INTRODUCING THE MORGANS (XIV), XÈNIA MORGAN

Hi, I'm Xènia Morgan and I was born in Ιθάκη (Ithaki), Ιόνιο Πέλαγος (Ionian Sea). From a very young age I was fascinated by music and illustration. I am a tuner.

A few months ago, I discovered that the famous Welsh pirate Henry Morgan was an ancestor of mine and that I had brothers and sisters to meet. Thanks to The Grandma, an Andorran grandmother, who made every effort to locate us, today I know them all and to celebrate this meeting we decided to spend two months together travelling and reviewing our level of English because we have all decided to retire to Kingston, Jamaica, to enjoy the Morgan fortune, and English is its official language.

-What's your full name?

-My name is Eleni Papadopoulou.

-How do you spell your second surname?

-P-A-P-A-D-O-P-O-U-L-O-U

-Are you a student? What are you studying?

-No, I'm not a student. I completed my studies in music and acoustics several years ago.

-Are you working? What is your job?

-Yes, I am. I'm an instrument tuner. I tune pianos and other musical instruments to make sure they produce the correct sound and perform at their best.

-Do you like your job? Why?

-Yes, I do. I enjoy working with music and helping musicians achieve the best possible sound. Every instrument has its own character, which makes my work interesting.

-Where are you from?

-I'm from Ithaki, a small island in Greece.

-How long have you lived there?

-I lived there throughout my childhood and early adulthood. Although I travel for work, Ithaki will always be my home.

-Why are you studying English?

-I'm studying English because I often work with musicians from different countries. It also helps me read technical manuals and attend international workshops.

-How long have you been studying English?

-I've been studying English for about two months. I started learning with The Morgans and continue using it regularly in my profession.

-Tell me about your town.

-Ithaki is a beautiful Greek island with crystal-clear waters, green hills, and a rich history. It is traditionally associated with the legendary home of Odysseus.

-What music do you like?

-I enjoy classical music, jazz, and traditional Greek music. Listening to different styles of music helps me develop my ear for tuning instruments.

-Can you play any instrument?

-Yes, I can play the piano and the violin. Learning to play instruments has helped me understand how important accurate tuning is.

-Tell me about your favourite place.

-My favourite place is Vathy Harbour. I love sitting by the water, sketching the boats, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

-What do you like doing in your free time?

-In my free time, I love illustration. I enjoy drawing landscapes, people, and scenes from everyday life. I also like reading, walking, and visiting art exhibitions.

-Do you practise any sport? Which?

-Yes, I do. I enjoy swimming and hiking. Living on an island gives me many opportunities to spend time outdoors.

-How did you become interested in tuning instruments?

-I became interested in it while studying music. I was fascinated by how small adjustments could completely change the quality of a sound.

-What is the most difficult part of your job?

-The most difficult part is working on very old instruments. They often require a lot of patience and careful attention.

-Why is tuning important?

-Tuning is important because even a talented musician cannot perform well if the instrument is out of tune. Good tuning improves the overall musical experience.

-How did you become interested in illustration?

-I've loved drawing since I was a child. It allows me to express my creativity and capture moments that inspire me.

-Do music and illustration influence each other in your life?

-Yes, they do. Music often inspires my drawings, and illustration helps me think creatively when solving problems in my work.

-Would you like to combine your two interests in the future?

-Yes, I would. I'd love to create illustrated books about musical instruments and the stories behind them.

-How is a normal day with The Morgans?

-We haven't got similar days. Every day is different and this is something very important because it offers to you the possibility of living fantastic experiences every day and you can enjoy them with all your heart because you know that next day you're going to put the score to zero and we're going to start again. It's a non-stopping life.

-Which is your best memory with The Morgans?

-It's difficult to choose only one. I remembered when we travelled to different places and I was drawing our adventures. I love drawing and being able to draw the family has been something very special for me.

-Which is your favourite song?

-I'm Ioanian. I love Mikis Theodorakis and Kharis Alexiu, but I will choose the poem that has made my island most famous, 'Ithaka' by Konstantinos Petru Kavafis, a poem that talks about life and death and which was recited in English by Sir Sean Connery with music composed by another legendary Greek, Evànguelos Odisseas Papathanassiu aka Vangelis.

Παντα στoν νoυ σoυ ναχεις την Ιθακη.
Τo φθασιμoν εκει ειν o πρooρισμoς σoυ.
Aλλα μη βιαζεις τo ταξειδι διoλoυ.
Καλλιτερα χρoνια πoλλα να διαρκεσει 
και γερoς πια ν'αραξεις στo νησι,
πλoυσιoς με oσα κερδισες στo δρoμo,
μη πρoσδoκωντας πλoυτη να σε δωσει η Ιθακη.
       
Η Ιθακη σ'εδωσε τ'ωραιo ταξειδι.
Χωρις αυτην δεν θα βγαινες στoν δρoμo.
Αλλα δεν εχει να σε δωσει πια.
       
Κι αν πτωχικη την βρεις, η Ιθακη δε σε γελασε.
Ετσι σoφoς πoυ εγινες, με τoση πειρα,
ηδη θα τo καταλαβες oι Ιθακες τι σημαινoυν.

 Keep Ithaka always in your mind.
Arriving there is what you’re destined for.
But don’t hurry the journey at all.
Better if it lasts for years,
so you’re old by the time you reach the island,
wealthy with all you’ve gained on the way,
not expecting Ithaka to make you rich.

Ithaka gave you the marvelous journey.
Without her you wouldn't have set out.
She has nothing left to give you now.

And if you find her poor, Ithaka won’t have fooled you.
Wise as you will have become, so full of experience,
you’ll have understood by then what these Ithakas mean.

Konstantinos Petru Kavafis

J.K. ROWLING & ROBERT GALBRAITH, WRITE TO SUCCESS

After taking a few days off doing what she loves most in Germanic and Scandinavian lands with the company of Joseph de Ca'th Lon and Claire Fontaine, The Grandma has returned to Barcelona as tomorrow she hopes to meet The Morgans in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, where they have a very important date with Cambridge.

The family has spent a few days at Hogwarts enjoying the magic and preparing for this very special test. They have enjoyed the magical world created by J. K. Rowling, the English author who continues to conquer the hearts of young and old with her masterful works.

Joanne Rowling (born 31 July 1965), better known by her pen name J. K. Rowling, is an English author, screenwriter, producer, and philanthropist.

She is best known for writing the Harry Potter fantasy series, which has won multiple awards and sold more than 500 million copies, becoming the best-selling book series in history.

The books are the basis of a popular film series, over which J. K. Rowling had overall approval on the scripts and was a producer on the final films. She also writes crime fiction under the pen name Robert Galbraith.

Born in Yate, Gloucestershire, J. K. Rowling was working as a researcher and bilingual secretary for Amnesty International when she conceived the idea for the Harry Potter series while on a delayed train from Manchester to London in 1990.

The seven-year period that followed saw the death of her mother, birth of her first child, divorce from her first husband, and relative poverty until the first novel in the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, was published in 1997. There were six sequels, of which the last, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, was released in 2007.

Since then, J. K. Rowling has written five books for adult readers: The Casual Vacancy (2012) and -under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith- the crime fiction Cormoran Strike series, which consists of The Cuckoo's Calling (2013), The Silkworm (2014), Career of Evil (2015), and Lethal White (2018).

Starting on 26 May 2020, her political fairytale for children, The Ickabog, is being released in instalments in an online version.

J. K. Rowling has lived a rags to riches life in which she progressed from living on benefits to being named the world's first billionaire author by Forbes.

However, J. K. Rowling disputed the assertion, saying she was not a billionaire. Forbes reported that she lost her billionaire status after giving away much of her earnings to charity but remains one of the wealthiest people in the world. She is the UK's best-selling living author, with sales in excess of £238 million.

The 2019 Sunday Times Rich List estimated J. K. Rowling's fortune at £750 million, ranking her as the joint 191st richest person in the UK. Time named her a runner-up for its 2007 Person of the Year, noting the social, moral, and political inspiration she has given her fans.

J. K. Rowling was appointed a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH) at the 2017 Birthday Honours for services to literature and philanthropy.

More information: J.K. Rowling

In October 2010, she was named the Most Influential Woman in Britain by leading magazine editors. J. K. Rowling has supported multiple charities, including Comic Relief, One Parent Families, and Multiple Sclerosis Society of Great Britain, as well as launching her own charity, Lumos.

Although she writes under the pen name J. K. Rowling, before her remarriage, her name was Joanne Rowling.

Joanne Rowling was born on 31 July 1965 in Yate, Gloucestershire, the daughter of science technician Anne and Rolls-Royce aircraft engineer Peter James Rowling. Her parents first met on a train departing from King's Cross Station bound for Arbroath in 1964.

J. K. Rowling has said that her teenage years were unhappy. Her home life was complicated by her mother's diagnosis with multiple sclerosis and a strained relationship with her father, with whom she is not on speaking terms.

J. K. Rowling later said that she based the character of Hermione Granger on herself when she was eleven.

In 1982, J. K. Rowling took the entrance exams for Oxford University but was not accepted and earned a BA in French and Classics at the University of Exeter.

In 1995, J. K. Rowling finished her manuscript for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone which was typed on an old manual typewriter.

In June 1997, Bloomsbury published Philosopher's Stone with an initial print run of 1,000 copies, 500 of which were distributed to libraries. Today, such copies are valued between £16,000 and £25,000. Its sequel, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, was published in July 1998 and again J. K. Rowling won the Smarties Prize.

In December 1999, the third novel, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, won the Smarties Prize, making J. K. Rowling the first person to win the award three times running.

The fourth book, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, was released simultaneously in the UK and the US on 8 July 2000 and broke sales records in both countries. 372,775 copies of the book were sold in its first day in the UK, almost equalling the number Prisoner of Azkaban sold during its first year.

A wait of three years occurred between the release of Goblet of Fire and the fifth Harry Potter novel, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

The sixth book, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, was released on 16 July 2005. It too broke all sales records, selling nine million copies in its first 24 hours of release.

In 2006, Half-Blood Prince received the Book of the Year prize at the British Book Awards.

The title of the seventh and final Harry Potter book was announced on 21 December 2006 as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

More information: Wizarding World

In February 2007, it was reported that J. K. Rowling wrote on a bust in her hotel room at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh that she had finished the seventh book in that room on 11 January 2007.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was released on 21 July 2007 and broke its predecessor's record as the fastest-selling book of all time. It sold 11 million copies in the first day of release in the United Kingdom and United States. The book's last chapter was one of the earliest things she wrote in the entire series.

Harry Potter is now a global brand worth an estimated US$15 billion, and the last four Harry Potter books have consecutively set records as the fastest-selling books in history.

The series, totalling 4,195 pages, has been translated, in whole or in part, into 65 languages.

The Harry Potter books have also gained recognition for sparking an interest in reading among the young at a time when children were thought to be abandoning books for computers and television, although it is reported that despite the huge uptake of the books, adolescent reading has continued to decline.

In October 1998, Warner Bros. purchased the film rights to the first two novels for a seven-figure sum.

A film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was released on 16 November 2001, and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets on 15 November 2002.

The film version of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was released on 4 June 2004, directed by Alfonso Cuarón.

The fourth film, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, was directed by Mike Newell, and released on 18 November 2005.

The film of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was released on 11 July 2007. David Yates directed, and Michael Goldenberg wrote the screenplay, having taken over the position from Steve Kloves.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was released on 15 July 2009. David Yates directed again, and Kloves returned to write the script.

Warner Bros. filmed the final instalment of the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, in two segments, with part one being released on 19 November 2010 and part two being released on 15 July 2011. Yates directed both films.

More information: Twitter

In 2000, J.K. Rowling established the Volant Charitable Trust, which uses its annual budget of £5.1 million to combat poverty and social inequality. The fund also gives to organisations that aid children, one-parent families, and multiple sclerosis research.

J.K. Rowling has received honorary degrees from St Andrews University, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University, the University of Exeter, the University of Aberdeen, and Harvard University, where she spoke at the 2008 commencement ceremony.

In 2009, J.K. Rowling was made a Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur by French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

In 2002, J.K. Rowling became an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (HonFRSE) as well a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (FRSL).

She was furthermore recognized as Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (FRCPE) in 2011 for services to Literature and Philanthropy.

More information: The Guardian

 

 

I would like to be remembered as someone

who did the best she could with the talent she had.

J. K. Rowling

INTRODUCING THE MORGANS (XIII), VERONICA MORGAN

Hi, I'm Veronica Morgan. I'm Czech. I was born in Český Krumlov, Jihočeský Kraj and I am a baker.

A few months ago, I discovered that the famous Welsh pirate Henry Morgan was an ancestor of mine and that I had brothers and sisters to meet. Thanks to The Grandma, an Andorran grandmother, who made every effort to locate us, today I know them all and to celebrate this meeting we decided to spend two months together travelling and reviewing our level of English because we have all decided to retire to Kingston, Jamaica, to enjoy the Morgan fortune, and English is its official language.

-What's your name?

-My name is Veronica Morgan Nováková.

-How do you spell your surname?

-N-O-V-Á-K-O-V-Á

-Are you a student? What are you studying?

-No, I'm not a student. I completed my training in baking and pastry arts several years ago and now I work full-time.

-Are you working? What is your job?

-Yes, I am. I'm a baker and pastry chef. I make bread, cakes, pastries, and other baked goods for a local bakery and café.

-Do you like your job? Why?

-Yes, I love my job because it combines creativity and craftsmanship. I enjoy making delicious products and seeing customers happy when they taste them.

-Where are you from?

-I'm from Český Krumlov, a beautiful town in the Czech Republic.

-How long have you lived there?

-I lived there for most of my life. Although I sometimes travel to attend culinary workshops, I still call Český Krumlov my home.

-Why are you studying English?

-I'm studying English because I would like to learn from international chefs and read recipes from different countries. It also helps me communicate with tourists who visit our bakery.

-How long have you been studying English?

-I've been studying English for about ten years. I started at school and continue practising it through work and travel.

-Tell me about your town.

-Český Krumlov is a historic town famous for its medieval architecture and beautiful castle. It attracts visitors from all over the world because of its charm and cultural heritage.

-What music do you like?

-I enjoy listening to folk music, classical music, and modern pop music. I often listen to music while baking.

-Can you play any instrument?

-Yes, I can play the piano. I learned it when I was a child and still enjoy playing it in my free time.

-Tell me about your favourite place.

-My favourite place is Český Krumlov Castle. I love its history, beautiful gardens, and the amazing view of the town.

-What do you like doing in your free time?

-In my free time, I enjoy trying new recipes, reading cookbooks, walking around the old town, and spending time with my friends and family.

-Do you practise any sport? Which?

-Yes, I do. I enjoy cycling and hiking. They help me stay active and relax after a busy day at work.

-How did you become interested in baking?

-I became interested in baking when I was a child. My grandmother used to make traditional cakes, and I loved helping her in the kitchen.

-What is your favourite thing to bake?

-My favourite thing to bake is fruit pastries because they are colourful, delicious, and allow me to be creative with different flavours.

-What is the most difficult part of your job?

-The most difficult part is waking up very early in the morning. Bakers often start work before sunrise.

-Do you prefer making bread or cakes?

-I enjoy both, but if I had to choose, I would say cakes because decorating them is very artistic and enjoyable.

-What skills are important for a baker and pastry chef?

-Patience, attention to detail, creativity, and good time management are very important. It's also important to follow recipes carefully.

-Would you like to open your own bakery one day?

-Yes, I would. It has always been my dream to own a small bakery where I can create traditional and modern pastries.

-How is a normal day with The Morgans?

-We haven't got similar days. Every day is different and this is something very important because it offers to you the possibility of living fantastic experiences every day and you can enjoy them with all your heart because you know that next day you're going to put the score to zero and we're going to start again. It's a non-stopping life.

-Which is your best memory with The Morgans?

-It's difficult to choose only one. I remember when we received a visit from Vlad Tepes. It was a very emotional moment for me because he is an enigmatic character who I am passionate about, just as I am passionate about other Eastern European countries such as Romania, Bulgaria or Moldova.

-Which is your favourite song?

A very important song for us is 'Die Moldau' by Czech composer Bedřich Smetana, a classic among classics, but I will choose 'Dragostea Din Tei' by O-Zone, one of the most popular Moldovan songs.

Te sun sa-ti spun ce simt acum
Alo, iubirea mea sunt eu fericirea
Alo, alo, sunt iarasi eu, Picasso
Ti-am dat beep si sunt voinic
Dar sa stii nu-ti cer nimic.

I'm calling you to tell you how I feel right now
Hello, my love, I'm happiness
Hello, hello, it's me again, Picasso
I beeped you and I'm strong
But you know, I'm not asking you for anything.

 O-Zone

THE MORGANS & HUFFLEPUFF, 'PATIENS ET LABORARIUS'

Today, The Morgans have continued visiting Hogwarts guided by Professor Albus Dumbledore, its Headmaster and Professor Rubeus Hagrid, its Guard. 

They have been talking about its four Houses, their history, members, values and rooms. It has been an amazing interesting day.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is divided into four houses: Gryffindor, founded by Godric Gryffindor; Hufflepuff, founded by Helga Hufflepuff; Ravenclaw, founded by Rowena Ravenclaw; and Slytherin, founded by Salazar Slytherin.

Before the visit, the family has been practising some A2 Cambridge Tests.

Download Cambridge KET Exam Model & Key

Hufflepuff corresponds roughly to the element of earth, and it is for that reason that the House colours were chosen: yellow represented wheat, while black was emblematic of soil. The Hufflepuff point hourglass contains yellow diamonds. Students sorted into Hufflepuff often demonstrate exceptional abilities in Herbology, owing to their correspondence to earth.

The emblematic animal is a badger, and yellow and black are its colours.

Hufflepuff appears to have the least rivalry with the other houses, except in Quidditch, although the Triwizard Tournament did temporarily put a great deal of strain on the relationship between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, due to unusual circumstances of the selection of both Gryffindor student Harry Potter and Hufflepuff student Cedric Diggory as Champions. This was mended by 1998, where a majority of Hufflepuffs rose to defend Harry from Pansy Parkinson and later helped to defend Hogwarts.

Hufflepuff is the house that produced the fewest dark wizards through out its history. Their cheerful and friendly demeanor can probably account for this property of the House. Hufflepuff firmly demonstrated its loyalty during the Battle of Hogwarts in 1998, when they were second only to Harry Potter's own house of Gryffindor in the number of students willing to stay and fight against Voldemort and his forces in the defence of their school. The Hufflepuff dormitories and common room have never been seen by outsiders and is the only house with repelling devices in case of intruders. They are accessed through a pile of large barrels, found stacked in a shadowy stone recess on a right-hand side corridor near the kitchens. The barrel two from the bottom, middle of the second row, will open if tapped in the rhythm of Helga Hufflepuff.
 

The Hufflepuff's head of house before and during Harry Potter's time was Pomona Sprout. She was the Herbology professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

More information: Wizarding World

You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true,
And unafraid of toil...

INTRODUCING THE MORGANS (XII), VANESSA MORGAN

Hi, I'm Vanessa Morgan. I'm Chinese. I was born in Suzhou, Jiangsu and I am a vampire.

A few months ago, I discovered that the famous Welsh pirate Henry Morgan was an ancestor of mine and that I had brothers and sisters to meet. Thanks to The Grandma, an Andorran grandmother, who made every effort to locate us, today I know them all and to celebrate this meeting we decided to spend two months together travelling and reviewing our level of English because we have all decided to retire to Kingston, Jamaica, to enjoy the Morgan fortune, and English is its official language.

-What's your full name?

-My name is Vanessa Morgan Lin.

-How do you spell your second surname?

-L-I-N

-Are you a student? What are you studying?

-No, I'm not a student. I've spent many years learning about history, literature, and different cultures.

-Are you working? What is your job?

-Yes, I am. I'm a vampire. I spend my nights travelling, meeting people, and learning about the world.

-Do you like your job? Why?

-Yes, I do. It allows me to experience different cultures and historical periods. Every night brings a new adventure.

-Where are you from?

-I'm from Suzhou, in Jiangsu Province, China.

-How long have you lived there?

-I lived there for many years before travelling to other places. Suzhou will always be special to me because it is my birthplace.

-Why are you studying English?

-I'm studying English because I meet people from many different countries. It helps me communicate and learn about their cultures.

-How long have you been studying English?

-I've been studying English for a very long time. Over the years, I've had plenty of opportunities to practise it while travelling.

-Tell me about your city.

-Suzhou is famous for its beautiful classical gardens, canals, and traditional architecture. It is often called one of the most beautiful cities in China.

-What music do you like?

-I enjoy classical music, traditional Chinese music, and modern instrumental music. I find them relaxing and inspiring.

-Can you play any instrument?

-Yes, I can play the guzheng. I learned it many years ago and still enjoy playing it on quiet evenings.

-Tell me about your favourite place.

-My favourite place is Humble Administrator's Garden. I love its peaceful atmosphere, elegant design, and beautiful scenery.

-What do you like doing in your free time?

-In my free time, I enjoy reading historical novels, visiting museums, walking through gardens, and learning new languages.

-Do you practise any sport? Which?

-Yes, I do. I enjoy tai chi and swimming. They help me stay active and focused.

-How long have you been a vampire?

-I've been a vampire for many centuries. During that time, I've seen many changes in the world and learned a great deal about different cultures.

-What is the best thing about being a vampire?

-The best thing is having the opportunity to learn continuously and travel to many different places.

-What is the most difficult part of your life?

-The most difficult part is moving frequently and saying goodbye to people I care about.

-Are people afraid of you?

-Sometimes they are at first because of the stories they have heard. However, once they get to know me, they usually realise that I'm friendly and respectful.

-What has changed the most in the world during your lifetime?

-Technology has changed the most. Communication and travel are much faster than they were in the past.

-Would you like to live in another country?

-Yes, I would. I enjoy discovering new cultures and meeting people from different backgrounds.

-How is a normal day with The Morgans?

-We haven't got similar days. Every day is different and this is something very important because it offers to you the possibility of living fantastic experiences every day and you can enjoy them with all your heart because you know that next day you're going to put the score to zero and we're going to start again. It's a non-stopping life.

-Which is your best memory with The Morgans?

-It's difficult to choose only one. I remember when we were invited to visit the British Museum and we created a great performance in the Egyptian room. I had a special performance and my role was of particular importance in achieving the final success.

-Which is your favourite song?

-As everyone knows, China is not a democratic country at all and we do not have the freedom that other people in other countries enjoy. Artists are always among the first victims in repressive states and, for this reason, we do not have a powerful and modern cultural industry, so I will choose a classic.

The most famous Chinese song in the world is 茉莉花 ('Mo Li Hua'), which translates as 'Jasmine Flower'. This traditional melody originates from Jiangsu Province, where I was born, and dates back to the 18th century.

好一朵美丽的茉莉花
好一朵美丽的茉莉花
芬芳美丽满枝桠
又香又白人人夸
让我来将你摘下
送给别人家
茉莉花呀茉莉花

Hǎo yī duǒ měi lì de mò lì huā,
hǎo yī duǒ měi lì de mò lì huā,
fèn fāng měi lì mǎn zhī yá
yòu xiāng yòu bái rén rén kuā,
ràng wǒ lái jiāng nǐ zhāi xià,
sòng géi bié rén jiā, mò lì huā, mō lì huā.
    
Beautiful jasmine flower
Beautiful jasmine flower
Sweet-smelling, beautiful, stems full of buds
Fragrant and white, everyone praises
Let me pluck you down to give to someone
Jasmine flower, jasmine flower.

Anonymous

THE MORGANS & THE TALES OF BEEDLE THE BARD

Today, The Morgans have listened to The Tale of the Three Brothers, a wonderful story explained by Xenophilius Lovegood.

This tale is included in The Tales of Beedle the Bard, an amazing book that the family recommends. The Tale of the Three Brothers talks about three brothers and The Deathly Hallows, the magical objects searched by Harry Potter and his friends.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard is a collection of stories written for young wizards and witches by Beedle the Bard. It was published by Chelf Press and had original illustrations by Luxo Karuzos.

They were popular bedtime stories for centuries, with the result being that The Wizard and the Hopping Pot and The Fountain of Fair Fortune were as familiar to many of the students at Hogwarts, as Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty are to various Muggle children.

Death, a cunning liar, then pretended to congratulate them on being clever enough to evade him, and offered each of them a powerful magical item. 

The first brother, Antioch Peverell, wished to have the most powerful wand out of his combative personality; Death broke a branch off a nearby elder tree and created for him the Elder Wand, a wand more powerful than any other in existence.

The second brother, Cadmus Peverell, out of arrogance, wanted to humiliate Death even further, and wished to have the power to bring loved ones from the grave; Death then took a stone from the riverbed and created for him the Resurrection Stone, a stone capable of bringing the dead back to the living world.

The third brother, Ignotus Peverell, who was a humble man, did not trust Death and asked to go on from the river without being followed by Death; Death then gave him his own Cloak of Invisibility, an invisibility cloak that never lost its power through curses or age. In time, the brothers went their separate ways.

The three legendary objects, (the cloak, the wand and the stone) together make up the Deathly Hallows.

More information: Wizarding World

So the oldest brother, who was a combative man,

asked for a wand more powerful than any in existence:

a wand that must always win duels for its owner,

a wand worthy of a wizard who had conquered Death!"

Antioch Peverell receiving the Elder Wand

Antioch Peverell travelled to a wizarding village where he killed the man he once duelled with, he then boasted of the power of the Elder Wand, that it was unbeatable and in his possession, invoking envy amongst the many wanting to possess it for themselves. His throat was slit in his sleep by another wizard who stole the Elder Wand.

Then the second brother, who was an arrogant man,

decided that he wanted to humiliate Death still further,

and asked for the power to recall others from Death. 

Cadmus Peverell receiving the Resurrection Stone

Cadmus Peverell travelled back home and used the Resurrection Stone to bring back the woman he loved, but was dismayed to find that it was only a pale imitation of her: the dead did not belong in the living world and could not truly be brought back.

He found that she was cold, lifeless, and miserable in the land of the living, nothing like she used to be. In the end Cadmus Peverell committed suicide by hanging himself so he could truly join her.

It was only when he had attained great age

that the youngest brother finally

took off the Cloak of Invisibility and gave it to his son.

Ignotus Peverell passing on the cloak

Ignotus Peverell used the cloak to remain hidden from Death for a long time. When he was an old man, he passed the cloak onto his son, greeted Death as an old friend, and went with him to the next world.

The cloak continued to be passed down through the descendants of the Peverells, although the name became extinct in the male line. The wand passed from wizard to wizard, nearly always by the murder of its previous owner. The wand, during its passing from wizard to wizard, has been called The Death Stick and the Wand of Destiny.

More information: Wizarding World

On an interesting note, no witch is ever stated to have held possession of the wand. The stone was also passed down through the Peverells' descendants.

It eventually ended up in the possession of the House of Gaunt, and was later stolen by Tom Riddle, neither Tom nor Marvolo Gaunt were aware of the powers of the stone, nor that it was a Hallow.

Marvolo was solely concerned with the noble origins of the stone, made into a ring, and thought that the Hallows symbol on it was the family coat of arms.

Lord Voldemort could not have been aware of the stone's true origin either, as he transformed the stone into a Horcrux.

Overtime, the legend of the Deathly Hallows was dismissed by most as a mere fairy tale, and the few who desired to reunite all three misunderstood the title Master of Death is a form of immortality. The quest for these fabled items were considered a lure for fools, and many have died in their quest for them.

The Hallows played a particularly important role in the lives of Albus Dumbledore, Gellert Grindelwald, and Harry Potter.

Harry Potter is the only known Master of Death, having gathered and mastered all three Hallows and most importantly, accepted death, as the true master understands that death is inevitable and that there are worse things in life than dying. He did not unite all three of them physically at the same moment, as he possessed no more than two at the same time.

Albus Dumbledore had also gathered all three, though physically owning no more than two at the same time, and did not master the usage of the Cloak, but he could qualify for the title of the Master of Death as he fulfilled the most important criteria needed by accepting death. With the Stone lost, it is unlikely there will ever be another to hold the title.

Download The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling

"The Elder Wand,"

he said, and he drew a straight vertical line on the parchment.

"The Resurrection Stone,"

he said, and he added a circle on top of the line.

"The Cloak of Invisibility,"

he finished, enclosing both line and circle in a triangle,

to make the symbol that so intrigued Hermione.

"Together," he said, "the Deathly Hallows".

Xenophilius Lovegood

INTRODUCING THE MORGANS (XI), VALENTINA MORGAN

Hi, I'm Valentina Morgan. I was born in ⴼⴰⵙ (Fez), Morocco and I am a Lego tester.

A few months ago, I discovered that the famous Welsh pirate Henry Morgan was an ancestor of mine and that I had brothers and sisters to meet. Thanks to The Grandma, an Andorran grandmother, who made every effort to locate us, today I know them all and to celebrate this meeting we decided to spend two months together travelling and reviewing our level of English because we have all decided to retire to Kingston, Jamaica, to enjoy the Morgan fortune, and English is its official language.

-What's your full name?

-My name is Valentina Morgan El Idrissi.

-How do you spell your second surname?

-E-L I-D-R-I-S-S-I

-Are you a student? What are you studying?

-No, I'm not a student. I completed my studies in product design and child development a few years ago.

-Are you working? What is your job?

-Yes, I am. I work as a LEGO tester. My job is to test new building sets, check the instructions, and make sure the products are fun, safe, and easy to use.

-Do you like your job? Why?

-Yes, I love my job because it is creative and enjoyable. Every day I get to build new models and help improve products that children and adults around the world will use.

-Where are you from?

-I'm from Fez, Morocco.

-How long have you lived there?

-I lived there for most of my life. Although I travel sometimes for work, Fez is still my hometown.

-Why are you studying English?

-I'm studying English because I work with international teams and many product manuals and reports are written in English.

-How long have you been studying English?

-I've been studying English for about ten years. I first learned it at school and now I use it regularly at work.

-Tell me about your city.

-Fez is one of the oldest cities in Morocco. It is famous for its historic medina, traditional markets, and beautiful architecture. It has a rich cultural and artistic heritage.

-What music do you like?

-I enjoy traditional Moroccan music, pop music, and instrumental music. I often listen to music while building LEGO models.

-Can you play any instrument?

-Yes, I can play the oud a little. I learned it from a family member when I was younger.

-Tell me about your favourite place.

-My favourite place is Fes el Bali. I love walking through its narrow streets and discovering its history, architecture, and local crafts.

-What do you like doing in your free time?

-In my free time, I enjoy building models, drawing, reading, and visiting museums. I also like spending time with my family and friends.

-Do you practise any sport? Which?

-Yes, I do. I enjoy cycling and swimming because they help me stay healthy and active.

-How did you become a LEGO tester?

-I've loved building things since I was a child. After studying design, I discovered opportunities to work in product testing and development, and it was a perfect match for my interests.

-What is the most interesting part of your job?

-The most interesting part is seeing new designs before they are released to the public. I enjoy helping improve the final product.

-What is the most challenging part of your work?

-The most challenging part is finding small problems that other people might miss. Attention to detail is very important.

-Do you work alone or with a team?

-I usually work with a team of designers, engineers, and testers. We share ideas and feedback to make the products better.

-What skills are important for a LEGO tester?

-Creativity, patience, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail are very important. Good communication skills are also useful when giving feedback.

-Would you like to design your own LEGO set one day?

-Yes, I would. I think it would be exciting to create a set inspired by Moroccan architecture and culture.

-How is a normal day with The Morgans?

-We haven't got similar days. Every day is different and this is something very important because it offers to you the possibility of living fantastic experiences every day and you can enjoy them with all your heart because you know that next day you're going to put the score to zero and we're going to start again. It's a non-stopping life.

-Which is your best memory with The Morgans?

-It's difficult to choose only one. I remember when we visited Bridget Jones, an amazing woman and journalist.

-Which is your favourite song?

-My favourite Amazigh song is 'A Vava Inouva' by Idir, but I am going to choose 'La Maza' written by Silvio Rodríguez and sung by the Argentinian Mercedes Sosa and Shakira, the Colombian artist with Arabian and Catalan roots.

Si no creyera en lo que agencio
Si no creyera en mi camino
Si no creyera en mi sonido
Si no creyera en mi silencio
¿Qué cosa fuera?
¿Qué cosa fuera la maza sin cantera?

If I didn't believe in what I do
If I didn't believe in my path
If I didn't believe in my sound
If I didn't believe in my silence
What would I be?
What would a hammer be without a quarry?

Silvio Rodríguez