Anyone who has read or watched Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (or Sorcerer’s Stone) might remember the magical item called the Mirror of Erised. Although I watched Harry Potter on TV when I was in my early teen, I didn’t pay most attention to it (“that’s cool and all but I want to see some action” is probably what I had thought). But when I entered college and started listening to Audiobook, Harry Potter is the 1st book that came to my mind and wanted to listen to and I must admit: the Mirror of Erised then became one of my most memorable magical items in the Harry Potter franchise.
So what is the Mirror of Erised?
It is explained in the book by Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts school where Harry Potter was attending:
‘Let me explain. The happiest man on earth would be able to use the Mirror of Erised like a normal mirror, that is, he would look into it and see himself exactly as he is. Does that help?’
Harry thought. Then he said slowly, ‘It shows us what we want … whatever we want …’Chapter 12, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K Rowling
‘Yes and no,’ said Dumbledore quietly. ‘It shows us nothing more or less than the deepest, most desperate desire of our hearts. You, who have never known your family, see them standing around you. Ronald Weasley, who has always been overshadowed by his brothers, sees himself standing alone, the best of all of them. However, this mirror will give us neither knowledge or truth. Men have wasted away before it, entranced by what they have seen, or been driven mad, not knowing if what it shows is real or even possible.
Harry Potter who discovered the mirror, looked at the mirror and see his late parents and relatives, Ron Weasley, his friend, look at the mirror and see him achieving a lot of things since he’s the middle child in a big family.
Dumbledore upon finding out that Harry has been visiting the mirror to meet with his family, offered a piece of advice:
‘The Mirror will be moved to a new home tomorrow, Harry, and I ask you not to go looking for it again. If you ever do run across it, you will now be prepared. It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live, remember that.[…]”
Chapter 12, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K Rowling
What would you had seen in the mirror of erised? Would it be fame or fortune or something else? Will it be inspiration or illusion for you to dwell in and stop trying and working towards your dream?
‘Sir – Professor Dumbledore? Can I ask you something?’
‘Obviously, you’ve just done so,’ Dumbledore smiled. ‘You may ask me one more thing, however.’
‘What do you see when you look in the Mirror?’
‘I? I see myself holding a pair of thick, woollen socks.’
Harry stared.
‘One can never have enough socks,’ said Dumbledore. ‘Another Christmas has come and gone and I didn’t get a single pair. People will insist on giving me books.’[…]
Chapter 12, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K Rowling
Image source:
https://www.wizardingworld.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/the-mirror-of-erised
Artwork by Daan van Genechten on ArtStation: