Buzz
Through the efforts of dedicated scholars, iconic characters like Harry Potter, Winnie the Pooh, and Bilbo Baggins are now introducing children to the timeless language of Virgil.
1. HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER’S STONE // HARRIUS POTTER ET PHILOSOPHI LAPIS
The Harry Potter series, even in its original English form, is brimming with subtle Latin influences. J.K. Rowling pursued classical studies at the University of Exeter, a choice that initially puzzled her parents. “Among all the subjects in the world,” she remarked, “they likely couldn’t have imagined anything less practical than Greek mythology for achieving corporate success.”
In the world of Harry Potter, practitioners of magic have been utilizing and modernizing Latin for hundreds of years. As a result, many spells are rooted in Latin vocabulary: Nox, for instance, translates to night, and accio derives from the verb meaning “to summon.”
Given this connection, it was only fitting for the Harry Potter series to be translated into Latin. Peter Needham, who had earlier transformed Paddington Bear into Latin as Ursus Nomine Paddington, took on the task. “It’s the perfect retirement project for an old chap like me,” Needham, a retired Latin professor, commented in 2001.
Bloomsbury Publishing released his Latin rendition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 2003, with an ancient Greek version following suit. “We don’t expect these translations to top the charts,” editor Emma Matthewson remarked at the time, “but we believe they’ll make Latin and Greek studies far more enjoyable for students.”
Needham later translated Chamber of Secrets, finding the project thoroughly enjoyable. “The schools I taught at lacked such contemporary translations,” he shared with The Telegraph. “But I also think it’s a delightful item for curious minds—something you’d gift your dad for Christmas.”
2. WINNIE THE POOH // WINNIE ILLE PU
Upon its release in December 1960, Winnie Ille Pu received widespread acclaim from critics. “[It] generates more enthusiasm for Latin than Cicero, Caesar, and Virgil put together,” declared The Chicago Tribune. Lewis Nichols of The New York Times praised Winnie Ille Pu as “the most remarkable achievement in a dead language.”
Alexander Lenard, a doctor from eastern Europe who moved to Brazil, dedicated seven years to translating Winnie the Pooh. His efforts were immensely successful. Winnie Ille Pu became the first Latin book to appear on The New York Times bestseller list, maintaining its position for an impressive 20 weeks. The book’s earnings even allowed Lenard to buy a second home.
3. HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS //
QUOMODO INVIDIOSULUS NOMINE GRINCHUS CHRISTI NATALEM ABROGAVERIT
Amazon
Terence Tunberg once remarked, “Traditionally, studying Latin can be quite dull.” He and his wife, Jennifer, both Latin professors at the University of Kentucky’s classics and literature department, understand this well. Bolchazy-Carducci Publishing, Inc. presented them with a unique task: translate Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas into Latin.
Initially, the Tunbergs had their doubts. “We were concerned our peers might view our efforts as frivolous,” Jennifer shared with UK’s Odyssey magazine. However, they decided to proceed. Their 1998 translation of Grinch became a success, selling over 41,000 copies in just three years.
The Tunbergs, like all translators, occasionally had to think outside the box. The English translation of their title literally reads “How the little envious one named Grinch stole the birthday of Christ.”
4. THE HOBBIT // HOBBITUS ILLE
Author Mark Walker, a self-proclaimed “Tolkien enthusiast and devoted Latinist,” saw his translation of the Middle Earth classic, Hobbitus Ille, published by Harper Collins in 2012. In an interview with the Huffington Post, Walker explained the challenge of translating creature names: For instance, since there’s no direct Latin term for elves, he chose dryades, inspired by the forest nymphs of Roman mythology.
5. THE CAT IN THE HAT // CATTUS PETASATUS
Amazon
Following their success with How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the Tunbergs took on another Dr. Seuss classic. “We faced numerous challenges with The Cat in the Hat, which truly tested our creativity,” Terence explained. “This project demonstrates that Latin is far from obsolete. By adapting it to modern works, we’re contributing significantly to the field of original scholarship.”
6. WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE // UBI FERA SUNT
In 2015, Maurice Sendak’s iconic story was hailed by Time magazine as “the greatest children’s book ever written.” That same year, Bolchazy-Carducci Publishing, with the help of translator Richard A. LaFleur, a retired classics professor from the University of Georgia, released its first-ever Latin edition.
7. ALICE IN WONDERLAND // ALICIA IN TERRA MIRABILI
Amazon
Clive Carruthers, a classics professor, had a remarkable career at McGill University for 41 years. After retiring in 1961, he dedicated his time to translating Lewis Carroll’s works. His Latin version of Alice in Wonderland was published three years later, offering readers the chance to “experience it as Julius Caesar might have,” as noted on the original dust jacket. Carruthers later applied the same treatment to Through the Looking Glass [PDF], the sequel to Alice in Wonderland.
8. DIARY OF A WIMPY KID // COMMENTARII DE INEPTO PUERO
A Michigan native is passionate about revitalizing Latin. His translation of Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid, released last May, aims to modernize the language. Commentarii de Inepto Puero carefully adapts contemporary slang to reflect what the translator believes “[embodies] the essence of ancient Roman expression.”
“Translating exclamations like ‘Darn!’ was challenging,” he admitted. “You strive to find the closest possible equivalent.” He views his Latin adaptation of Wimpy Kid as a practical and engaging teaching resource for today’s youth. “It’s crucial for children to realize that Latin can still convey modern ideas,” he added.
9. THE GIVING TREE // ARBOR ALMA
Amazon
In 2002, Jennifer and Terrence Tunberg shifted their focus from Dr. Seuss to Shel Silverstein’s heartfelt tale, The Giving Tree, showcasing their linguistic expertise.
10. CHARLOTTE’S WEB // TELA CHARLOTTAE
In 1991, the beloved story of Wilbur the pig and his extraordinary spider friend received a Latin revival. Harper Collins commissioned Bernice L. Fox, a dedicated professor of English, Greek, and Latin at Monmouth College in Illinois from 1947 to 1981, to undertake the translation. Fox was a passionate advocate for classical education in schools. In 1985, Monmouth College established the Bernice L. Fox Classics Writing Contest, inviting high school students nationwide to explore topics like “What 12 labors would Hercules face today, and how would he accomplish them?” The winner receives a $250 prize.
