopher's Stone was a legendary alchemical substance with magical properties. The ruby-red Stone could be used to transform any metal into pure gold, as well as to create the Elixir of Life, which made the drinker immortal. The only known Stone to have ever existed was created by the famed French alchemist Nicolas Flamel.[1][2]

During 1991–1992 school year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Lord Voldemort made attempts to steal the Stone for his own purposes. The final, and almost successful, attempt resulted in a skirmish for possession of the Stone. However, Voldemort was foiled by eleven year old Harry Potter and his return to power was delayed.[3]

History

Creation

Creating a Philosopher's Stone was one of the best known goals of Alchemy, and Alchemists have sought to produce the stone for centuries. Critics of the legend of the Deathly Hallows have suggested that Beedle the Bard (c. 15th century) was inspired to create the life-restoring Resurrection Stone from the life-extending Philosopher's Stone. In reality, the Resurrection Stone was, in fact, a genuine artefact with similar powers to its legendary depiction.[4]

Despite countless attempts over the ages, the only Stone known to exist was created by famed French alchemist, Nicolas Flamel, sometime in the 14th century or later. Flamel used the Elixir of Life derived from the Stone to extend his and his wife Perenelle's lifespan for over six centuries.[1]

Philosopher's Stone

The Stone in Flamel's House in 1927

While living in Paris in 1927, Flamel kept the Philosopher's Stone in the back of a shelf next to his phoenix book in a glass dome where it could be seen when he met Jacob Kowalski.[5]

During Gilderoy Lockhart's student days at Hogwarts, he would rant to anyone who would bother to listen about planning to achieve many impressive feats, one of which is to create a Philosopher's Stone before graduation; of course, he never did so.[6]

Stone in vault

The Stone in Gringotts Vault 713 in 1991

At some time before 1st August 1991, the Stone was stored in Vault 713, a high security vault at Gringotts Wizarding Bank.

Protecting the Stone

"I don't know how you found out about the Stone, but rest assured, no one can possibly steal it, it's too well protected."
— Professor McGonagall regarding the Stone's safety[src]

In 1991, the Philosopher's Stone became the target of the Dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who intended to use the Elixir of Life to create a new body for his mangled soul after being disembodied during his failed attack on Godric's Hollow in 1981. It is unknown how Voldemort learned of the Stone.

Voldemort used a human host, Quirinus Quirrell, to attempt to steal the Stone from Gringotts. However, possibly suspecting a threat, Albus Dumbledore had Rubeus Hagrid retrieve the Stone the very morning of the attempted robbery.[7]

Philosopher's Stone2

The Stone in the Underground Chambers in Hogwarts in 1992

After that, the Stone was placed in a special chamber and guarded by seven enchantments and creatures, provided by the Professors at Hogwarts: Professor Sprout's web of Devil's Snare; Winged Keys, charmed by Filius Flitwick; a life-size board of Wizard's Chess, transfigured and animated by Professor McGonagall; Professor Quirrell's mountain troll; Professor Snape's potion riddle; and the Mirror of Erised, enchanted to hold the Stone by Albus Dumbledore. Rubeus Hagrid's massive three-headed dog, Fluffy, guarded the trap door through which the chamber was accessed.[8]

In order to keep them safe from Fluffy and the other obstacles, Dumbledore forbade access to the third-floor corridor to all students.[9]

Harry Potter and his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger suspected that the Stone would be stolen. They mistakenly believed the thief was Hogwarts Potions Master Severus Snape, due to out-of-context conversations that they had overheard and Snape's general nature.[8]

Harrry reaching for the stone

Harry Potter battling Voldemort and Quirrell for possession of the Stone in the Underground Chambers

Harry felt compelled to protect the Stone and he and his friends, displaying intellectual power and heroism far exceeding their years, fought past the obstacles, until finally Harry was forced to face Quirinus Quirrell and Lord Voldemort himself. In the final showdown, Quirrell lost his life, and Lord Voldemort lost his meagre hold on the physical world once again.[3]

HP-Stone-In-Hand

The Stone in Harry's hand after he defeated Voldemort

After securing the Stone, Albus Dumbledore and Flamel discussed its future and agreed that it was best to destroy it. Flamel ensured he and his wife had enough remaining elixir to set their affairs in order before they would ultimately die, a fate with which they were quite content.

Upon learning this, Harry believed that this was a terrible price to pay but Dumbledore assured the young wizard that their deaths would be like "going to bed after a very, very long day", after living for over 600 years.[3]

Aftermath

"The Stone was not such a wonderful thing. As much money and life as you wanted, the two things most human beings would choose above all. The trouble is, humans do have a knack of choosing precisely those things that are worst for them."
— Albus Dumbledore regarding the true nature of the Philosopher's Stone[src]

After his failure, Voldemort correctly deduced that Dumbledore would destroy the Stone to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands again. Voldemort had then given up on the Stone and waited for another method to regenerate his body.[10] He only wanted the Stone to create a body for himself, and nothing more, as being dependent on the Elixir and Stone for his immortality was unacceptable to him.[11]

When Dumbledore's Army met for the first time in the Hog's Head Inn in 1995, Neville Longbottom incorrectly referred to it as the "Philological Stone" when discussing Harry's past achievements.[12]

The Calamity

During the Calamity which affected the wizarding world, starting in the late 2010s, the Philosopher's Stone manifested as a Foundable, guarded by a Wizard's Chess piece Confoundable. Members of the Statute of Secrecy Task Force had to destroy the Chess piece with the Bombardment Spell, which released the stone and allowed it to return to its original time.[13]

Nature

Elixir of Life

Elixir of Life

The Stone could turn any metal into pure gold, and it was used to produce the Elixir of Life, which extended the drinkers lifespan, thus preventing them from dying of old age. If drunken continuously, it effectively made the drinker immortal.[1][2]

The downside was that once the drinker reached the end of their natural lifespan, they became totally dependent on the Stone and Elixir for their continued survival. Additionally, it only stopped them from dying, it did not stop them from ageing. After a few centuries of life, one became rather decrepit looking. The Elixir also only saved them from dying of natural causes, it did not prevent the drinker from being killed.

The Stone was variously described as red and white in the many old texts in which it appeared. These colours were important in most accounts of alchemy, and were often interpreted as having symbolic meaning.[2]

According to a page in Advanced Potion-Making, "the Philosopher's Stone was believed to mystically amplify the user's knowledge of alchemy so much that anything was attainable."[14]

Behind the scenes

  • The Stone is known in the United States books and films as the Sorcerer's Stone (with the exception of The Tales of Beedle the Bard, where it is referenced as "the Philosopher's Stone"). This was so because American children were believed to be not as familiar with the real-world mythology surrounding the Philosopher's Stone and to enhance the connection of the first book with magic.
  • Historically for Alchemists, the Philosopher's stone was a symbol of achieving perfection, a theme that is carried throughout the Harry Potter series as Harry goes through a "Refiner's Fire" or "Crucible", and becomes the man he is at the end of the series.
  • Five years after the stone's destruction, Harry suggested that if Voldemort was obsessed with immortality, he could either create or steal a Philosopher's Stone, implying that the one created by Flamel was not unique, nor is the method, or believing Voldemort is magically intelligent enough to duplicate the method.[11]
    • Though Flamel's stone is the only one known to have been created, the method could theoretically be duplicated. However, given that alchemists throughout history have attempted to create the stone but only one is known to have been successful indicates the process is nearly impossibly difficult and impractical as a means for Voldemort's resurrection.
  • In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Neville Longbottom mistakenly calls it the "Philological Stone" ("Sorcerous Stone" in the U.S. edition) when discussing Harry's past achievements.[12][15]

Appearances

Wiki
The Harry Potter Wiki has 33 images related to Philosopher's Stone.

Notes and references

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 13 (Nicolas Flamel)
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Writing by J. K. Rowling: "The Philosopher's Stone" at Wizarding World
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 17 (The Man with Two Faces)
  4. ↑ Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 21 (The Tale of the Three Brothers)
  5. ↑ Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald - The Original Screenplay
  6. ↑ Writing by J. K. Rowling: "Gilderoy Lockhart" at Wizarding World
  7. ↑ Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 5 (Diagon Alley)
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 16 (Through the Trapdoor)
  9. ↑ Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 7 (The Sorting Hat)
  10. ↑ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 33 (The Death Eaters)
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 23 (Horcruxes)
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 16 (In The Hog's Head)
  13. ↑ Harry Potter: Wizards Unite
  14. ↑ Advanced Potion Making
  15. ↑ Harry Potter Lexicon - Differences UK/US Editions
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