IT and the Harry Potter Universe

**Echoes917** · October 6th, 2009

This might seem a little silly, but I'm currently in the middle of reading IT for the first time, (even though I've owned the book for years.)

I've noticed that IT seems to transform into whatever a child's biggest fear is and am wondering if perhaps this is where JK Rowling got her inspiration for the Boggart creature in her series.

A Boggart is a creature that essentially doesn't have a true form, it just takes on the traits etc. of a person's biggest fear. For example, her character Prof. Lupin is a werewolf so when he sees a Boggart it appears as a full moon.

This seems to be the same as IT where Mike is chased by Rodan and Ben sees Pennywise's face as that of the Mummy.

Any thoughts? Am I on to something here?

**Adrian** · October 7th, 2009

That could be.

**Bryan James** · October 7th, 2009

I certainly don't want to dampen your probing creativity, but just because one can synchronize a connection does not mean that it was intended.

That's the fun and purpose of all art...we make it our own in so many funky ways.

~BJS

**Echoes917** · October 7th, 2009

Maybe I was grabbing for straws there...but it's a nifty connection I think I found.

**Er0tic NeUr0t1c** · October 13th, 2009

a boggart is already a made up creature i believe... like she didnt invent a unicorn just used it in her story. im not sure, but 80% sure

**Robert Gray** · October 13th, 2009

I tend to agree with the previous poster. Boggarts are already part and parcel of legends and myths. Granted, the Harry Potter universe adds a lot of specifics to the creature that do not exist in tales, I doubt she got the notion from Sai King's "It." It is an interesting idea to toss about, however.

**rjt65** · October 13th, 2009

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boggart

Google dudes ;-)

anywho ....might be true might not be--- conscious unconscious --- as music different people can have similar ideas.

As Boggarts already are part of English lore (scottish Boggle--JD claryify? ) i would think she used some real and twisted to make it cooler... works for me!

Regardless still a good connection I never made...

**michal** · October 14th, 2009

The idea of evil appearing in many forms and nourishing on people's imagination is a very old one -way before Rolling and even - I am sad to report -WAY before Mr. King...