Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

J.K. Rowling · 1997 · Novel

Explore this on the mapTrace its ancestors and descendants live in the tree.

Chosen one narrative and good vs. evil conflict Children entering a magical world and fighting evil School of magic and coming-of-age wizardry Popularization of magic schools and detailed magic systems

Revitalized children's and young adult fantasy, popularizing the 'school of magic' trope and introducing a new generation to complex magical worlds and chosen-one narratives.

What it is

An orphaned boy discovers he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he uncovers secrets about his past and battles dark forces.

↑Inherited from(3)

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe· 1950↑ open

Both series feature ordinary children discovering a hidden magical world and becoming central figures in a battle against a powerful evil.

The Lord of the Rings· 1954↑ open

Rowling's series features a young protagonist destined to fight a dark lord, a trope popularized and perfected by Tolkien's epic.

A Wizard of Earthsea· 1968↑ open

Le Guin's Roke Island school for wizards is a clear precursor to Hogwarts, establishing the trope of a structured magical education.

↓Passed on to(1)

The Name of the Wind· 2007↓ open

Rowling's immense success helped pave the way for other detailed fantasy series featuring magical education and intricate world-building for a broad audience.