Skip to main contentAccessibility feedback
Get Your 2025 Catholic Answers Calendar Today...Limited Copies Available

Are the Spells in the Harry Potter Books Real?

Question:

I heard that the spells in the Harry Potter books are real. If this is true should the Church condemn such books?

Answer:

No, the spells in the Harry Potter books are not real. Like the books, they are fictional. Not only are they not actual spells from any culture or group, they are mostly not even actual words. The words of the spells use root words from ancient languages and Latin to sound authentic but ultimately many of the words are not proper words but merely made up.

The Church has no official position on the book series. Some Church officials have had negative opinions and some have had positive opinions. It comes down to prudent judgment.

Did you like this content? Please help keep us ad-free
Enjoying this content?  Please support our mission!Donatewww.catholic.com/support-us