Book Bout - Which Fictional Artifact most Intrigues You?

[Prof. Tarma Amelia Black]

Sometimes, in reading a book, there is a most astonishing artifact in the story. (We're using this "an object made by a human being, typically an item of cultural or historical interest" as the definition for the word 'artifact'.) Have you encountered such an artifact in your readings? Something which is intriguing and you wished you could have one, or at least see it and examine it.

What was the story and what is the artifact? Tell us, in 80 words or more, about this fictional artifact and earn 5 team points and 10 beans. The posting deadline is August 23rd and remember to have at least 80 words in your write-up.

[Prof. Maxim Trevelyan]

I think I find Abhorsen bells perhaps the most fascinating artifacts of all. They are found in Old Kingdom book series by Garth Nix and are used as a Necromancer tools to help Abhorsen in the fight against the rising dead, accompanying them back to death.

There are seven bells in total, each with a lovely name (what first made me fascinated with them) and with a purpose. Each bell also has a distinct sound and pretty serious drawbacks if they are not used properly, so they are not overpowered as some other magical artifacts might be.

I also quite like the introduction of the bells to the reader. Nix did not exposit too much about them, and the way they were introduced felt more natural and did wonderfully with 'show, do not tell' aspect of the story.

[Mia Fountain]

One of my first thoughts of an artifact was the Elder Wand. Now I wouldn't want to have it but I would like to examine it. I wouldn't want to have it because I don't want to risk dying because I am the master of it. I would like to discover more about those who have wielded it since it's creation, I think that there would be a lot of interesting history behind how each person came to wield it and what caused them to go after it. Was it all because they wanted power? Did anyone take it just to hide it from the world? If so, how was it found again?

[Louis Walles]

In my opinion, one of the most intriguing artefact from any book is definitely The Marauder’s Map from the Harry Potter series! When I first watched the movie and got to see how it works - I automatically fell in love with it. Can you imagine how great would be to have it? You would know where your friends are. In addition, you would be able to see where is that one person you don't like. But if you think about it, I'm actually grateful that this map is not real. It could have been a pretty dangerous weapon. People with bad intentions would know where anyone is which would allow them to rob a house or hurt someone easily.

[Carrie Warts]

For me an intriguing artifact is the Philosopher Stone. Simply because is something disputed and talked about since many ages ago and when I read about it in the book I had never heard of it before and thought "wow this must be so cool yet so dangerous to have". I was later on told that alchemists talked about the stone from way late back. Even tho in HP it is said that will grant eternal life, for the alchemists it was also said that it could turn any metal into gold. I find it super interesting but once again, in the wrong hands it can be a powerful and dangerous artifact.

[Prof. Scarlet Leslie-Lewis]

I would love to see and attempt to use the alethiometer from the His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman. An alethiometer resembles a golden compass or pocket watch with 36 symbols around the edge. There are six known alethiometers in existence, so it is a rare artifact. Only a handful of people know how to use an alethiometer properly and it takes many years of training. After directing three needles over specific symbols and holding a question in mind, a skilled reader of an alethiometer will see a fourth needle that will provide a truthful answer to the question. I imagine that an alethiometer would be stunning to see in person due to the craftsmanship and intricate symbols. It would be absolutely amazing if I got to see it in action too.

[Emerald Wolvenhowl]

The Cryptex instantly came to mind. For those who maybe unfamiliar with this object, It is a small cylinder in which secret messages written on parchment are kept and which is surrounded by a vial of vinegar. On the outside there are a number of jumbled up letters, while on the inside there are usually several small tumblers.

From a riddle/ clue we guess what password has been set and spell it out using the letters. If the word is the right one, the tumblers align and the cryptex slides apart to reveal the message. If it is the wrong word then the tumblers do not align and the vial gets crushed releasing the vinegar which destroys the message.

It would be ideal for me because I love word puzzles
and anagrams. Plus who could resist the temptation to know what that message is about? It would be exciting but I don't think it would be so much fun if I was under pressure to get the message quickly or if the message was destroyed. It would also be really cool to keep items in there; I could hide chocolate in there or one of Voldemort's horcruxes so he couldn't find it.

[February Fortescue]

I really, really want the Gaunt Ring from Harry Potter (minus Voldemort's Horcrux, though. Talk about destroying a beautiful and priceless object!) Image: an heirloom ring, passed down from generations, beginning with Cadmus Peverell. It's made of gold, with a black stone (which was actually the Resurrection Stone, so i'd get two amazing artifacts in one) and it's engraved with the symbol of the Deathly Hallows. Imagine owning such a beautiful ring, a piece of history, plus the Resurrection Stone, in case I can't resist calling upon the shades of departed loved ones for advice. The ring would never leave my finger.