Quidditch Through the Ages

Chapter One:
The Evolution of the Flying Broomstick

Synopsis, notes, and links by Michele L. Worley

First US edition: pages 1 - 3
Timeframe: Historical.

In which the earliest known broomsticks are discussed.

Interesting facts and notes about the text of this chapter:

More about the development of broomsticks can be found in the chapter about racing brooms.

No spell yet devised enables wizards to fly unaided in human form.

Those few Animagi who transform into winged creatures may enjoy flight, but they are a rarity. The witch or wizard who finds him- or herself transfigured into a bat may take to the air, but, having a bat's brain, they are sure to forget where they want to go the moment they take flight.

Characters introduced in this chapter:

• none

Characters returning in this chapter:

• none

Characters mentioned in this chapter:

• none

Settings and locations introduced or returning in this chapter:

• none

Settings and locations mentioned in this chapter:

• Arbroath

• Montrose

• Museum of Quidditch in London

Exceptional character moments:

• none

Spells:

• Animagus transformation

• broomstick magic

• levitation

Links and Resources:

• Animagi

Memorable lines:

• none

Strictly British:

• none

Timeline/Calendar of the Chapter:

• 962 A.D.
  A German illuminated manuscript of this period shows three warlocks dismounting their brooms, clearly before the development of the Cushioning Charm.