New Potter novel

[map08]

Hi there,
I was wondering whether anyone could tell me what the meaning is behind the title 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows'? What is a hallow - is it anything to do with saints?

[Quizmonster]

I don't know anything about the novel, but the noun 'hallows' means 'holy people' or 'saints'.

[jno]

as in halloween, presumably. I expect JKR will put her own spin on the meaning when the book comes out.

[shaneystar2]

According to an article I read on an American site earlier ,which I now cannot find again, it means in this particular book "a place where spirits live ". But I think they are guessing .To Hallow also means to venerate or make sacred .Perhaps HP is going to be given a sainthood !
Nothing would surprise me .

[Quizmonster]

In medi�val times, the noun 'hallows' could mean saintly shrines or relics as well as the saints themselves. In that sense, therefore, Shaney is quite probably right and the Potter setting might be a) a place such as Lourdes but with the novel twist that going there actually does you harm or b) a bone or piece of the 'true' cross etc with the same effect!!

It must be a noun, though, given that it is preceded by the word 'the' plus an adjective.

[steve @ home]

Actually, it's the name of a rock band from California (or if it isn't, it soon will be,,,)

[jno]

or possibly the name of some sort of glandular disease. 'You have deathly hallows, take two aspirins.'