======Mount Etna======
=====Location Information=====
  * **Type:** [[Volcano]]
  * **Location:** [[Sicily]], [[Italy]]
  * **Owner/Residents:** A [[hag]] is known to have resided here.
  * **Key Features:** Active stratovolcano, a known habitat for dangerous magical creatures.
=====Description and History=====
Mount Etna is a famous active [[volcano]] located on the island of [[Sicily]] in [[Italy]]. Within the wizarding world, its reputation is primarily tied to being a perilous location inhabited by dark creatures.
In non-magical Greek mythology, Mount Etna was believed to be the site of the forges of [[Hephaestus]], the god of fire and craftsmanship. The wizarding world recognizes [[Hephaestus]] as a notable historical figure, specifically a famous [[metal-charmer]] and [[wandmaker]] whose likeness appears on a [[Chocolate Frog Card]] (Pottermore).
=====Role in the Story=====
While Mount Etna is not mentioned by name in the original seven novels, its significance is connected to the backstory of Professor [[Quirinus Quirrell]].
Before teaching [[Defence Against the Dark Arts]] in [[Harry Potter]]'s first year, [[Quirrell]] took a year off from [[Hogwarts]] to gain practical experience. During these travels, he had an encounter that [[Rubeus Hagrid]] referred to as a "nasty bit o' trouble with a [[hag]]". This event was said to be a turning point, leaving [[Quirrell]] deeply traumatized and with a permanent stutter. Supplementary materials later confirmed that this formative, terrifying encounter with the [[hag]] occurred specifically at Mount Etna (Pottermore).
This incident was a key part of [[Quirrell]]'s unfortunate journey, which ultimately led him to a forest in [[Albania]], where he encountered the disembodied spirit of [[Lord Voldemort]] and became his host.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
The connection between Professor [[Quirrell]]'s traumatic encounter with a [[hag]] and the location of Mount Etna was first established in an original writing by [[J.K. Rowling]] published on the Pottermore website. The original book, //Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone//, mentions the incident but does not specify the location.