Literary Lineage

The lineage of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

33 works across 28 centuries, back to Iliad and Odyssey.

  1. 1946

    The Little White Horse

    Elizabeth Goudge

    Mid-20th century. England. written in English.

    Novel about the orphan Maria Merryweather, who comes to live at Moonacre Manor and works to break an old feud tied to a moon princess and a white unicorn. Known for detailed descriptions of food, rooms and animals.

    What it handed down

    To Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (1997)

    Stylistic influence, well documented.

    Rowling named The Little White Horse as a favourite childhood book and said it perhaps had more direct influence on Harry Potter than any other, because Goudge always told readers what her characters were eating. The Hogwarts feasts and detailed rooms follow that habit, and both books begin with an orphan arriving at an old enchanted house.

    Where it came from

    Find “The Little White Horse” on Amazon

Share this lineage

Preview card: the tree of influence behind Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone