7 things J.K. Rowling just revealed about wizards in her new story

Pottermore

On Monday, J.K. Rowling announced that she is releasing a four-part series on her "Harry Potter" fan site, Pottermore, detailing the history of witches and wizards in North America.

The first story dropped on Tuesday and gives us insights into what magical life was like between the 14th and 17th centuries. From the origins of wizarding and No-Maj — American muggles — communities to a Native American legend with a magical twist, Rowling's story offers plenty of new information about what life was like hundreds of years before Harry Potter and his pals boarded the Hogwarts Express for the first time.

Here are seven things J.K. Rowling just revealed about the history of magic in America:

Wizards discovered America well before their muggle — or No-Maj, if you're an American — counterparts, thanks to magical transportation options like brooms and apparitions.

When European muggles began migrating to North America in the 17th century, the Native American wizarding tradition was already established.

The earliest Native American wizards practiced magic with their hands. Wands were a European invention introduced later.

Today, only the most powerful wizards are able to conjure magic with their hands.

Wizards who can change themselves into an animal, or Animagi, have their earliest roots in Native American lore. Back then, these wizards were known as "skinwalkers."

For more on the history of the Navajo skinwalkers, head here.

Legend has it that wizards can become Animagi by murdering a family member. In reality, many Animagi developed their transformative powers as a way to hide from people who might harm them.

Finally, Native American wizards had some seriously impressive skills when it came to animal and plant magic. Their potions were much more advanced than those of European wizards of the time.