Mount Etna

• 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.

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).

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.

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.