Have you heard of Beedle the Bard?
Of course, you have.
If not, you would be one of the unfortunate minority who haven't read the Harry Potter series. The celluloid adaptations of the books won't be counted, as J.K. Rowling's encyclopedic knowledge of wizards and witches couldn't be crammed into eight movies. Beedle the Bard was first mentioned in "Harry Potter and the Half-Blooded Prince", the penultimate book in the series. If you recall the details (of the novel), you will figure out that Rowling didn't reveal all the details. Yet. Readers learned about the family history of Lord Voldemort and Harry Potter. And there was a connection between the two.
The Cloak of Invisibility, which Harry inherited from his father, turned out to be the property of Ignotus Peverell. He was the youngest in "The Tale of Three Brothers", about three wizards who tried to flee from Death. No one did, but Ignotus was wise to use the cloak to keep himself incognito for many years. (When he reached old age, he removed the cloak and welcomed Death like a long-lost friend.) It happened that the story of the Peverell brothers was written in a book called "The Tales of Beedle the Bard". Professor Dumbledore gave Hermione Granger a copy, as Muggles were unaware of fairy tales for wizards and witches.
Some fans might wonder what was the need of fairy tales for wizards and witches. They know a great deal of magic, and they witness strange occurrences throughout their lives. These tales impart a friendly reminder to them, such that magic must be used to help the Muggles. "The Wizard and the Hopping Hat", for instance, showed how an old wizard's generosity turned him into a beloved figure in an unnamed Muggle community. He hoped his son would follow his footsteps, but it took him some time before he figured out his old man's wisdom.
Although "The Tales of Beedle the Bard" don't have the epic scope of the Harry Potter series, it would still delight the fans. Rowling didn't turn to the Brothers Grimm for reference. Yes, the tales are quite original. Kudos to the author's knowledge, which would mean sequels and spin-offs (of the series) will come soon. Cynics will remark that Rowling needs to fatten her bank account as if she needs more money. But the author created a never-ending story. She knew it after she was done with "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone".
Let's take a look at the other tales:
The Fountain of Fair Fortune. The ending will startle the readers, as the title alludes to a fountain that grants its wisher his (or her) desire. Alas, only one can be the lucky one at the end of the day. The story features three witches and a beaten knight. If it seems too familiar, it means you know Arthurian romance too well. (Rowling might bite her lip if you ask her about Avalon.) So what is the moral of this story? You will state the obvious. (It's all in the mind.) Not quite. Read again.
The Warlock's Hairy Heart. This might be the most revealing tale in the collection, about some wishes that shouldn't be granted. For wizards and witches, the story of the haughty wizard will teach them the futile attempt to attain invulnerability. It is supposed to separate them from the Muggles, but it does not. One can't exist without the other.
Babbitty Rabbitty and her Cackling Stump. This one is for the Muggles, reminding them not to fool around. It doesn't mean that wizards and witches can't take heed.
