• Event Witches and wizards were using primitive broomsticks for transportation, but these broomsticks were far from perfect; this German illuminated manuscript shows wizards dismounting early flying broomsticks in pain. Read More
• Publications This German illuminated manuscript from the 10th century, which depicts the discomfort of broom-riding, is referenced in Quidditch Through the Ages. It mentions the manuscript because records like that one show that witches and wizards in Europe were using flying broomsticks as early as A.D. 962. Read More
• Source Harry and Hermione unsuccessfully try to find a spell to use against dragons. Harry warns Cedric Diggory about the dragons, the (fake) Professor Moody gives Harry a hint, and Hermione helps Harry learn to cast a Summoning Charm. The first task is to get… Read More
• Source They arrive at the campsite, erect their tents, tour the camp, meet Ludo Bagman (with whom Fred and George Weasley bet on the upcoming match), and excitement rises as game time draws near.  … Read More
• Source The spectators take their seats, Harry meets Winky (house elf for Barty Crouch), the Malfoys, and Mr. Oblansk (the Bulgarian Minister for Magic). The pre-game show features the Bulgarian and Irish team mascots, followed by the introductions of the team members, and the… Read More
• Character Gladys Boothby created the Moontrimmer racing broom in 1901, but was unable to keep up with commercial demand for it by Quidditch enthusiasts who wanted the broom’s new height-flying features (QA9). Read More
• Sports teams The Gryffindor Quidditch Team of Hogwarts is drawn from the students of Gryffindor House. The team wear robes of scarlet red. Gryffindor traditionally fields a strong team, although they lost the Quidditch Cup to Slytherin for seven years between 1985 and 1991. With the addition of Harry Potter… Read More
• Event Madam Hooch instructs the First Years in the basics of flying, using twenty of the school’s sub-par brooms. Neville injures himself falling off his his broom, and Madam Hooch escorts him to the Hospital Wing. While the class is thus unsupervised, Harry and Draco fight it out on brooms… Read More
• Character Guthrie Lochrin was a Scottish wizard who, in 1107, talked about suffering “splinter-filled buttocks and bulging piles” as a result of riding a broomstick (QA1). Read More