The Mirror of Erised
The Mirror of Erised is a magical mirror from 'Harry Potter', revealing the deepest desires of anyone who looks into it. Its name, 'Erised', is 'desire' spelled backwards, reflecting its function.
First Appearance and Location
Harry Potter first encounters the Mirror of Erised in 'The Philosopher's Stone'. Hidden in an unused classroom at Hogwarts, the mirror later gets moved to the Room of Requirement.
Dumbledore's Mischievous Socks
Albus Dumbledore claims to see himself holding a pair of woolen socks in the mirror, a likely fabrication to protect Harry. This whimsical detail exemplifies Dumbledore's secretive and playful character.
Erised's Inscription Riddle
The mirror bears an inscription that reads, 'Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi'. Reversed and spaced correctly, it says, 'I show not your face but your heart's desire.'
Mirror's Role in Plot
The mirror is pivotal in 'The Philosopher's Stone', concealing the stone and testing Harry's intentions. Only someone who wanted to find but not use the stone could retrieve it.
Psychological Implications
The Mirror of Erised serves as a narrative device to explore characters' innermost yearnings, offering insights into their motivations and potential paths in the series.
Beyond the Harry Potter Lore
The concept of the mirror has transcended the books, becoming a symbol in popular culture for unattainable desires and the perils of getting lost in what might have been.
What does 'Erised' spell backwards?
Desire
Mirror
Hidden
Company
