About this episode

The episode features a discussion on the symbolic meanings of charms in J.K. Rowling's Christmas charm bracelet related to the Strike series.

Elizabeth Baird Hardy, Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts Professor, the genius behind AppalachianInkling.com , Hunger Games expert, and author of Milton, Spenser and the Chronicles of Narnia: Literary Sources for the C.S. Lewis Novels , joined Nick and John to discuss the Charm Bracelet that J. K. Rowling posted on her Twixter home page as a Christmas gift to her readers. She said that that the thirteen charms on nine links were a set of clues about the next Strike novel, the ninth in a ten book series. In the first Part of Elizabeth, Nick, and John’s conversation , they discussed Rowling’s charm bracelet history, speculated about why she posted this picture when she did, decided to look at each charm on the bracelet for its stand-alone meaning and its place in the nine link set, and to read the whole series as if it were a ring composition, one reflecting a nine Part structure in Strike 9. They then made deep dives into the details of each charm: the heart shaped box containing a ‘You and Me’ engagement ring, a golden diamond-laden egg, a foul anchor, two angels, and a Trojan horse. In this second Part of that conversation, the trio of Serious Strikers continue with the remaining…

People in this episode

Hosts: John Granger, Nick

Guest: Elizabeth Baird Hardy

Topics covered

• J.K. Rowling
• Strike series
• charm bracelet
• literary analysis
• symbolism
• clues

Keywords

• J.K. Rowling
• charm bracelet
• Strike 9
• literary clues
• symbolism
• Elizabeth Baird Hardy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Hogwarts Professor, AppalachianInkling.com

Books & works: Hunger Games, Milton, Spenser and the Chronicles of Narnia: Literary Sources for the C.S. Lewis Novels, Strike

More episodes of Rowling Studies The Hogwarts Professor Podcast

• A Spirited Conversation about Rowling-Galbraith's Cormoran Strike Series and C. S. Lewis' 'Till We Have Faces' · April 18, 2026 · 1h 47m
• Metallurgical, Literary, and Psychological Alchemy: Is Jung a Good Guide for Understanding J. K. Rowling's Artistry and Meaning? · April 2, 2026 · 1h 44m
• What do Tyler Powell, Rupert Fleetwood, Jolanda Lindvall, and Lady Jensen Have in Common? · March 2, 2026 · 1h 27m
• What the Hallmarked Man Epigraphs Reveal About Rowling-Galbraith's Artistry and Meaning · February 22, 2026 · 1h 37m
• 'Sleep Tight, Evangeline,' Miniature Psalters, and the Head of Persephone: A Conversation with Dimitra Fimi · February 17, 2026 · 1h 23m
• Valentine's Day Special: The Cupid and Psyche Myth within the Cormoran Strike Series · February 14, 2026 · 1h 58m

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Rowling Studies The Hogwarts Professor Podcast podcast page.