From Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, we’ve gleaned that there are three major wizarding schools that compete in the Triwizard Tournament. Hogwarts is located in England, Beauxbatons is in France, and Durmstrang is located in some snowy, mountainous region of northern Europe. But what about those magically blessed among us who happen to live on the continent of Asia? Or Africa? Or North America? The tournament would have been a perfect time to introduce some non-European schools. To her credit, Rowling does hint that there may be other foreign schools. But this still leaves us wondering how connected each wizarding continent is to each other. Does Lord Voldemort, for instance, provoke as much fear in Saudi Arabia as he does in Diagon Alley?
At least 20 years ago I watched a short animated film which stuck in my mind. The whole thing was wordless, possibly European, and I'm pretty sure I didn't imagine it... It featured a flying island which was inhabited by some creatures who (in my memory) reminded me of the Moomins. The island was frequently bothered by large winged animals who swooped around, although I don't think they did any actual damage. At the end one of the moomin creatures suddenly gets a weird feeling, feels forced to climb to the top of the island and then plunges down a shaft right through the centre - only to emerge at the bottom as one of the flyers. Answer Skywhales from 1983. The story begins with a man warning the tribe of approaching skywhales. The drummers then warn everybody of the hunt as everyone get prepared to set "sail". Except one man is found in his home sleeping as the noise wake him up. He then gets ready and is about to take his weapon as he hesitates then decides ...
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