Post by Prof. Destiny Smith on Apr 25, 2009 23:22:39 GMT -6
Salamander XXX
The Salamander is born and lives in fire, and feeds on the flames. It lives only as long as the fire that produced it continues to burn, and can only survive outside fire for a short time (and then only if it is given pepper to eat). Salamander blood has powerful curative properties. Fred and George Weasley once tried to feed a Filibuster Firework to a Salamander to see what happened [COS8].
Sea Serpent XXX
These are huge sea-dwelling serpents, as their name would suggest. Despite their appearance they are not aggressive, and no records of human death due to a Sea Serpent attack exist. They can reach up to 100 feet in length, have a horse-like head and a long serpentine body [FB].
Selkie XXXX
A Scottish name for Merpeople [FB].
Shrake XXX
The Shrake is a spiny fish found in the Atlantic. It resists being caught by Muggles, as the spines easily tear any nets that they encounter. Legend states that the Shrake was created by irate wizard sailors who were insulted by a group of Muggle fishermen. Since then, no Muggles have been able to catch fish in the area, due to their nets being destroyed by Shrake [FB].
Siren XXXX
In Muggle mythology, the Sirens were female sea-gods who sang songs so beautiful that passing sailors could not bear to sail on, but instead headed for their island, thus wrecking their ship. It is said that Odysseus, who wanted to hear what the song of the Sirens sounded like, ordered his men to plug their own ears, but leave him tied to the mast so he could hear the song but not do anything about it. On hearing the song, he begged his crew to untie him, but they refused, and the ship sailed on.
The Sirens of the Harry Potter world are quite different, as in this case the name is merely the Greek term for Merpeople. The Sirens of Greece are the earliest Merpeople of which records exist [FB].
Slug (Flesh Eating)
Not a great deal is known about these, apart from the fact that Hagrid once had some difficulty with them eating the cabbages at Hogwarts, and had to go to Knockturn Alley to buy some repellent. This may just have been a cover story, however, as flesh-eating slugs are more likely to eat flesh than cabbages [COS4]. The Boggart in Professor Lupin's first DADA lesson turned into a Flesh-Eating Slug for one person [POA7].
Snake
This is another creature familiar to Muggles, as it is a common reptile found across the world. There are hundreds of varieties of snakes, many of which are venomous, although few have the ability to kill humans. The snake has nevertheless often been associated with evil and temptation in mythology, most famously in the traditional story of Adam and Eve from the Bible.
In the wizarding world, snakes may be conjured using a Serpensortia spell, or communicated with by anyone with the gift of speaking Parseltongue [COS11]. Snakes seem to have more to say for themselves than one might expect, if Harry's encounter with a Boa Constrictor at the zoo is anything to go by [PS/SS2]. Known magical snakes include the Ashwinder and the Runespoor. Voldemort's pet Nagini was also a Snake, although her species is unknown.
Snidget XXXX
The Snidget is spherical golden bird, which is an invention of JKR and acted as the forerunner of the Snitch in Quidditch. Early Seekers would attempt to catch a single Snidget, which was released in the playing arena and prevented from flying outside it by magical means. This practice, along with the fact that the species was hunted for its eyes and feathers, almost led to its extinction. It was therefore declared a protected species, and the Snitch (which exhibits identical flying behaviour) was developed by Bowman Wright of Godric's Hollow as a humane alternative [QA]. The Snidget has a long thin beak and red eyes. It can fly very fast, and change direction at high speeds [FB].
Sphinx XXXX
The Sphinx is a mythical creature with a human head but the body of a lion. It originated in ancient Egypt, and a large number of Sphinx statues survive to this day. The most famous of these is located at Giza, near modern-day Cairo. The Sphinx was later imported into Greek mythology, where the association with riddles began. Here, the Sphinx would challenge passers-by to answer her riddle, and would strangle anyone who could not answer. Her puzzle was finally solved by Oedipus, whereupon the Sphinx killed herself.
In the world of Harry Potter, the Sphinx is used by wizards to guard doorways and treasure, and can become aggressive when whatever it is guarding is threatened. The Sphinx has the power of speech, but usually converses only in riddles [FB].
A Sphinx was placed in the maze for the Third Task of the Triwizard Tournament. She set a riddle for the Champions, and moved aside when they had supplied the correct answer, which in this case was "spider" [GOF31].
Spider
A number of spiders occur in Muggle literature and folklore. The most notable of these are Anansi, a spider god from African mythology, and Shelob, the giant and malevolent spider from Lord of the Rings.
Aside from the Acromantula, a number of smaller spiders - although larger than standard Muggle spiders - exist in the wizarding world. Giant tarantulas can be bought from Knockturn Alley [COS4], and Lee Jordan had one on the Hogwarts Express in Harry's first year [PS/SS6]. Spiders the size of saucers infested the dresser in the dining room of 12 Grimmauld Place before the cleaning assault let by Mrs Weasley [OOTP6].
Sprite
This is a water-dwelling demon dangerous to humans. The female water Spite, also known as the Water Nymph, is often exceptionally beautiful and takes pleasure into luring human men into its lake or river and causing them to drown. Both male and female Sprites are dangerous, however, and so should be avoided. Harry was concerned that there might be Sprites in the lake of the Horcrux Cave. As it turned out, it was full of Inferi, which is probably worse [HBP26].
Squid
Squids are Muggle ocean-going creatures related to the Octopus. Unlike the Octopus, however, they have two tentacles in addition to their eight legs. The Giant Squid and Colossal Squid can also grow much larger than Octopuses do.
A Giant Squid inhabits the lake at Hogwarts. This is a most unusual animal, as Squid cannot normally survive in fresh water. It seems to be a docile and friendly creature as it lets the students pet it and even tickle its tentacles [PS/SS16]. On one occasion it went as far as to pull Dennis Creevey out of the water when he fell out of the boat on the way across the lake on his first journey to the school [GOF12].
Streeler XXX
This is a giant snail that leaves a trail behind it so venomous that it burns any vegetation it touches. The most remarkable thing about the Streeler is that it changes colour every hour. It is indigenous to Africa, and is sometimes kept as a pet because of its colour-changing ability [FB].
Tebo XXXX
This is an African warthog. When visible it is grey, but it has the power to make itself invisible which makes it very difficult to catch. Tebo hide is thus hard to come by, but can be used to make protective clothing [FB].
Thestral
The Thestral is an invention of JKR, although like the Abraxan it is a winged horse, and thus takes its inspiration from Pegasus in Greek mythology. Thestrals are black and skeletal in appearance, with protruding bones, leathery wings, blank white eyes and a dragonish face. They are visible only to those who have seen death [OOTP21]. Harry, Neville, Luna and Theodore Nott are known to be able to see them [OOTP10, OOTP21]. The creatures are carnivorous: Hagrid took a dead cow into the Forbidden Forest to attract them when he covered Thestrals in a Care of Magical Creatures class, and was confident that they'd pick up the smell of the meat. He also gave a cry like a monstrous bird to hurry them along, which also seemed to catch their attention [OOTP21].
Thestrals are traditionally associated with bad luck, although this is only a legend and is untrue, probably arising from their link with death. Hagrid believes he is the only wizard in Britain to have successfully trained a Thestral. He has, in fact, bred an entire herd and has given them names. His favourite is called Tenebrus [OOTP21].
Thestrals fly extremely fast, have an unerring sense of direction, and understand human speech. All that is required is for the rider to tell them where to go, and they will fly there at an exceptional pace. Despite their unnerving appearance and carnivorous nature, they are docile and have no objection to being ridden in this manner. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville and Luna used Thestrals to fly to the Ministry of Magic at the end of their fifth year [OOTP34].
Thestrals are also used to pull the carriages that the students take from the train station to Hogwarts at the start of each term [OOTP10]. Most of them have not witnessed death, and so to them it appears that the carriages are moving on their own. The Hogwarts Thestrals joined in the Battle of Hogwarts, helping to scatter the Death Eaters when Voldemort approached the castle to claim victory [DH36].
Toad
Toads are on the list of approved pets for Hogwarts students, although it is unclear whether anyone except Neville Longbottom has one [PS/SS5, PS/SS6]]. Owls and Cats are much more sought-after. Enormous purple toads can also be bought from Magical Menagerie [POA4].
Troll XXXX
Trolls originally come from Scandinavian folklore, and are usually depicted as large and aggressive creatures, just as they are in the Harry Potter books. This type of Troll is typified by the character in the story of the Three Billy Goats Gruff, who attempted to eat the goats but was very easily outwitted. Some legends cast Trolls as smaller, intelligent and even beautiful, but it is the former image that has made its way into modern culture. Sometimes Trolls turn to stone if they are exposed to sunlight. Trolls appear in The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, and a wide variety of modern roleplaying games, and it is always the large, brutish variety that is presented.
JKR's Trolls come in three varieties, defined by their favoured habitat: Mountain Trolls, Forest Trolls and River Trolls. The Mountain Troll is the largest and the most vicious of the three. All species, however, are huge (up to 12 feet in height), violent and stupid. They are also extremely smelly. They are, however, very strong and have been known to be trained as guardians. Trolls do not speak in a traditional human sense, but communicate with each other via a series of grunts. Some particularly intelligent Trolls have been taught a few simple human words, however, and these are probably the same ones that were trained to act as guardians. Trolls eat raw meat, and hunt anything at all including both animals and humans [FB].
Troll-hunting has been a popular sport in the past, although Pierre Bonaccord, the first Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, outlawed the practice. A particularly violent group of Mountain Trolls had been causing a lot of trouble in Liechtenstein, with the result that the wizards of that country opposed Bonaccord's appointment. He still got the job, however, and so we can also assume that he successfully granted Trolls the rights that he wanted to [OOTP31].
Quirinus Quirrell deliberately let a Mountain Troll into Hogwarts on Halloween in Harry's first year [PS/SS10]. His intention was to create a diversion so that he could check out what was guarding the Philosopher's Stone, but Snape figured out what was going on and headed him off [PS/SS17]. Harry and Ron locked it in the toilets before realising that Hermione was in there, whereupon they had to follow it in and take it on. They defeated it using a special mix of bravery and extreme luck [PS/SS10].
Quirrell had something of a way with Trolls, in fact. He chose a Troll as his obstacle to defend the Stone, as he knew full well that he could defeat it with little difficulty when the time came to try to steal the Stone. True to form, when Harry and Hermione followed him through the trapdoor, the Troll was unconscious [PS/SS16].
Security Trolls have been called into Hogwarts on at least one occasion, presumably at the request of Dumbledore, in order to protect the students from the threat of Sirius Black after he had been discovered in the Gryffindor common room holding a knife [POA14]. These particular Trolls must have been particularly well trained, as Dumbledore would not have let any creature into the school that was likely to eat the pupils. It was rumoured that Dolores Umbridge also hired a security troll to guard Harry's confiscated Firebolt [OOTP30], but this is more likely to be nothing more than a myth propagated amongst the students.
Percy Weasley claimed that Mr Crouch could speak Troll, but (as the twins pointed out) given that this just consists of grunting, perhaps isn't any great achievement [GOF7].
Umgubular Slashkilter
Some sort of (probably very vicious) magical creature that Luna Lovegood believes Cornelius Fudge used to protect himself during his time in office as the Minister of Magic [OOTP18].
Unicorn XXXX
The Unicorn is a pure white horse-like creature with a single horn on its brow. The first known mention of Unicorns comes from China in around 3000BC, where it went by the name Ki-Lin and was a sign of good fortune. The creatures was widely regarded as real for a very long time, and even appeared in some translations of the Bible, which only went to reinforce the belief. As such, the creature does not appear anywhere in ancient mythology: rather, it occurs in texts on genuine animals. Marco Polo even wrote of his encounter with a Unicorn, although the animal he actually described was a rhinoceros. It is unclear when it became common knowledge that Unicorns do not exist, but it must be relatively recently, as PT Barnum attempted to pass off a fake Unicorn skeleton as genuine as recently as the 19th century.
In the world of Harry potter, Unicorns are fast and shy, and are rarely seen. They inhabit the forests of Europe, and their horn, hair and blood are all highly magical [FB]. Unicorn foals are born gold. They turn silver at around 2 years of age, grow their horn at 4, and finally become white as they reach maturity at around 7 years [GOF26]. Unicorns of any age are happy to let human females approach them, although they are wary of males [GOF24]. The foals are happy enough to allow both sexes close to them [GOF26].
Harry's Care of Magical Creatures class studied Unicorns in some depth during their fourth year. Professor Grubbly-Plank started them off on this subject when Hagrid was incapacitated following Rita Skeeter's article about his Half-Giant heritage [GOF24]. When Hagrid returned, he dropped his lessons on Blast-Ended Skrewts and continued where Grubbly-Plank had left off [GOF26].
When Harry encountered Lord Voldemort in the Forbidden Forest during his first year, Firenze informed him that Unicorn blood is capable of keeping alive anyone who drinks it, even if they are on the verge of death. This magic comes at a heavy price, however: the Unicorn is a beautiful, gentle and defenceless creature, and to slay such a beast in order to save your own life taints the killer from the moment the blood touches their lips. From that point on, though the blood will keep them alive, their life will be cursed forever [PS/SS15].
Mr Ollivander believes that Unicorn tail hair is one of only three acceptable wand core materials [PS5], although other manufacturers use different cores. Ron [POA4], Neville [HBP7] and Cedric [GOF18] all have wands with Unicorn tail hair at the core [GOF36].
Vampire
Vampire legends exist across the world, but are most common in Slavic folklore. Vampires are traditionally created from a human being bitten by another Vampire: if the victim doesn't die, then they enter the realm of the undead. Various other circumstances are suggested as causing Vampirism in different legends, such as committing suicide or even having red hair, but these methods are not as well-known. Vampires need to drink human blood in order to survive, and thus prey on their victims in the night. They cannot venture outside during the day, as sunlight is fatal to them. Aside from exposing them to sunlight, the other main method of killing a Vampire is to drive a stake through its heart. Vampires were popularized in modern culture by Dram Stoker's book "Dracula", where the main character was based on Vlad III of Wallachia (also known as Vlad the Impaler and Vlad Dracula).
JKR's Vampires are considered to be Dark creatures. They are referenced in many books on Defence Against the Dark Arts, and covered in DADA classes [POA3]. Gilderoy Lockhart devoted one of his books - Voyages with Vampires - to this creature [COS4].
Vampires appear to originate from Europe, as every reference to them thus far has been associated with a European country. Quirinus Quirrell apparently ran into some Vampires in the Black Forest [PS/SS5], and there was also a rumour going around the school that he'd stuffed his classroom full of garlic in order to ward off a Vampire he was worried had followed him from Romania [PS/SS8]. Later, Hagrid had a disagreement with a vampire in a pub in Minsk (which is in Belarus) on his way to visit the Giants [OOTP20].
Vampires are regarded as non-wizard part humans [GOF10], and are classified as "beings" rather than "beasts" by the Ministry of Magic. This classification is seen as controversial in some quarters, however [FB].
Nevertheless, Horace Slughorn saw fit to invite the celebrated Vampire writer Eldred Worple and his Vampiric friend Sanguini to his Christmas party in 1996. Sanguini was relatively well behaved, although he did look a little over-interested in a group of young girls [HBP15].
Veela
JKR's Veela are based on the Vila of Slavic folklore. These are Nymphs who can appear in a variety of forms: swans, horses, and most famously, exceptionally beautiful women. It is said that anyone who hears the sound of a Vila's voice will lose interest in everything else, even eating and drinking, for days at a time. Vila can be malevolent or benign, and live in the clouds where they have power over rain and storms. They will often bring a storm down upon anyone who has displeased them, or indeed upon innocent bystanders.
In the Harry Potter books, Veela are closely related to their mythological equivalents. They are universally female, exceptionally beautiful, and can exert a strong grip over human males with their brand of sensual dancing. Any males watching will instantly be overcome with a desire to watch them and impress them with some great heroic feat. Even when they are not dancing, the Veela carries a certain aura that is deeply inspiring to men. The effect seems to wear off a little with age, as Arthur Weasley was able to resist the charm of the Veela's dance at the Quidditch World Cup, whereas Harry and Ron were about to leap on them [GOF8]. Later, while the Death Eaters were marching, there were 3 Veela in the forest, which Ron reacted to by yelling to them that he'd invented a broomstick that would reach Jupiter [GOF9].
It is likely that the Veela originates from Bulgaria, as they were chosen as the Bulgarian mascots for the Quidditch World Cup [GOF8]. Fleur Delacour's grandmother is a Veela [GOF18], which could mean that they have spread from Bulgaria, and into France at least. Having said that, there's also no reason why Fleur's grandmother couldn't be Bulgarian.
The Veela showed their ugly side when they were taunted by the Irish mascots - Leprechauns - at the World Cup final. When angry, the Veela changes shape, developing sharp, cruel beaks on birdlike faces, and long scaly wings [GOF8].
Werewolf XXXXX
The Werewolf, like many of JKR's magical creatures, originates from Greek mythology. The first Werewolf was Lycaon, the King of Arcadia, and it is after him that the condition of "lycanthropy" is named. Lycaon was a cruel king, and attempted to procure Zeus' favour by making an offering of the flesh of a child. Zeus was much displeased and turned Lycaon into a wolf. Werewolf legends spread from Greece across the whole of Europe, although they rarely, if ever, involved the full moon or the bite of the Werewolf at this stage. Instead, people either became Werewolves deliberately whenever they wanted to, carrying out rituals to achieve the effect, or were sometimes cursed into the state. Likewise, the story that a silver bullet was required to kill a Werewolf didn't surface until relatively modern times. As in the case of the Unicorn, the Werewolf was believed to be a real animal until the 1600s, and many people were actually tried for the crime of being one.
JKR's Werewolves follow the modern tradition and thus in the Harry Potter books, lycanthopy is contracted via the bite of another Werewolf. Anyone who has this disease will be normal for the majority of the time. At each full moon, however, they will transform into a ravenous psychopathic wolf-maniac that actively seeks out humans to kill. When the full moon has passed, the affected person returns to normal [FB]. Development of the Wolfsbane potion has relieved the suffering of those with lycanthropy: when taking this as a medicine, sufferers are transformed only into a harmless normal wolf at full moon rather than a Werewolf [POA18]. The Wolfsbane Potion was invented relatively recently by Damocles Belby, the uncle of Hogwarts student Marcus Belby [HBP7].
The Werewolf (in its transformed state) differs from the normal wolf in a number of ways. Its snout is differently shaped, the pupils of the eyes differ, and it has a tufted tail. There are two further differences that have not yet been revealed [OOTP28]. Snape deliberately taught Harry's class about Werewolves instead of their scheduled topic when he took over one of Lupin's DADA classes, in the hope that some of them might realise that Remus was a Werewolf himself [POA9].
The transformed Werewolf seeks humans to attack. Most of those savaged by a Werewolf will be killed in the process [POA14]. Those that survive have contracted lycanthropy and become Werewolves themselves. Of the two Werewolves currently named - Remus Lupin and Fenrir Greyback - Remus was actually infected by Fenrir in a revenge attack after Remus' father had offended Greyback [HBP16]. This is typical behaviour for Greyback, however, as he sees it as his mission to create a vast army of Werewolves in order to challenge the supremacy of normal people [HBP16].
The Ministry of Magic has always been a little bit confused about what to do with Werewolves. They have been shunted between being defined as "beasts" and "beings" on several occasions [FB]. There is currently some very restrictive anti-Werewolf legislation in place, which makes it virtually impossible for Lupin to get a job [OOTP18]. To be fair to the Ministry, with people like Greyback out there, this legislation is undoubtedly necessary.
Gilderoy Lockhart claimed to have defeated the Wagga Wagga Werewolf [COS10], although of course he didn't. His version of events included the use of the Homophus Charm, which he said turned the Werewolf back into human form. The Homorphus Charm may well be a real piece of magic (albeit way beyond Lockhart's feeble capabilities to perform). If this is true, the charm will only transform the Werewolf into its human state for a short period of time. It cannot do so permanently as it is known that there is no cure for lycanthropy [FB].
Winged Horse XX-XXXX
There are various species of Winged Horses: Abraxans, Aethonans, Granians and Thestrals. Each is referred to separately.
Wood Nymph
Nymphs are nature spirits, usually depicted as young and attractive fairy folk. Different Nymphs exist for different elements of nature, and include Water Nymphs, Meadow Nymphs, Garden Nymphs and Wood Nymphs.
JKR's Wood Nymphs are small, but able to speak and to sing, and they are apparently happy to interact with wizards and indeed do as they are told. According to Fleur Delacour, they are used amongst the Christmas decorations at Beauxbatons, where they sing to the students [GOF23].
Wrackspurt
This is an invisible insect that floats into their victim's head through their ear and makes their brain go fuzzy. Like many things in life, it is likely that it does not exist except in the imagination of Luna Lovegood. When Harry was daydreaming on the Hogwarts Express at the start of his 6th year, Luna was sure that a Wrackspurt had got him [HBP7].
Yeti XXXX
This is most likely a relative of the troll, native to mountainous regions of Tibet. The Yeti can grow up to 15 feet in height and is covered in white hair. It will attack and attempt to eat any animal or human it can find. The best way to defend yourself from a Yeti is to summon fire, as this is the one thing that they fear. An International Task Force has been sent to Tibet by the International Confederation of Wizards in order to keep the increasing number of Muggle sightings of the creature under control. The Yeti is also known as the Abominable Snowman and Bigfoot [FB].
Gilderoy Lockhart wrote about this creature in his book Year With the Yeti [COS4]. Once Lockhart had taken to acting out scenes from his books in DADA classes, on one occasion he made Harry impersonate a Yeti with a head cold [COS10].
Zombie
The notion of the Zombie originated in the Caribbean, and arises from the Voodoo religion. In this, a Zombie is someone who has had their soul removed by magical means. This removes their free will, and they are then set to work as slaves for a Zombie master. This definition of a Zombie is very much akin to a victim of the Dementor's Kiss. In modern times, Zombies have been portrayed in horror films as reanimated dead bodies, much more like JKR's Inferi. As Inferi are deemed to be different to Zombies in the Harry Potter world, it is assumed that JKR's Zombies are along the lines of the Voodoo version.
Professor Quirrell claimed that he'd been given his turban by an African prince as a thank-you present for seeing off a particularly troublesome Zombie, although he hadn't done anything of the sort, of course [PS/SS8]. He was really wearing it to hide the fact that Lord Voldemort was hiding in the back of his head [PS/SS17].
The Salamander is born and lives in fire, and feeds on the flames. It lives only as long as the fire that produced it continues to burn, and can only survive outside fire for a short time (and then only if it is given pepper to eat). Salamander blood has powerful curative properties. Fred and George Weasley once tried to feed a Filibuster Firework to a Salamander to see what happened [COS8].
Sea Serpent XXX
These are huge sea-dwelling serpents, as their name would suggest. Despite their appearance they are not aggressive, and no records of human death due to a Sea Serpent attack exist. They can reach up to 100 feet in length, have a horse-like head and a long serpentine body [FB].
Selkie XXXX
A Scottish name for Merpeople [FB].
Shrake XXX
The Shrake is a spiny fish found in the Atlantic. It resists being caught by Muggles, as the spines easily tear any nets that they encounter. Legend states that the Shrake was created by irate wizard sailors who were insulted by a group of Muggle fishermen. Since then, no Muggles have been able to catch fish in the area, due to their nets being destroyed by Shrake [FB].
Siren XXXX
In Muggle mythology, the Sirens were female sea-gods who sang songs so beautiful that passing sailors could not bear to sail on, but instead headed for their island, thus wrecking their ship. It is said that Odysseus, who wanted to hear what the song of the Sirens sounded like, ordered his men to plug their own ears, but leave him tied to the mast so he could hear the song but not do anything about it. On hearing the song, he begged his crew to untie him, but they refused, and the ship sailed on.
The Sirens of the Harry Potter world are quite different, as in this case the name is merely the Greek term for Merpeople. The Sirens of Greece are the earliest Merpeople of which records exist [FB].
Slug (Flesh Eating)
Not a great deal is known about these, apart from the fact that Hagrid once had some difficulty with them eating the cabbages at Hogwarts, and had to go to Knockturn Alley to buy some repellent. This may just have been a cover story, however, as flesh-eating slugs are more likely to eat flesh than cabbages [COS4]. The Boggart in Professor Lupin's first DADA lesson turned into a Flesh-Eating Slug for one person [POA7].
Snake
This is another creature familiar to Muggles, as it is a common reptile found across the world. There are hundreds of varieties of snakes, many of which are venomous, although few have the ability to kill humans. The snake has nevertheless often been associated with evil and temptation in mythology, most famously in the traditional story of Adam and Eve from the Bible.
In the wizarding world, snakes may be conjured using a Serpensortia spell, or communicated with by anyone with the gift of speaking Parseltongue [COS11]. Snakes seem to have more to say for themselves than one might expect, if Harry's encounter with a Boa Constrictor at the zoo is anything to go by [PS/SS2]. Known magical snakes include the Ashwinder and the Runespoor. Voldemort's pet Nagini was also a Snake, although her species is unknown.
Snidget XXXX
The Snidget is spherical golden bird, which is an invention of JKR and acted as the forerunner of the Snitch in Quidditch. Early Seekers would attempt to catch a single Snidget, which was released in the playing arena and prevented from flying outside it by magical means. This practice, along with the fact that the species was hunted for its eyes and feathers, almost led to its extinction. It was therefore declared a protected species, and the Snitch (which exhibits identical flying behaviour) was developed by Bowman Wright of Godric's Hollow as a humane alternative [QA]. The Snidget has a long thin beak and red eyes. It can fly very fast, and change direction at high speeds [FB].
Sphinx XXXX
The Sphinx is a mythical creature with a human head but the body of a lion. It originated in ancient Egypt, and a large number of Sphinx statues survive to this day. The most famous of these is located at Giza, near modern-day Cairo. The Sphinx was later imported into Greek mythology, where the association with riddles began. Here, the Sphinx would challenge passers-by to answer her riddle, and would strangle anyone who could not answer. Her puzzle was finally solved by Oedipus, whereupon the Sphinx killed herself.
In the world of Harry Potter, the Sphinx is used by wizards to guard doorways and treasure, and can become aggressive when whatever it is guarding is threatened. The Sphinx has the power of speech, but usually converses only in riddles [FB].
A Sphinx was placed in the maze for the Third Task of the Triwizard Tournament. She set a riddle for the Champions, and moved aside when they had supplied the correct answer, which in this case was "spider" [GOF31].
Spider
A number of spiders occur in Muggle literature and folklore. The most notable of these are Anansi, a spider god from African mythology, and Shelob, the giant and malevolent spider from Lord of the Rings.
Aside from the Acromantula, a number of smaller spiders - although larger than standard Muggle spiders - exist in the wizarding world. Giant tarantulas can be bought from Knockturn Alley [COS4], and Lee Jordan had one on the Hogwarts Express in Harry's first year [PS/SS6]. Spiders the size of saucers infested the dresser in the dining room of 12 Grimmauld Place before the cleaning assault let by Mrs Weasley [OOTP6].
Sprite
This is a water-dwelling demon dangerous to humans. The female water Spite, also known as the Water Nymph, is often exceptionally beautiful and takes pleasure into luring human men into its lake or river and causing them to drown. Both male and female Sprites are dangerous, however, and so should be avoided. Harry was concerned that there might be Sprites in the lake of the Horcrux Cave. As it turned out, it was full of Inferi, which is probably worse [HBP26].
Squid
Squids are Muggle ocean-going creatures related to the Octopus. Unlike the Octopus, however, they have two tentacles in addition to their eight legs. The Giant Squid and Colossal Squid can also grow much larger than Octopuses do.
A Giant Squid inhabits the lake at Hogwarts. This is a most unusual animal, as Squid cannot normally survive in fresh water. It seems to be a docile and friendly creature as it lets the students pet it and even tickle its tentacles [PS/SS16]. On one occasion it went as far as to pull Dennis Creevey out of the water when he fell out of the boat on the way across the lake on his first journey to the school [GOF12].
Streeler XXX
This is a giant snail that leaves a trail behind it so venomous that it burns any vegetation it touches. The most remarkable thing about the Streeler is that it changes colour every hour. It is indigenous to Africa, and is sometimes kept as a pet because of its colour-changing ability [FB].
Tebo XXXX
This is an African warthog. When visible it is grey, but it has the power to make itself invisible which makes it very difficult to catch. Tebo hide is thus hard to come by, but can be used to make protective clothing [FB].
Thestral
The Thestral is an invention of JKR, although like the Abraxan it is a winged horse, and thus takes its inspiration from Pegasus in Greek mythology. Thestrals are black and skeletal in appearance, with protruding bones, leathery wings, blank white eyes and a dragonish face. They are visible only to those who have seen death [OOTP21]. Harry, Neville, Luna and Theodore Nott are known to be able to see them [OOTP10, OOTP21]. The creatures are carnivorous: Hagrid took a dead cow into the Forbidden Forest to attract them when he covered Thestrals in a Care of Magical Creatures class, and was confident that they'd pick up the smell of the meat. He also gave a cry like a monstrous bird to hurry them along, which also seemed to catch their attention [OOTP21].
Thestrals are traditionally associated with bad luck, although this is only a legend and is untrue, probably arising from their link with death. Hagrid believes he is the only wizard in Britain to have successfully trained a Thestral. He has, in fact, bred an entire herd and has given them names. His favourite is called Tenebrus [OOTP21].
Thestrals fly extremely fast, have an unerring sense of direction, and understand human speech. All that is required is for the rider to tell them where to go, and they will fly there at an exceptional pace. Despite their unnerving appearance and carnivorous nature, they are docile and have no objection to being ridden in this manner. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville and Luna used Thestrals to fly to the Ministry of Magic at the end of their fifth year [OOTP34].
Thestrals are also used to pull the carriages that the students take from the train station to Hogwarts at the start of each term [OOTP10]. Most of them have not witnessed death, and so to them it appears that the carriages are moving on their own. The Hogwarts Thestrals joined in the Battle of Hogwarts, helping to scatter the Death Eaters when Voldemort approached the castle to claim victory [DH36].
Toad
Toads are on the list of approved pets for Hogwarts students, although it is unclear whether anyone except Neville Longbottom has one [PS/SS5, PS/SS6]]. Owls and Cats are much more sought-after. Enormous purple toads can also be bought from Magical Menagerie [POA4].
Troll XXXX
Trolls originally come from Scandinavian folklore, and are usually depicted as large and aggressive creatures, just as they are in the Harry Potter books. This type of Troll is typified by the character in the story of the Three Billy Goats Gruff, who attempted to eat the goats but was very easily outwitted. Some legends cast Trolls as smaller, intelligent and even beautiful, but it is the former image that has made its way into modern culture. Sometimes Trolls turn to stone if they are exposed to sunlight. Trolls appear in The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, and a wide variety of modern roleplaying games, and it is always the large, brutish variety that is presented.
JKR's Trolls come in three varieties, defined by their favoured habitat: Mountain Trolls, Forest Trolls and River Trolls. The Mountain Troll is the largest and the most vicious of the three. All species, however, are huge (up to 12 feet in height), violent and stupid. They are also extremely smelly. They are, however, very strong and have been known to be trained as guardians. Trolls do not speak in a traditional human sense, but communicate with each other via a series of grunts. Some particularly intelligent Trolls have been taught a few simple human words, however, and these are probably the same ones that were trained to act as guardians. Trolls eat raw meat, and hunt anything at all including both animals and humans [FB].
Troll-hunting has been a popular sport in the past, although Pierre Bonaccord, the first Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, outlawed the practice. A particularly violent group of Mountain Trolls had been causing a lot of trouble in Liechtenstein, with the result that the wizards of that country opposed Bonaccord's appointment. He still got the job, however, and so we can also assume that he successfully granted Trolls the rights that he wanted to [OOTP31].
Quirinus Quirrell deliberately let a Mountain Troll into Hogwarts on Halloween in Harry's first year [PS/SS10]. His intention was to create a diversion so that he could check out what was guarding the Philosopher's Stone, but Snape figured out what was going on and headed him off [PS/SS17]. Harry and Ron locked it in the toilets before realising that Hermione was in there, whereupon they had to follow it in and take it on. They defeated it using a special mix of bravery and extreme luck [PS/SS10].
Quirrell had something of a way with Trolls, in fact. He chose a Troll as his obstacle to defend the Stone, as he knew full well that he could defeat it with little difficulty when the time came to try to steal the Stone. True to form, when Harry and Hermione followed him through the trapdoor, the Troll was unconscious [PS/SS16].
Security Trolls have been called into Hogwarts on at least one occasion, presumably at the request of Dumbledore, in order to protect the students from the threat of Sirius Black after he had been discovered in the Gryffindor common room holding a knife [POA14]. These particular Trolls must have been particularly well trained, as Dumbledore would not have let any creature into the school that was likely to eat the pupils. It was rumoured that Dolores Umbridge also hired a security troll to guard Harry's confiscated Firebolt [OOTP30], but this is more likely to be nothing more than a myth propagated amongst the students.
Percy Weasley claimed that Mr Crouch could speak Troll, but (as the twins pointed out) given that this just consists of grunting, perhaps isn't any great achievement [GOF7].
Umgubular Slashkilter
Some sort of (probably very vicious) magical creature that Luna Lovegood believes Cornelius Fudge used to protect himself during his time in office as the Minister of Magic [OOTP18].
Unicorn XXXX
The Unicorn is a pure white horse-like creature with a single horn on its brow. The first known mention of Unicorns comes from China in around 3000BC, where it went by the name Ki-Lin and was a sign of good fortune. The creatures was widely regarded as real for a very long time, and even appeared in some translations of the Bible, which only went to reinforce the belief. As such, the creature does not appear anywhere in ancient mythology: rather, it occurs in texts on genuine animals. Marco Polo even wrote of his encounter with a Unicorn, although the animal he actually described was a rhinoceros. It is unclear when it became common knowledge that Unicorns do not exist, but it must be relatively recently, as PT Barnum attempted to pass off a fake Unicorn skeleton as genuine as recently as the 19th century.
In the world of Harry potter, Unicorns are fast and shy, and are rarely seen. They inhabit the forests of Europe, and their horn, hair and blood are all highly magical [FB]. Unicorn foals are born gold. They turn silver at around 2 years of age, grow their horn at 4, and finally become white as they reach maturity at around 7 years [GOF26]. Unicorns of any age are happy to let human females approach them, although they are wary of males [GOF24]. The foals are happy enough to allow both sexes close to them [GOF26].
Harry's Care of Magical Creatures class studied Unicorns in some depth during their fourth year. Professor Grubbly-Plank started them off on this subject when Hagrid was incapacitated following Rita Skeeter's article about his Half-Giant heritage [GOF24]. When Hagrid returned, he dropped his lessons on Blast-Ended Skrewts and continued where Grubbly-Plank had left off [GOF26].
When Harry encountered Lord Voldemort in the Forbidden Forest during his first year, Firenze informed him that Unicorn blood is capable of keeping alive anyone who drinks it, even if they are on the verge of death. This magic comes at a heavy price, however: the Unicorn is a beautiful, gentle and defenceless creature, and to slay such a beast in order to save your own life taints the killer from the moment the blood touches their lips. From that point on, though the blood will keep them alive, their life will be cursed forever [PS/SS15].
Mr Ollivander believes that Unicorn tail hair is one of only three acceptable wand core materials [PS5], although other manufacturers use different cores. Ron [POA4], Neville [HBP7] and Cedric [GOF18] all have wands with Unicorn tail hair at the core [GOF36].
Vampire
Vampire legends exist across the world, but are most common in Slavic folklore. Vampires are traditionally created from a human being bitten by another Vampire: if the victim doesn't die, then they enter the realm of the undead. Various other circumstances are suggested as causing Vampirism in different legends, such as committing suicide or even having red hair, but these methods are not as well-known. Vampires need to drink human blood in order to survive, and thus prey on their victims in the night. They cannot venture outside during the day, as sunlight is fatal to them. Aside from exposing them to sunlight, the other main method of killing a Vampire is to drive a stake through its heart. Vampires were popularized in modern culture by Dram Stoker's book "Dracula", where the main character was based on Vlad III of Wallachia (also known as Vlad the Impaler and Vlad Dracula).
JKR's Vampires are considered to be Dark creatures. They are referenced in many books on Defence Against the Dark Arts, and covered in DADA classes [POA3]. Gilderoy Lockhart devoted one of his books - Voyages with Vampires - to this creature [COS4].
Vampires appear to originate from Europe, as every reference to them thus far has been associated with a European country. Quirinus Quirrell apparently ran into some Vampires in the Black Forest [PS/SS5], and there was also a rumour going around the school that he'd stuffed his classroom full of garlic in order to ward off a Vampire he was worried had followed him from Romania [PS/SS8]. Later, Hagrid had a disagreement with a vampire in a pub in Minsk (which is in Belarus) on his way to visit the Giants [OOTP20].
Vampires are regarded as non-wizard part humans [GOF10], and are classified as "beings" rather than "beasts" by the Ministry of Magic. This classification is seen as controversial in some quarters, however [FB].
Nevertheless, Horace Slughorn saw fit to invite the celebrated Vampire writer Eldred Worple and his Vampiric friend Sanguini to his Christmas party in 1996. Sanguini was relatively well behaved, although he did look a little over-interested in a group of young girls [HBP15].
Veela
JKR's Veela are based on the Vila of Slavic folklore. These are Nymphs who can appear in a variety of forms: swans, horses, and most famously, exceptionally beautiful women. It is said that anyone who hears the sound of a Vila's voice will lose interest in everything else, even eating and drinking, for days at a time. Vila can be malevolent or benign, and live in the clouds where they have power over rain and storms. They will often bring a storm down upon anyone who has displeased them, or indeed upon innocent bystanders.
In the Harry Potter books, Veela are closely related to their mythological equivalents. They are universally female, exceptionally beautiful, and can exert a strong grip over human males with their brand of sensual dancing. Any males watching will instantly be overcome with a desire to watch them and impress them with some great heroic feat. Even when they are not dancing, the Veela carries a certain aura that is deeply inspiring to men. The effect seems to wear off a little with age, as Arthur Weasley was able to resist the charm of the Veela's dance at the Quidditch World Cup, whereas Harry and Ron were about to leap on them [GOF8]. Later, while the Death Eaters were marching, there were 3 Veela in the forest, which Ron reacted to by yelling to them that he'd invented a broomstick that would reach Jupiter [GOF9].
It is likely that the Veela originates from Bulgaria, as they were chosen as the Bulgarian mascots for the Quidditch World Cup [GOF8]. Fleur Delacour's grandmother is a Veela [GOF18], which could mean that they have spread from Bulgaria, and into France at least. Having said that, there's also no reason why Fleur's grandmother couldn't be Bulgarian.
The Veela showed their ugly side when they were taunted by the Irish mascots - Leprechauns - at the World Cup final. When angry, the Veela changes shape, developing sharp, cruel beaks on birdlike faces, and long scaly wings [GOF8].
Werewolf XXXXX
The Werewolf, like many of JKR's magical creatures, originates from Greek mythology. The first Werewolf was Lycaon, the King of Arcadia, and it is after him that the condition of "lycanthropy" is named. Lycaon was a cruel king, and attempted to procure Zeus' favour by making an offering of the flesh of a child. Zeus was much displeased and turned Lycaon into a wolf. Werewolf legends spread from Greece across the whole of Europe, although they rarely, if ever, involved the full moon or the bite of the Werewolf at this stage. Instead, people either became Werewolves deliberately whenever they wanted to, carrying out rituals to achieve the effect, or were sometimes cursed into the state. Likewise, the story that a silver bullet was required to kill a Werewolf didn't surface until relatively modern times. As in the case of the Unicorn, the Werewolf was believed to be a real animal until the 1600s, and many people were actually tried for the crime of being one.
JKR's Werewolves follow the modern tradition and thus in the Harry Potter books, lycanthopy is contracted via the bite of another Werewolf. Anyone who has this disease will be normal for the majority of the time. At each full moon, however, they will transform into a ravenous psychopathic wolf-maniac that actively seeks out humans to kill. When the full moon has passed, the affected person returns to normal [FB]. Development of the Wolfsbane potion has relieved the suffering of those with lycanthropy: when taking this as a medicine, sufferers are transformed only into a harmless normal wolf at full moon rather than a Werewolf [POA18]. The Wolfsbane Potion was invented relatively recently by Damocles Belby, the uncle of Hogwarts student Marcus Belby [HBP7].
The Werewolf (in its transformed state) differs from the normal wolf in a number of ways. Its snout is differently shaped, the pupils of the eyes differ, and it has a tufted tail. There are two further differences that have not yet been revealed [OOTP28]. Snape deliberately taught Harry's class about Werewolves instead of their scheduled topic when he took over one of Lupin's DADA classes, in the hope that some of them might realise that Remus was a Werewolf himself [POA9].
The transformed Werewolf seeks humans to attack. Most of those savaged by a Werewolf will be killed in the process [POA14]. Those that survive have contracted lycanthropy and become Werewolves themselves. Of the two Werewolves currently named - Remus Lupin and Fenrir Greyback - Remus was actually infected by Fenrir in a revenge attack after Remus' father had offended Greyback [HBP16]. This is typical behaviour for Greyback, however, as he sees it as his mission to create a vast army of Werewolves in order to challenge the supremacy of normal people [HBP16].
The Ministry of Magic has always been a little bit confused about what to do with Werewolves. They have been shunted between being defined as "beasts" and "beings" on several occasions [FB]. There is currently some very restrictive anti-Werewolf legislation in place, which makes it virtually impossible for Lupin to get a job [OOTP18]. To be fair to the Ministry, with people like Greyback out there, this legislation is undoubtedly necessary.
Gilderoy Lockhart claimed to have defeated the Wagga Wagga Werewolf [COS10], although of course he didn't. His version of events included the use of the Homophus Charm, which he said turned the Werewolf back into human form. The Homorphus Charm may well be a real piece of magic (albeit way beyond Lockhart's feeble capabilities to perform). If this is true, the charm will only transform the Werewolf into its human state for a short period of time. It cannot do so permanently as it is known that there is no cure for lycanthropy [FB].
Winged Horse XX-XXXX
There are various species of Winged Horses: Abraxans, Aethonans, Granians and Thestrals. Each is referred to separately.
Wood Nymph
Nymphs are nature spirits, usually depicted as young and attractive fairy folk. Different Nymphs exist for different elements of nature, and include Water Nymphs, Meadow Nymphs, Garden Nymphs and Wood Nymphs.
JKR's Wood Nymphs are small, but able to speak and to sing, and they are apparently happy to interact with wizards and indeed do as they are told. According to Fleur Delacour, they are used amongst the Christmas decorations at Beauxbatons, where they sing to the students [GOF23].
Wrackspurt
This is an invisible insect that floats into their victim's head through their ear and makes their brain go fuzzy. Like many things in life, it is likely that it does not exist except in the imagination of Luna Lovegood. When Harry was daydreaming on the Hogwarts Express at the start of his 6th year, Luna was sure that a Wrackspurt had got him [HBP7].
Yeti XXXX
This is most likely a relative of the troll, native to mountainous regions of Tibet. The Yeti can grow up to 15 feet in height and is covered in white hair. It will attack and attempt to eat any animal or human it can find. The best way to defend yourself from a Yeti is to summon fire, as this is the one thing that they fear. An International Task Force has been sent to Tibet by the International Confederation of Wizards in order to keep the increasing number of Muggle sightings of the creature under control. The Yeti is also known as the Abominable Snowman and Bigfoot [FB].
Gilderoy Lockhart wrote about this creature in his book Year With the Yeti [COS4]. Once Lockhart had taken to acting out scenes from his books in DADA classes, on one occasion he made Harry impersonate a Yeti with a head cold [COS10].
Zombie
The notion of the Zombie originated in the Caribbean, and arises from the Voodoo religion. In this, a Zombie is someone who has had their soul removed by magical means. This removes their free will, and they are then set to work as slaves for a Zombie master. This definition of a Zombie is very much akin to a victim of the Dementor's Kiss. In modern times, Zombies have been portrayed in horror films as reanimated dead bodies, much more like JKR's Inferi. As Inferi are deemed to be different to Zombies in the Harry Potter world, it is assumed that JKR's Zombies are along the lines of the Voodoo version.
Professor Quirrell claimed that he'd been given his turban by an African prince as a thank-you present for seeing off a particularly troublesome Zombie, although he hadn't done anything of the sort, of course [PS/SS8]. He was really wearing it to hide the fact that Lord Voldemort was hiding in the back of his head [PS/SS17].