Magical things: Black cats, witches & cauldrons Quiz

Answer: Wand

Wands come in all different sizes, but usually they are seen on the screen as being about the size of a student's ruler. A larger object used in the way of a wand is sometimes called a sceptre. Wands are portrayed as being magic objects which are used to direct spells at someone or something. In the 'Harry Potter' series, the wands actually bonded with their owner.

Answer: Broomstick

In normal life, a broomstick would be used to sweep the floor but according to many magical stories, broomsticks can also fly. Witches use them to get around the place - but with so few witches around, maybe they find flying quicker than riding or driving on the road!

Answer: Carpet

'Carpet' is the name of the magic carpet in the 1992 Disney movie, 'Aladdin'. Magic carpets have been found in stories for many years and they usually (but not always) originate from somewhere in the Middle East. Magic carpets have also been used as transportation in several video games.

Answer: Potion

A potion is usually a liquid medicine or poison and actually comes from the Latin word for 'drink'. Potions in literature and mythology usually have magical properties and they can be used to make people fall asleep or in love, or can make someone very sick. In more modern times and video games, potions are used as a healing agent.

Answer: A dragon

Eastern dragons (those found in Chinese folklore, for example) are seen as wise and good whereas dragons that live in the west (European) are seen as being destructive and scary. Mythology does seem to agree though, that both Eastern and Western dragons have scales and breathe fire.

Answer: Cloak

A cloak is a long, flowing garment that usually covers the clothes and protects against the weather. Cloaks are usually seen as being related to medieval times, but they go back many thousands of years and are also seen in different variations in more modern times.

Answer: Spells

A spell book is an absolute must-have item for any sorceress, witch or magical being. A memory can't hold all those recipes and spells, so they are written down for future use and for teaching the next generation of magic wielders.

Answer: Black

Superstition says that crossing the path of a black cat is bad luck. Maybe witches don't believe in that though? Many witches have a cat, and those generally seen in literature are black - the colour of mystery and darkness.

Answer: Crystal ball

Crystal balls are seen to be a magical item that can show the future or events taking place at another time or place. Magical and mysterious - only a person with magical ability can properly read what is shown in the ball - and it's up to them to share that information... or not.

Answer: Cauldron

A cauldron is a large, metal cooking pot - used by witches (and other magical beings) to make potions and weave other magics. They are designed to hang over a fireplace or pit, but some have legs as well, just in case the hanging hook is broken (or you don't have one!) A cauldron used for magic is generally rounded, but real-life shows us that there are many different shapes, sizes and types of cauldrons available today. Sorry about the Buzz Aldrin reference - I got stuck on a rhyming word! Buzz Aldrin was an American astronaut - the second man to walk on the moon.