Hogwarts Legacy, the highly anticipated role-playing video game set in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, has stirred up excitement among fans. However, recent reports suggest that the game's portrayal of Hogwarts as an ancient hotspot for witchcraft may not be entirely accurate. While Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is undoubtedly a hub for magical education in the Harry Potter series, the notion of it being an ancient hotspot for witchcraft is not entirely supported by historical records. **Historians have pointed out that the roots of witchcraft and its practice are much older than Hogwarts.** Witchcraft has been an integral part of human history for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Ancient Greece. **These early civilizations had their own rituals, spells, and beliefs associated with witchcraft.
Tomatoes are a beloved ingredient in many of our favourite dishes here in India, and they’re found in almost every home. But did you know that in the past, this humble fruit was feared and even blamed for witchcraft, black magic, and even werewolves?
According to this belief, witches would use the tomato as a key ingredient in their magical potions, which they used to summon werewolves and other dark creatures. The journey of the tomato from villain to kitchen staple can be traced back to the Andean region of South America, where it was first cultivated by the Incas.
**These early civilizations had their own rituals, spells, and beliefs associated with witchcraft.** Furthermore, witchcraft was deeply ingrained in the cultures of indigenous peoples around the world long before Hogwarts was founded. **Hogwarts Legacy may offer an exciting fictional representation of witchcraft within the Wizarding World, but it is important to recognize the real-world historical context.
Fantastic fashions, wizards and witches, a Fleetwood Mac tribute, and more events this week
Celebrate autumn indoors or out with one of this week's picks.
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By
- Tonya Pendleton October 18, 2018
Image: Timothy Tiebout, the Philadelphia Museum of Art
As fall moves in, some events are moving indoors. We’ve got a host of Things to Do this week, including a festival full of magic, a celebration of all things pumpkin, a global film festival and an alternate take on the classic sounds of ‘70s rockers Fleetwood Mac.
Monster Mash Marathon and Half Marathon
Dover International Speedway and Casino
Dover, Delaware
Oct. 20, 7 a.m.
Registration fees vary
Costumed runners are invited to take part in a half or full marathon at this eighth annual competition. Costumes are optional, but registration is not. Fortunately, latecomers can still register Saturday morning. Competitors can enjoy free food, beer, and post-race massages, so everyone is a winner. The race benefits the Wounded Warrior Project.
Fabulous Fashion: From Dior’s New Look To Now
Philadelphia Museum of Art
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Though March 3
Admission: $14-$18
Are you haute enough for the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s latest exhibit? If not, there’s enough high fashion to go around for everyone. Balenciaga, Dior, Cardin, de la Renta – all those designers and more will be showcased in the museum’s latest exhibit.
Curated from the museum’s vast costume archives, many of these items — ranging from bridal wear to ball gowns — are on display for the first time. While there, you can also explore the brand new café and restaurant, Stir, designed by noted architect Frank Gehry, who is spearheading the museum’s $196 million overhaul.
Glow in the Park
Fairmount Park Horticultural Center
100 N. Horticultural Drive
Oct. 18, 6-9:30 p.m.
Admission: $75 ($100 at the door)
Fall is a great time to get out in the great outdoors. With one of the nation’s most beautiful parks, Philadelphia offers a perfect backdrop for celebrating the season al fresco. That’s the idea behind Glow in the Park, an annual event featuring live music by York Street Hustle, drinks from a local brewing company and of course, food. Artist Sunil Garg’s 3D light installation will be on display for the event, which is hosted by the Fairmount Park Conservancy.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Chicago Bulls home opener
Wells Fargo Center
3601 S. Broad St.
Oct. 18, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $24 and up
The Sixers rebounded, literally and figuratively, from several disappointing seasons to make it to the NBA playoffs last year. According to the team’s popular center, Joel Embiid, you just had to “trust The Process.”
Along with guard/forward Ben Simmons, this year’s squad hopes to surpass its playoff results last year and get closer to an NBA championship, which the city last celebrated back in 1983. Free T-shirts will be handed out on opening night, among other surprises.
Philadelphia Film Festival
Ritz East, Ritz Five and Philadelphia Film Center (formerly the Prince Theater)
Oct. 18-28
Tickets: $15 and up
The Philadelphia Film Festival will screen more than 100 global films with several local-area premieres. Among them are highly anticipated Hollywood and foreign film fare including “Ben Is Back” with Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges; “Green Book” with Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen; “Everybody Knows” with Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz; and “If Beale Street Could Talk,” the film version of James Baldwin’s classic novel, directed by Oscar-winning director Barry Jenkins.
Local premieres include “The Conqueror,” a documentary short about a boxer in North Philly, and “If You Don’t Know Me,” the documentary about the life of Philly homegrown soul man Teddy Pendergrass.
Pumpkinfest in Phoenixville
Bridge and Main streets, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Oct. 20, 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pumpkins are a staple of the season, whether you’re consuming them – pumpkin spice lattes! pumpkin pie! pumpkin bread! pumpkin cookies! – or adding them to your fall harvest or Halloween home décor.
Did you know the gourd is properly classified as part of the fruit family? No matter their classification, pumpkins are the star of an annual celebration in Phoenixville. The festival features music, crafts and food, as well as a derby race, a pumpkin pie-eating contest, and a pumpkin painting contest.
Witches and Wizards Weekend
Chestnut Hill Neighborhood
Germantown Avenue from Cresheim Valley Drive to Chestnut Hill Avenue
Oct.19-20
Most events are free; pub crawl is $25
Magic once again envelops Chestnut Hill in a shape-shifting celebration that’s now known as the Witches and Wizards Weekend. If that sounds a bit like the Harry Potter Festivals of years past, you are correct. But Warner Bros. Studio, which owns the rights to Harry Potter, ordered that he must not be named as part of the local celebration. The Academy of Witchcraft and Wizardry offers family-friendly fun, while wizards and witches over 21 can enjoy the Brews and Broomsticks pub crawl.
19th annual Peoplehood Parade
Parade Route: Paul Robeson House at 4951 Walnut to Clark Park
Oct. 20, 1–4 p.m.
(Rain date, Oct. 27)
West Philadelphia’s anti-discrimination arts organization Spiral Q puts on a yearly parade with brightly colored signs and creatively dressed marchers, accompanied by drummers. It’s a staple in the West Philadelphia community.
The parade celebrates those on the front lines fighting oppression and discrimination. This year, Peoplehood is partnering with the Philadelphia Trans March, to give the trans community a platform. At Clark Park, a puppet pageant called “Give Us Our Roses” will highlight significant milestones of activism in LGBTQ civil rights.
Fleetmac Wood Presents Rumours Rave
Underground Arts
1200 Callowhill St., Philadelphia
Oct. 19, 10 p.m.–2 a.m.
Tickets: $12 -$15
Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 album “Rumours” is one of the top-selling albums in U.S music history. Alex Oxley and Lisa Jelliffe, a duo from the U.K., formed Fleetmac Wood to celebrate the band’s music in their own unique way by slowing down, speeding up, editing and remixing the group’s classic hits.
Like many things vintage, Fleetwood Mac has enjoyed a renaissance, helped along by its inclusion in an episode of the hit TV show “Glee.” Fleetmac Wood’s Rumours Rave is an outgrowth of that.
The retro party has been a success in cities around the world. Now that it’s made it to Philadelphia, you can dance the night away to the revamped music with others who share your musical and fashion sensibilities. Wearing your ‘70s wardrobe won’t just be appreciated, it is encouraged. It may take your mind off the woes of the real Fleetwood Mac, who are once again feuding.
New Jersey Digital Audio Concert
Mason Gross School of the Arts – Rutgers University
81 George St., New Brunswick, New Jersey
Oct. 21, 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Free
If the advancement of musical technology interests you, this is the concert for you. Digital music goes a step further with the bitKlavier, a software program supporting a digital piano, allowing for an expansion of sound options beyond that of a normal piano. Faculty, guest artist and students will perform original music composed specifically for the bitKlavier.
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Magic once again envelops Chestnut Hill in a shape-shifting celebration that’s now known as the Witches and Wizards Weekend. If that sounds a bit like the Harry Potter Festivals of years past, you are correct. But Warner Bros. Studio, which owns the rights to Harry Potter, ordered that he must not be named as part of the local celebration. The Academy of Witchcraft and Wizardry offers family-friendly fun, while wizards and witches over 21 can enjoy the Brews and Broomsticks pub crawl.
** The game's focus on Hogwarts as a hotspot for witchcraft may be more aligned with J.K. Rowling's imaginative storytelling than with actual historical facts. Despite this discrepancy, fans of the Harry Potter series are eagerly awaiting the release of Hogwarts Legacy. The game promises an immersive experience, allowing players to delve into the magical world of Hogwarts and its surrounding areas. Players will have the opportunity to learn spells, hone their magical abilities, and uncover the secrets of the Wizarding World. While the game may not accurately reflect the historical origins of witchcraft, it offers a unique and captivating gameplay experience for fans of the franchise. In conclusion, while Hogwarts Legacy may present Hogwarts as an ancient hotspot for witchcraft, it is crucial to separate the fictional portrayal from historical reality. Witchcraft predates Hogwarts by centuries, and its roots can be found in various ancient civilizations. Nevertheless, the game's ability to immerse players in the Wizarding World is sure to be a thrilling experience for fans..
Reviews for "Spellbinding Silence: Hogwarts Legacy Ancient Witchcraft Hotspot Shuts Down Unexpectedly"
1. Susan - 2/5 stars - I was really excited about trying out Hogwarts Legacy Ancient Witchcraft Hotspot, but I was ultimately disappointed with the experience. The game's graphics were lackluster and outdated, which took away from the immersion I was hoping for. The gameplay itself felt clunky and repetitive, with not enough variety in missions and objectives. Additionally, the story was predictable and didn't offer any surprises or twists. Overall, I expected more from a game set in the Harry Potter universe, and this just didn't deliver for me.
2. John - 1/5 stars - I had high hopes for Hogwarts Legacy Ancient Witchcraft Hotspot, but it turned out to be a major letdown. The controls were frustrating and difficult to master, making it a struggle to even complete basic tasks. The game was also plagued with numerous bugs and glitches, which hindered my progress and made the experience incredibly frustrating. On top of that, the AI of the opposing characters was incredibly dumb, making the battles and challenges feel incredibly easy and unexciting. Overall, I was extremely disappointed with the game's execution and would not recommend it to others.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - While I was initially intrigued by the idea of exploring a virtual Hogwarts, Hogwarts Legacy Ancient Witchcraft Hotspot fell short of my expectations. The game had a promising concept, but the execution left much to be desired. The gameplay felt repetitive and tedious, with very little innovation or creativity. The graphics were also underwhelming, lacking the attention to detail and immersive quality that I had hoped for. Additionally, the character customization options were limited, which made it hard to connect with my avatar. Overall, I found the game to be lackluster and not worth the hype it received.
4. Michael - 3/5 stars - As a Harry Potter fan, I was excited to dive into Hogwarts Legacy Ancient Witchcraft Hotspot, but I was ultimately left feeling somewhat disappointed. The game had its moments of charm and nostalgia, but it lacked the depth and complexity that I was hoping for. The story, while decent, felt predictable and lacked the immersive quality that I craved. The game also felt somewhat unpolished, with occasional bugs and glitches that disrupted the flow of gameplay. While it did capture some of the magic of the Harry Potter world, it fell short in delivering a truly captivating and engaging experience.