The Tales of Beedle the Bard

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic by 3 people | Log in to rate

Ranked #5,647 in Arts , #138,895 overall

In December 2007, J.K. Rowling unveiled The Tales of Beedle the Bard, a book of five fairy tales illustrated by Jo herself. You can see photos of the copy purchased by Amazon here.

Amazon is now releasing a Collectors Edition:

"Tucked in its own case disguised as a wizarding textbook found in the Hogwarts library... includes an exclusive reproduction of J.K. Rowling's handwritten introduction, as well as 10 additional illustrations not found in the Standard Edition... Opening the case reveals a velvet bag embroidered with J.K. Rowling's signature, in which sits the piece de resistance: your very own copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard, complete with metal skull, corners, and clasp; replica gemstones; and emerald ribbon."

Find out more about the Collectors Edition and the Standard Edition below.

Net proceeds from The Tales support the Children's High Level Group, a charity working "to ensure that UN minimum standards for the care of children are implemented across the whole of Europe and beyond."

Purchases made through this lens also help support Room to Read.

The Tales 

Translated by J.K. Rowling

Amazon.com: The Fairy Tales of J.K. RowlingAccording to Jo Rowling the characters in The Tales "take their fates into their own hands, rather than taking a prolonged nap or waiting for someone to return a lost shoe," and "that magic causes as much trouble as it cures." These lessons are valuable for children and adults alike. This edition also includes commentary by Professor Dumbledore.

The Tales include:

The Wizard and the Hopping Pot
Read about the "kindly old wizard" who helps his neighbors by creating potions and antidotes in his "lucky cooking pot." He dies and passes the pot to his selfish son who refuses to help his neighbors.... But the pot has a mind of its own...

The Fountain of Fair Fortune
Follow the quest of the Asha, Altheda and Amata as they together seek out the Fountain which promises "fair fortune forever more" to one person a year. They overcome many challenges in their journey. But who will get to bathe?

The Warlock's Hairy Heart
This, darkest of Beedle's Tales, tells the story of a rich and handsome young wizard who eschews the foolishness of love. He turns to the Dark Arts to protect himself from such weakness. Be careful what you wish for...

Babbitty Rabbitty and her Cackling Stump
A muggle King wants to learn magic and hires a false wizard to teach him. The King becomes frustrated with their lack of progress and demands a public exhibition of the wizard's talent. With the help of the King's "washer woman," they show off some real magic but also learn of its limitations.

The Tale of the Three Brothers
Three brothers trick Death into giving them three magically powerful objects: the unbeatable Elder Wand, a stone that can bring back the dead, and a cloak which hides the user from death itself...

You can read full reviews at Amazon. But I wouldn't recommend it. Not only are there spoilers but they needlessly explain the "morals" of each story.

Which story do you most want to read? 

Very few people have read The Tales since they won't be available until December. But after reading my short introductions above, which story sounds best?

Loading poll. Please Wait...

The Collector's Edition 

Amazon.com: The Tales of Beedle the Bard, Collector's Edition (Offered Exclusively by Amazon): J. K. Rowling: Books
Each Collector's Edition includes:

  • All five fairy tales from the original The Tales of Beedle the Bard

  • Outer case disguised as a wizarding textbook from the Hogwarts library

  • Exclusive reproduction of J.K. Rowling's handwritten introduction

  • 10 new illustrations by J.K. Rowling not included in the Standard Edition or the original handcrafted edition

  • Velvet bag embroidered with J.K. Rowling's signature

  • Metal skull, corners, and clasp

  • Replica gemstones

  • Emerald ribbon

The Tales of Beedle the Bard, Collector's Edition (Offered Exclusively by Amazon)

Amazon Price: (as of 12/07/2009)Buy Now

I already ordered my copy and will be getting several as gifts for the Holidays... Whether or not my friends like Harry Potter!

Standard Edition 

The Standard Edition is a little more affordable for most fans, especially kids and their parents. Proceeds from the sale still benefit Jo's Charity, Children's High Level Group and if you buy it via this lens you're also helping Room to Read.

Standard Edition Product Features:

  • All five fairy tales from the original The Tales of Beedle the Bard

  • A new introduction by J.K. Rowling

  • Illustrations reproduced from the original handcrafted book

  • Commentary on each of the tales by Professor Albus Dumbledore

Could not locate item B001DB0HG2. Please try again.Sorry, there are no results available from Amazon.
It won't be as big as the release of The Deathly Hallows. But here's the countdown clock.

Other Hogwarts "Schoolbooks" 

Harry Potter Schoolbooks Box Set: From the Library of Hogwarts: Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, Quidditch Through The Ages by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter Schoolbooks Box Set: From the Library of Hogwarts: Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, Quidditch Through The Ages by J.K. Rowling

When first released to Muggles in March 2001, Fant more...0 points

The Complete Set of Harry Potter... 

Are your Harry Potter books worn out? You can now get the complete set.

Harry Potter Boxset Books 1-7

Amazon Price: $114.07 (as of 12/07/2009)Buy Now

mmmm I think I'll let my friends get their own.

by boredofeducation



Hello world!

I'm a full-time math teacher, a sometimes Citizen Squid and a 24/7 Giant Squid.

Be sure and check out my other lenses at Damon's Lens... (more)

Explore related pages

Create a Lens!