Harry Potter Wiki
Don't have an account?
Register
Register
Harry Potter Wiki
Harry Potter Wiki
20,678
pages
in: Nicolas Flamel's possessions, Philosopher's Stone, Potions
English

Changes: Elixir of Life

Back to page
Sign in to edit
(We don't have enoughh information about the different potions to divide them by their complexity)
 
(73 intermediate revisions by 23 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
  +
{{HogwartsMysterySpoiler}}
 
{{Potion infobox
  
{{Potion infobox
−
|name=Elixir of Life
 +
|name = Elixir of Life
−
|image=[[File:Elixir of Life.jpg|250px]]
 +
|image = Elixir of Life.jpg
  +
|effect = [[Immortality]]<ref name="PS13"/>
−
|effect=Grants extended life for as long as the user drinks it regularly
  
  +
|side-effects = Drinker became dependent upon advanced age<ref name="PS13"/><ref name="PS17"/>
−
|side-effects=
  
−
|characteristics=
 +
|characteristics =
  ⚫
|time =
−
*Sweet
  
  ⚫
|difficulty =
−
*Aromatic
  
  +
|ingredients =
⚫
|time=
  
  ⚫
|inventor = [[Nicolas Flamel]] (by inventing the [[Philosopher's Stone]])<ref name="PS13"/>
⚫
|difficulty=
  
−
|ingredients=Derived from the [[Philosopher's Stone]]
 +
|manufacturer = The [[Philosopher's Stone]]<ref name="PS13"/>
⚫
|inventor=[[Nicolas Flamel]] (when he invented the [[Philosopher's Stone]])
  
 
}}
  
}}
  +
{{Quote|The ancient study of alchemy is concerned with making the Philosopher's Stone, a legendary substance with astonishing powers. The Stone will transform any metal into pure gold. It also produces the Elixir of Life, which will make the drinker immortal.|A [[Hogwarts Library]] book|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
−
The '''Elixir of Life''' is a [[potion]] produced by using the [[Philosopher's Stone]] that extends the life of the drinker.
  
  +
The '''Elixir of Life''' was a [[potion]] procured from the [[Philosopher's Stone]] that made the drinker [[Immortality|immortal]], as long as they consumed the potion on a regular basis.<ref name="PS13">{{PS|B|13}}</ref>
   
 
==Powers==
  
==Powers==
  +
The Elixir of Life would extend the lifespan of those who drank it, and so long as they keep drinking it regularly, they would remain [[Immortality|immortal]].<ref name="PS13"/><ref name="PS17"/>
−
The Elixir grants the drinker an indefinitely extended life, for as long as they keep drinking it regularly, though, the frequency with which it needs to be consumed (along with its entire creation process) is unknown. A person that relies on the Elixir will die if they cannot obtain more Elixir before the last quantity imbibed wears off.
  
   
−
The Elixir also has the ability to somehow reincarnate a disembodied yet earthbound soul. Indeed, [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] planned to steal the [[Philosopher's Stone]] to use the power of the elixir for such purpose, but he was thwarted by [[Harry Potter]] in [[1992]].
 +
The Elixir was also able to restore a disembodied but earthbound [[soul]] to full life, creating a body. Indeed, [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]], surviving as a lingering spirit due to his [[Horcrux]]es, planned to steal the [[Philosopher's Stone]] to use the Elixir for that purpose, but was thwarted by [[Harry Potter]] in [[1992]].<ref name="PS17">{{PS|B|17}}</ref>
  +
  +
One of the three main goals of [[alchemy]] was to create [[panacea]], a remedy that would [[Healing magic|cure]] all diseases and prolong life indefinitely.<ref name="PSF24">{{PS|F}} - Chapter 24 (''Norbert'')</ref> The creation of the Elixir of Life could be considered to be the success of this goal, as the potion extended life if drunk for eternity,<ref name="PS13"/> and could bring a disembodied soul back to a physical form.<ref name="PS17"/>
  +
  +
Its ingredients were unknown, but [[Jacob's sibling|a Hogwarts student]] wondered if [[phoenix tears]] may have been an ingredient in the Elixir of Life, whilst researching alchemy.<ref name="HM75A">{{HM|7|5|The Rogue Alchemist}}</ref>
   
 
===Limitations===
  
===Limitations===
  +
The Elixir of Life was not infallible. If a person used the Elixir to age beyond their natural lifespan, they would become completely dependent on it, and ceasing its consumption will lead to [[death]].<ref name="PS17" /><ref name="HBP23">{{HBP|B|23}}</ref> Furthermore, while the Elixir extended one's lifespan, it did not stop one's body from ageing, and if using it to reach an exceptionally advanced age, it would leave them with a decrepit appearance.<ref name="COGS">{{COG|S}}</ref> For example, [[Nicolas Flamel]], who created the [[Philosopher's Stone]], lived for a little over six-hundred and sixty years, along with his wife [[Perenelle Flamel|Perenelle]], and took on a senile and ancient appearance, dying when he and his wife decided to have the Stone destroyed which subsequently depleted their supply of Elixir.<ref name="PS17" />
−
The Elixir does not make the drinker truly [[Immortality|immortal]], but only lengthens the lifespan. For example, [[Nicolas Flamel]] (who created the [[Philosopher's Stone]]) and his wife [[Perenelle Flamel|Perenelle]] lived for little over six-hundred and sixty years because of this elixir, but eventually died when the Stone was destroyed (with their blessing) and their supply of Elixir subsequently depleted. Dumbledore stated that the Stone from which it was made could also become infected through time, making it obsolete to make the Elixir from it. It is also unknown whether or not the stone halts, reverses or slows ageing and whether or not there are any drawbacks to being reincarnated in this way.
  
  +
  +
In addition, the supply of Elixir could become contaminated, which may have either annuled the drinker's immortality or outright become [[poison]].<ref name="HBP23" />
  +
  +
According to [[Albus Dumbledore]], [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] refused to rely on the Elixir of Life for his immortality, as he would have been required to drink it for eternity, and the possibility of contamination or the stone's loss would result in his death. Additionally, his streak of independence made it intolerable for him to rely on the Elixir to survive, and only desired it to recreate his body.<ref name="HBP23" />
   
 
==Behind the scenes==
  
==Behind the scenes==
  ⚫
*In the [[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)|first film]], [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] claims that unlike [[unicorn blood]] or the living off [[Quirinus Quirrell|another]], the Elixir of Life can give him a body; however, in the film, it is not made clear that the Elixir can supply one with a spare body.
−
*It is not mentioned whether the Elixir grants complete immortality or merely extends life. It is possible that someone who has taken the Elixir may still die of illness or injury.
  
  ⚫
*On {{PM}}, the image used to illustrate the Elixir of Life for the "Favourites" screen was the same used for [[Infusion of Wormwood]]. Whether this was merely a placeholder image or was meant to imply the two are somehow related is unclear.
⚫
*In the [[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)|first film]], [[Lord Voldemort]] claims that unlike [[Unicorn Blood]] or the living off [[Quirinus Quirrell|another]], the Elixir of Life can give him a body; however, in the movie, it is not made clear that the Elixir can supply one with a spare body.
  
  +
*In {{DH|GA1}}, the Elixir of Life can be collected as an item (often from defeated enemies) and consumed, which will greatly [[Healing magic|heal]] the player ([[Harry Potter]]) rather than render them immortal or invincible to harm. It is also rather strange that this potion is available in this game, which is set in [[1997]] and [[1998]], as the Philosopher's Stone was destroyed in 1992, the source of this potion.
−
*Given that this potion is an '''elixir''' it must be sweet and aromatic in nature (as all elixirs are, by definition).
  
  +
*In the real world, many historical individuals who were alchemists, attempted to create what they believed to be an Elixir of Life. Many of these substances, far from contributing to longevity, were actively toxic, one such that [[Wikipedia:Qin Shi Huang|Qin Shi Huang]] of [[China]] died from a large dosage of [[mercury]] that he believed to be elixir.
⚫
*On ''[[Pottermore]]'', the image used to illustrate the Elixir of Life for the "Favourites" screen is the same used for [[Infusion of Wormwood]]. Whether this is merely a placeholder image or is meant to imply the two are somehow related is unclear.
  
   
 
==Appearances==
  
==Appearances==
−
*''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'' {{1st Mention}}
 +
*{{PS}} {{1st Mention}}
  +
*{{PS|F}} {{Mention}}
−
*''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)]]'' {{Mention}}
  
−
*''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' {{Mention}}
 +
*{{PS|G}} {{Mention}}
  +
*{{GOF}} {{Mention}}
−
*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (video game)]]'' {{1st}}
  
  +
*{{HBP}} {{Mention}}
−
*''[[Harry Potter Trading Card Game]]''
  
  +
*{{DH|G1}}
−
*''[[Pottermore]]''
  
  +
*{{COG|S}} {{Indirect}}
  +
*{{COG}} {{Indirect}}
  +
*{{HPK}} {{Mention}}
  +
*{{TCG}} {{1st}}
  +
*{{PM}} {{Mention}}
  +
*{{WW}} {{Mention}}
  +
*{{HM}} {{Mention}}
  +
*{{WU}} {{Mention}}
   
  +
==Notes and references==
−
{{Potion-stub}}
  
  +
{{Reflist}}
   
  +
==See also==
  +
*[[Alchemy]]
  +
*[[Panacea]]
  +
[[de:Lebenselixier]]
 
[[es:Elixir de la Vida]]
  
[[es:Elixir de la Vida]]
 
[[fr:Élixir de longue vie]]
  
[[fr:Élixir de longue vie]]
 
[[it:Elisir di Lunga Vita]]
  
[[it:Elisir di Lunga Vita]]
 
[[pl:Eliksir Życia]]
  
[[pl:Eliksir Życia]]
−
[[Category:Alchemy]]
 +
[[Category:Nicolas Flamel's possessions]]
 
[[Category:Philosopher's Stone]]
  
[[Category:Philosopher's Stone]]
 
[[Category:Potions]]
  
[[Category:Potions]]

Latest revision as of 00:17, 2 April 2024

LogoHarryPotterHogwartsMystery Warning!

At least some content in this article is derived from information featured in Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery. Spoilers will be present within the article.

"The ancient study of alchemy is concerned with making the Philosopher's Stone, a legendary substance with astonishing powers. The Stone will transform any metal into pure gold. It also produces the Elixir of Life, which will make the drinker immortal."
— A Hogwarts Library book[src]

The Elixir of Life was a potion procured from the Philosopher's Stone that made the drinker immortal, as long as they consumed the potion on a regular basis.[1]

Powers

The Elixir of Life would extend the lifespan of those who drank it, and so long as they keep drinking it regularly, they would remain immortal.[1][2]

The Elixir was also able to restore a disembodied but earthbound soul to full life, creating a body. Indeed, Lord Voldemort, surviving as a lingering spirit due to his Horcruxes, planned to steal the Philosopher's Stone to use the Elixir for that purpose, but was thwarted by Harry Potter in 1992.[2]

One of the three main goals of alchemy was to create panacea, a remedy that would cure all diseases and prolong life indefinitely.[3] The creation of the Elixir of Life could be considered to be the success of this goal, as the potion extended life if drunk for eternity,[1] and could bring a disembodied soul back to a physical form.[2]

Its ingredients were unknown, but a Hogwarts student wondered if phoenix tears may have been an ingredient in the Elixir of Life, whilst researching alchemy.[4]

Limitations

The Elixir of Life was not infallible. If a person used the Elixir to age beyond their natural lifespan, they would become completely dependent on it, and ceasing its consumption will lead to death.[2][5] Furthermore, while the Elixir extended one's lifespan, it did not stop one's body from ageing, and if using it to reach an exceptionally advanced age, it would leave them with a decrepit appearance.[6] For example, Nicolas Flamel, who created the Philosopher's Stone, lived for a little over six-hundred and sixty years, along with his wife Perenelle, and took on a senile and ancient appearance, dying when he and his wife decided to have the Stone destroyed which subsequently depleted their supply of Elixir.[2]

In addition, the supply of Elixir could become contaminated, which may have either annuled the drinker's immortality or outright become poison.[5]

According to Albus Dumbledore, Lord Voldemort refused to rely on the Elixir of Life for his immortality, as he would have been required to drink it for eternity, and the possibility of contamination or the stone's loss would result in his death. Additionally, his streak of independence made it intolerable for him to rely on the Elixir to survive, and only desired it to recreate his body.[5]

Behind the scenes

  • In the first film, Lord Voldemort claims that unlike unicorn blood or the living off another, the Elixir of Life can give him a body; however, in the film, it is not made clear that the Elixir can supply one with a spare body.
  • On Pottermore, the image used to illustrate the Elixir of Life for the "Favourites" screen was the same used for Infusion of Wormwood. Whether this was merely a placeholder image or was meant to imply the two are somehow related is unclear.
  • In the video game adaptation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, the Elixir of Life can be collected as an item (often from defeated enemies) and consumed, which will greatly heal the player (Harry Potter) rather than render them immortal or invincible to harm. It is also rather strange that this potion is available in this game, which is set in 1997 and 1998, as the Philosopher's Stone was destroyed in 1992, the source of this potion.
  • In the real world, many historical individuals who were alchemists, attempted to create what they believed to be an Elixir of Life. Many of these substances, far from contributing to longevity, were actively toxic, one such that Qin Shi Huang of China died from a large dosage of mercury that he believed to be elixir.

Appearances

Notes and references

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 13 (Nicolas Flamel)
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 17 (The Man with Two Faces)
  3. ↑ Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film) - Chapter 24 (Norbert)
  4. ↑ Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 7, Chapter 5 (The Ministry of Magic) - Assignment "The Rogue Alchemist"
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 23 (Horcruxes)
  6. ↑ Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald - The Original Screenplay

See also

Deutsch Español Français Italiano Polski
*Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, Fandom will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.
More Fandoms