This Magical Object Gets No Backstory in ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’

Widely considered one of the best Potterverse films, Alfonso Cuarón‘s Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban pushed the film saga forward in many ways. The movie introduces Gary Oldman as Sirius Black, it sets up the aesthetic for the franchise moving forward, and it introduces one of the most useful magical objects for Harry during the rest of the series – the Marauder’s Map. And while its inclusion in a saga where the narrative becomes increasingly tight is appreciated, exploring its history was also essential.

The Marauder’s Map is one of the most useful tools Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and co. come across during their time at Hogwarts. It facilitates their comings and goings within school grounds as the times get darker and darker. But its inclusion in the third film of the series only puts it in Harry’s way thanks to the Weasley twins, Fred (James Phelps) and George (Oliver Phelps). The rich backstory of the map is what makes it even more special, and something the movies – and the audience – would’ve benefited from.

The Marauder’s Map Is an Essential Part of ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’s Central Dilemma

The narrative of the third film and book of the Wizarding World saga revolves around Sirius Black, the famed Prisoner of Azkaban. Multiple crimes were attributed to the wizard, but the main ones were betraying Harry’s parents – James and Lily – by revealing their location to Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes), and killing their lifelong friend Peter Pettigrew (Timothy Spall) when confronted about it. Years later, Sirius escapes on what is assumed to be a quest to end the Potter lineage for good.

On Harry’s side, third year for Hogwarts students means earning the privilege of going out to the nearby town of Hogsmeade. But, with the menace of Sirius lurking around, he finds himself unable to go on these trips. When the Weasley twins witness his despair, they give him the Marauder’s Map. It’s with this magical object that Harry can finally wander in and out of Hogwarts unnoticed by the school staff.

Who Are the Creators of the Marauder’s Map?

Messieurs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs proudly presented the enchanted piece of parchment. By saying the magic words “I solemnly swear that I am up to no good,” the map holder would get access to tracking every person’s location in the vast hallways of the school. But how did they get all this intel and who exactly were they? Moony was none other than Remus J. Lupin (David Thewlis), the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, a former Hogwarts student and friend of Harry’s dad. Given his condition as a werewolf, he was given that nickname. The others’ aliases reveal a vital piece of information about the friend group. Peter was Wormtail, Sirius was Padfoot, and James was Prongs. More than nicknames, they were their Animagi forms – a rat, a dog, and a stag.

But, to be an Animagus, the Ministry of Magic has to be informed, and all three of them converted clandestinely. Indirectly, with them being able to stroll through Hogwarts in their animal forms, they were able to construct the Marauder’s Map for them and generations to come. Having this knowledge gives context on two things: the sacrifice this tight group of friends was willing to take to help Remus, and the depth of Peter’s treason – for he was the real culprit behind Voldemort discovering the whereabouts of James and Lily. There’s a whole expository chapter in the climax of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban literally titled “Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs” that gives these intricate details.

Harry’s Bond with His Father Is Strengthened Through the Marauder’s Map

Being an orphan and living with a family that doesn’t want him, Harry has always been an outcast. In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, he’s almost halfway to calling Hogwarts home, while settling in with Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) – his chosen family. But – ever since Professor Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) gave him his father’s Invisibility Cloak – he was given a chance to connect with him, even after his death. By realizing his dad took the form of a stag when in Animagus form, their bond is strengthened, as his Patronus is also a stag. Besides, knowing James was also involved in creating one of the most useful tools for his teen years – right when Harry’s grief process is mixed with his adolescence – ties them closer. Their shared personalities as natural-born rebels and defiers of the established system are the backbone of possessing such items.

In a lore-heavy saga like this, it’s understandable to cut out extended details, or even some characters’ backstories. But, given the Marauder’s Map is easily one of the most useful objects within the Wizarding World and one of the most recognizable Potterverse merch in our world, its origins could’ve gotten a bit more spotlight. In Harry’s forthcoming years at Hogwarts, the map becomes more and more essential. For those who read the books, the antecedents weren’t really needed, but having the map’s backstory explained in film, would’ve clarified its intricate ties to Harry’s past to the wider audience.

The entire Harry Potter series is now available to watch on Peacock in the U.S.

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