J.K. Rowling has written a new story called “Fourteenth Century – Seventeenth Century” which focuses on the magical abilities of “skin walkers.” Harry Potter fans will be able to access this piece on the Pottermore website. Here’s an excerpt:
“The legend of the Native American ‘skin walker’ – an evil witch or wizard that can transform into an animal at will – has its basis in fact. A legend grew up around the Native American Animagi, that they had sacrificed close family members to gain their powers of transformation. In fact, the majority of Animagi assumed animal forms to escape persecution or to hunt for the tribe. Such derogatory rumours often originated with No-Maj medicine men, who were sometimes faking magical powers themselves, and fearful of exposure.”
This piece represents the first of four installments from Rowling’s History of Magic in North America series. In the past, Rowling has written essays and shared new information on the history of quidditch, the “singing sorceress” Celestina Warbeck (a minor character), and the despicable Dolores Umbridge. Lately, she has also been busy creating the script for the first Fantastic Beasts movie and working on the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play.