Post by Prof. Destiny Smith on Apr 25, 2009 23:24:09 GMT -6
Gernumbli Gardensi XX
This, according to Xenophilius Lovegood at least, is the correct name for the common garden Gnome [DH8]. See "Gnome".
Ghoul XX
The Ghoul is a creature originally from Arabic folklore. It is humanoid in appearance and is famous for the fact that it robs graves and eats the dead. This habit has led to the appearance of such creatures in a number of horror films. Adjectives such as "ghoulish" have also made their way into the English language to describe those who carry out unpleasant acts or harbour an obsession with the morbid.
Despite all of this, the Harry Potter version of the Ghoul is a virtually harmless (if rather ugly) creature. It resembles a slimy ogre and inhabits attics and barns, eating spiders and moths. It has a tendency to make moaning noises and throw objects around, but that is the limit of its menace. A Ghoul lives in the attic of The Burrow, right above Ron's bedroom [COS4]. It seems to be a fairly compliant creature, as it apparently needed little persuading to impersonate a spattergroit-infected Ron when Ron left to help Harry with his Horcrux quest, and even nodded enthusiastically when the subject was raised in conversation [DH6].
Giant
Giants can be found in the folklore and mythology of a large number of different cultures across the world. The name comes from Greek legend, where the Gigantes were a race descended from the goddess Gaia, who later rose up and fought against the gods. This is typical of Giant behaviour in most mythologies - they are usually depicted as violent and antagonistic, and are almost invariably cast as an enemy of the hero of whatever tale they appear in. The biblical story of David and Goliath is a typical example, where the heroic underdog David takes on and defeats his uncouth opponent.
The Giants of the Harry Potter world are depicted in a similar manner. They are a large humanoid race - basically humans that can grow to a height of over 20 feet [GOF24]. They are now much reduced in numbers: at one time there were over 100 tribes across the world. Giants now number only 70-80 in total and hide out in Eastern European mountain ranges [OOTP20]. There are two reasons for this decline: firstly, the Giants' support for Voldemort caused many to be killed by Aurors. Secondly, their violent nature leads them to frequent internal battles, which are often fatal. Giants have an organised society of sorts (albeit within a system based on violence) with a recognised leader called the Gurg. They also speak human languages (dependent on their country of origin), although very few speak any English. In general, Giants are distrustful and usually violent towards humans, and in particular wizards, due to their fear of magic [OOTP20]. There have been occasional occurrences of inter-breeding between humans and Giants, however. Rubeus Hagrid and Olympe Maxime are both half-giants, although the numbers of any other half-giants are unknown [GOF23]. The Giants have now been persuaded to join the Second War on the side of Voldemort, accepting the overtures of the Death Eaters rather than those of Hagrid and Maxime, who were sent as Dumbledore's envoys [OOTP20]. In this capacity, one giant went on the rampage in the English West Country and caused such destruction that it had to be passed off as a hurricane to Muggles [HBP1]. One Giant - the nearly-domesticated Grawp, the half-brother of Hagrid - is now resident in Scotland, with Hagrid having brought him back from his mission to the mountains [OOTP30].
Little more was heard from the Giants for some time after the West Country incident, but they finally resurfaced as part of Voldemort's army during his attack on Hogwarts. Despite their huge size and ferocity, they could not prevent him falling to defeat, however [DH36].
Giant Grub
These are the young of some sort of creature: presumably a giant insect of some kind, with the grubs being offspring at the larval stage of development. They are around a foot long, are white in colour, and look unpleasantly slimy. In short, they are quite revolting, although very possibly preferable to whatever they grow into. Hagrid kept a barrel full of Giant Grubs in his hut to feed to Aragog when the spider was ill [HBP11].
Glumbumble XXX
This is a furry grey insect which nests in hollow trees and caves by preference. Its most interesting facet is the treacle it produces, which induces melancholy in anyone who consumes it. The Glumbumble is a resident of Northern Europe and feeds on nettles [FB].
Gnome XX
These creatures originate in European mythology, although they are usually bit-part players in myths rather than central characters. They are depicted as short and gnarled humanoid creatures that live underground, and are often associated with buried treasure. In the world of Harry Potter, they have been subtly changed into garden pests.
The Potter version grows to around a foot in height, and can be found in gardens throughout Europe and North America. It has a large head and hard, bony feet. The best way to de-Gnome a garden is to swing each Gnome round until it is dizzy and then drop it over the fence [FB]. Gnomes are none too bright and tend to come out to watch when anyone attempts a de-Gnoming, which makes catching them rather easier. The garden of The Burrow is over-run with Gnomes, despite the Weasleys carrying out regular de-Gnomings [COS3].
This delighted both Xenophilius and Luna Lovegood when they visited for Bill and Fleur's wedding. Xenophilius informed Ron that the correct name for the Gnome is Gernumbli gardensi, although whether this is accurate or not remains to be seen. After all, Xenophilius is also convinced that Gnome saliva is tremendously beneficial and can imbue anyone bitten with unusual talents, such as speaking Mermish. This unlikely effect is known (by Xenophilius) as "The Gernumblies" [DH8].
Goblin
In Muggle folklore, the Goblin is a mischievous Gnome-like creature that originated in France before spreading across the rest of Europe. They are nomadic, living in cracks in the rock or the roots of trees, and never staying in the same location for long before they move on. They can attach themselves to households, however, where they are likely to be found playing minor pranks on their human hosts. Goblin pranks can turn nasty, however, and cause serious harm.
JKR's Goblins are rather more socially responsible, and are integrated further into wizard society further than any other non-humans: they run Gringotts bank, and also deal with humans in many other (mostly money-related) ways [PS/SS5]. When dealing with monetary issues they can be tenacious and uncompromising, as Ludo Bagman found out when he accrued a large amount of gambling debt with them. They cornered him at the Quidditch World Cup, took all the gold he had (which still wasn't enough to cover his debt), and then pursued him all the way to Hogwarts in an (ultimately failed) attempt to retrieve the rest [GOF37]. It's fair to say that there were faults on both sides on this occasion: Ludo attempted to default on his debt, whilst the Goblins failed to honour his bet on Harry winning the Triwizard Tournament.
Goblins have their own language - Gobbledegook - and can also speak human languages, and seem to be a normal part of the general culture. They are shorter than humans, with swarthy features and long fingers and toes. Despite the interaction between the races, Goblin/Human relations have traditionally been strained over the ages, and there have been several Goblin uprisings dating from the 17th century onwards [POA5]. A certain amount of suspicion survives to this day, and it is still uncertain who, if anyone, the Goblins will choose to side with in the Second War. Bill Weasley, with his Gringott's connections, attempted to make contact with them at the start of the war, but reported that his contact, Ragnok, was still feeling pretty anti-wizard after the Ludo Bagman incident [OOTP5].
Goblins are also respected metalworkers, and Goblin-made artefacts are highly sought. Hagrid and Maxime took a Goblin-made battle-helmet to the Giants as a gift [OOTP20], whilst Caractacus Burke went as far as to offer 500 Galleons to Hepzibah Smith for some Goblin-made armour, a huge investment for a shopkeeper famously lacking in generosity [HBP20]. The Weasley's Great Aunt Muriel also owns a Goblin-made tiara that Fleur Delacour is planning to wear when she marries Bill [HBP29].
Goblins will only reluctantly mix with humans in general, as evidenced by Griphook's reclusive behaviour when he was recuperating at Shell Cottage after he escaped with Harry from the Malfoy manor. Goblins also view ownership of treasure in a very different way to humans, which is one source of the tension between the races. Goblins regard anything made by themselves but bought by humans as merely hired rather than acquired, and so expect it back when the purchaser dies. The fact that humans are in the habit of passing Goblin-made treasures to their descendents is a source of great dismay to the Goblins, and they thus regard anyone who does this as nothing more than a thief [DH25].
Graphorn XXXX
The Graphorn is a large four-legged mountain creature with an unusually aggressive nature. It has two long, sharp horns and very tough hide that can repel most spells. Mountain Trolls occasionally attempt to tame Graphorns and use them as steeds, but this is rarely possible even for a Troll because of the violent nature of the beasts. Powdered Graphorn horn is a sought-after potion ingredient, although it is very difficult to collect [FB].
Granian
A type of Winged Horse. The Granian is grey in colour and very fast [FB].
Griffin XXXX
The Griffin has the front legs and head of an eagle, and the body and hind legs of a lion. It is very fierce and is often utilised by wizards to guard treasure. The Griffin originated in Greece [FB].
Grindylow XX
The myth of the Grindylow began in the English county of Yorkshire. Tales are told of a bogeyman hiding in water, waiting to grab and eat and children who come in. The purpose of such tales is to keep children away from any dangerous stretches of water.
The Harry Potter version is similar and is depicted as a water-demon native to the lakes of Britain and Ireland. It is aggressive and will attack humans by trying to strangle them with its long, powerful fingers. Though it will attack both wizards and Muggles in this way, the Grindylow normally feeds on fish. Grindylows inhabit the Hogwarts lake, and some of the Merpeople even have them as pets [GOF26].
Gulping Plimpy
Another of the creatures that Luna Lovegood believes in but nobody else does. If it exists it is a type of Plimpy that can be warded off with Gurdyroot, but it probably doesn't [HBP20]. See also "Plimpy".
Hag
Hags are gnarled and aged women or witches, and can be found in folk tales from around Europe and America. One particular Hag, named simply "Old Hag" is said to sit on sleeping victims and make them have nightmares. The role of the Grindylow, in scaring children away from dangerous stretches of water, is also taken by a Hag in some tales. Hags can commonly be found as evil or unpleasant characters in the tales they appear in.
In Harry Potter, Hags remain true to their origins in folklore and have the appearance of unkempt and wild-looking witches. Unlike most witches, however, they have a preference for eating children [FB], although they will accept raw meat as a substitute [POA4]. Early attempts to distinguish between beasts and beings put Hags in the "beings" category. This was quickly reversed, leaving them firmly defined as beasts [FB]. Harry once saw what he was sure was a Hag eating raw liver for breakfast in the Leaky Cauldron [POA4], whilst Gilderoy Lockhart wrote an entire book about them - Holidays with Hags [COS4].
Hairy McBoon XXXXX
Alternative name for the Quintaped [FB].
Heliopath
A spirit of fire. Accoding to Luna Lovegood, Cornelius Fudge had a personal army of Heliopaths, which are great tall flaming creatures that gallop across the ground burning everything in front of them [OOTP16]. Most people take the view that he never had such an army, due to the fact that Heliopaths don't exist.
Hinkypunk
"Hinkypunk" is a term that originated in the south-west of England, and is an alternative name for the Will-o-the-Wisp - the strange lights that can spontaneously appear at night over boggy ground and lakes. Legends of the Will-o-the-Wisp usually involve a lost soul, denied entrance to heaven and doomed to walk the earth. The rejected soul in question then takes to wandering marshland with a lantern, trying to lure unwary passers-by in. This ties in nicely with JKR's take on the Hinkypunk. The real origin of Will-o-the-Wisp lighting effects is unknown, but is likely to be linked to local weather conditions and gasses released from the marshland.
JKR's Hinkypunk is a one-legged creature that infests marshland. As in the Will-o-the-Wisp myths, it carries a lantern in its hand and attempts to use the light to lure unwary travellers into the bog [POA10].
Hippocampus XXX
This creature has the head and front legs of a horse but the body and tail of a fish. Like the Griffin it originated in Greece, and it is usually resident in the Mediterranean. It lays large semi-transparent eggs, through which the young tadfoal can be seen [FB].
Hippogriff XXX
The Hippogriff is a creature from medieval European mythology. It is said to be the offspring of a male Griffin (a creature that is half-lion, half-eagle) and a female horse. This is as unlikely a match-up as the combination that produces the Blast-Ended Skrewt (Manticores and Fire Crabs), as the Griffin traditionally sees the horse as prey and is thus unlikely to mate with it. The Hippogriff is therefore very rare. It can be tamed, unlike the Griffin, and is ridden by the hero in some tales.
The Hippogriff has the head and front legs of an eagle and the body and back legs of a horse. It is dangerous when wild, although it can be tamed by an expert. JKR's Hippogriffs understand human speech although they cannot speak themselves, and caution should be exercised when approaching one, as they are very proud creatures. They will attack if insulted. Eye contact should be maintained, and bowing is seen as a statement of the human's peaceable intentions. If the creature is receptive to an approach, it will bow in return. The Hippogriff originated in Europe and feeds on insects, birds and small animals [FB].
The creature has a large wingspan and is capable of flight, and will even let wizards ride on it if it has taken a liking to them [POA6]. Hogwarts keep a herd of 12 Hippogriffs for use in Care of Magical Creatures lessons. It was here that Harry rode Buckbeak, who shortly afterwards gored Draco Malfoy for being rude to him [POA6]. Buckbeak was condemned to death, but rescued by Harry and Hermione, and was finally used by Sirius Black to make his escape from Hogwarts [POA21]. Following Sirius's death, Buckbeak is now cared for by Hagrid [HBP3], and joined in the Battle of Hogwarts towards the end, fighting on the side of the Order of the Phoenix against the Death Eaters [DH36].
Horklump X
This is another very dull creature that resembles a vegetable rather than an animal. It originated in Scandinavia and looks like a pink mushroom covered in black bristles. It is an animal, however, and it uses its root-like tentacles to catch worms for food. In turn, the Horklump is a considered a delicacy by Gnomes, but nobody else seems to like it [FB].
Horned Slug
A type of slug that is used as an ingredient in Boil Cure potion [PS8].
Horned Toad
A creature that is used as a potion ingredient. Neville once had to disembowel an entire barrel full of horned toads while in detention with Snape for melting yet another cauldron. Afterwards, Ron imagined Mad-Eye Moody turning Snape into a Horned Toad [GOF14].
Imp XX
Imps are small, mischievous humanoid creatures that grow up to 8 inches in height. They look akin to Pixies, although they are usually brown or black in colour and are flightless. Imps inhabit marshy areas or river banks and live on small insects. Imps are only found in Britain and Ireland [FB].
Inferius
The Inferius is JKR's take on the Zombie, and has much in common with the Zombies from horror stories and folklore. Zombies are mentioned separately in the Harry Potter series, however, and so have their own entry in this list. The difference between the two creatures is not made clear in the books.
The Inferius is therefore an animated corpse, bewitched by Dark magic and commanded to do the bidding of the wizard who is controlling it. It is not alive in any sense, but is merely a puppet, mindlessly acting out the instructions that it is given [HBP21]. Lord Voldemort killed so many people during the first war that he was able to construct an entire army of Inferi. He used them to guard his Locket Horcrux, where they lay motionless beneath the water in the cave. Once Harry touched the surface of the water in order to get a drink for Dumbledore, however, they rose up and attacked [HBP26]. This is typical behaviour for Inferi: due to the fact that they are merely automatons, they are merciless when ordered to attack, but they have a vital weakness in that they fear fire and can be fought very effectively in this way. Dumbledore used this method to force them back when they had been awoken in the cave [HBP26].
The name comes from the Latin "inferi", meaning "the dead". See also "Zombie".
This, according to Xenophilius Lovegood at least, is the correct name for the common garden Gnome [DH8]. See "Gnome".
Ghoul XX
The Ghoul is a creature originally from Arabic folklore. It is humanoid in appearance and is famous for the fact that it robs graves and eats the dead. This habit has led to the appearance of such creatures in a number of horror films. Adjectives such as "ghoulish" have also made their way into the English language to describe those who carry out unpleasant acts or harbour an obsession with the morbid.
Despite all of this, the Harry Potter version of the Ghoul is a virtually harmless (if rather ugly) creature. It resembles a slimy ogre and inhabits attics and barns, eating spiders and moths. It has a tendency to make moaning noises and throw objects around, but that is the limit of its menace. A Ghoul lives in the attic of The Burrow, right above Ron's bedroom [COS4]. It seems to be a fairly compliant creature, as it apparently needed little persuading to impersonate a spattergroit-infected Ron when Ron left to help Harry with his Horcrux quest, and even nodded enthusiastically when the subject was raised in conversation [DH6].
Giant
Giants can be found in the folklore and mythology of a large number of different cultures across the world. The name comes from Greek legend, where the Gigantes were a race descended from the goddess Gaia, who later rose up and fought against the gods. This is typical of Giant behaviour in most mythologies - they are usually depicted as violent and antagonistic, and are almost invariably cast as an enemy of the hero of whatever tale they appear in. The biblical story of David and Goliath is a typical example, where the heroic underdog David takes on and defeats his uncouth opponent.
The Giants of the Harry Potter world are depicted in a similar manner. They are a large humanoid race - basically humans that can grow to a height of over 20 feet [GOF24]. They are now much reduced in numbers: at one time there were over 100 tribes across the world. Giants now number only 70-80 in total and hide out in Eastern European mountain ranges [OOTP20]. There are two reasons for this decline: firstly, the Giants' support for Voldemort caused many to be killed by Aurors. Secondly, their violent nature leads them to frequent internal battles, which are often fatal. Giants have an organised society of sorts (albeit within a system based on violence) with a recognised leader called the Gurg. They also speak human languages (dependent on their country of origin), although very few speak any English. In general, Giants are distrustful and usually violent towards humans, and in particular wizards, due to their fear of magic [OOTP20]. There have been occasional occurrences of inter-breeding between humans and Giants, however. Rubeus Hagrid and Olympe Maxime are both half-giants, although the numbers of any other half-giants are unknown [GOF23]. The Giants have now been persuaded to join the Second War on the side of Voldemort, accepting the overtures of the Death Eaters rather than those of Hagrid and Maxime, who were sent as Dumbledore's envoys [OOTP20]. In this capacity, one giant went on the rampage in the English West Country and caused such destruction that it had to be passed off as a hurricane to Muggles [HBP1]. One Giant - the nearly-domesticated Grawp, the half-brother of Hagrid - is now resident in Scotland, with Hagrid having brought him back from his mission to the mountains [OOTP30].
Little more was heard from the Giants for some time after the West Country incident, but they finally resurfaced as part of Voldemort's army during his attack on Hogwarts. Despite their huge size and ferocity, they could not prevent him falling to defeat, however [DH36].
Giant Grub
These are the young of some sort of creature: presumably a giant insect of some kind, with the grubs being offspring at the larval stage of development. They are around a foot long, are white in colour, and look unpleasantly slimy. In short, they are quite revolting, although very possibly preferable to whatever they grow into. Hagrid kept a barrel full of Giant Grubs in his hut to feed to Aragog when the spider was ill [HBP11].
Glumbumble XXX
This is a furry grey insect which nests in hollow trees and caves by preference. Its most interesting facet is the treacle it produces, which induces melancholy in anyone who consumes it. The Glumbumble is a resident of Northern Europe and feeds on nettles [FB].
Gnome XX
These creatures originate in European mythology, although they are usually bit-part players in myths rather than central characters. They are depicted as short and gnarled humanoid creatures that live underground, and are often associated with buried treasure. In the world of Harry Potter, they have been subtly changed into garden pests.
The Potter version grows to around a foot in height, and can be found in gardens throughout Europe and North America. It has a large head and hard, bony feet. The best way to de-Gnome a garden is to swing each Gnome round until it is dizzy and then drop it over the fence [FB]. Gnomes are none too bright and tend to come out to watch when anyone attempts a de-Gnoming, which makes catching them rather easier. The garden of The Burrow is over-run with Gnomes, despite the Weasleys carrying out regular de-Gnomings [COS3].
This delighted both Xenophilius and Luna Lovegood when they visited for Bill and Fleur's wedding. Xenophilius informed Ron that the correct name for the Gnome is Gernumbli gardensi, although whether this is accurate or not remains to be seen. After all, Xenophilius is also convinced that Gnome saliva is tremendously beneficial and can imbue anyone bitten with unusual talents, such as speaking Mermish. This unlikely effect is known (by Xenophilius) as "The Gernumblies" [DH8].
Goblin
In Muggle folklore, the Goblin is a mischievous Gnome-like creature that originated in France before spreading across the rest of Europe. They are nomadic, living in cracks in the rock or the roots of trees, and never staying in the same location for long before they move on. They can attach themselves to households, however, where they are likely to be found playing minor pranks on their human hosts. Goblin pranks can turn nasty, however, and cause serious harm.
JKR's Goblins are rather more socially responsible, and are integrated further into wizard society further than any other non-humans: they run Gringotts bank, and also deal with humans in many other (mostly money-related) ways [PS/SS5]. When dealing with monetary issues they can be tenacious and uncompromising, as Ludo Bagman found out when he accrued a large amount of gambling debt with them. They cornered him at the Quidditch World Cup, took all the gold he had (which still wasn't enough to cover his debt), and then pursued him all the way to Hogwarts in an (ultimately failed) attempt to retrieve the rest [GOF37]. It's fair to say that there were faults on both sides on this occasion: Ludo attempted to default on his debt, whilst the Goblins failed to honour his bet on Harry winning the Triwizard Tournament.
Goblins have their own language - Gobbledegook - and can also speak human languages, and seem to be a normal part of the general culture. They are shorter than humans, with swarthy features and long fingers and toes. Despite the interaction between the races, Goblin/Human relations have traditionally been strained over the ages, and there have been several Goblin uprisings dating from the 17th century onwards [POA5]. A certain amount of suspicion survives to this day, and it is still uncertain who, if anyone, the Goblins will choose to side with in the Second War. Bill Weasley, with his Gringott's connections, attempted to make contact with them at the start of the war, but reported that his contact, Ragnok, was still feeling pretty anti-wizard after the Ludo Bagman incident [OOTP5].
Goblins are also respected metalworkers, and Goblin-made artefacts are highly sought. Hagrid and Maxime took a Goblin-made battle-helmet to the Giants as a gift [OOTP20], whilst Caractacus Burke went as far as to offer 500 Galleons to Hepzibah Smith for some Goblin-made armour, a huge investment for a shopkeeper famously lacking in generosity [HBP20]. The Weasley's Great Aunt Muriel also owns a Goblin-made tiara that Fleur Delacour is planning to wear when she marries Bill [HBP29].
Goblins will only reluctantly mix with humans in general, as evidenced by Griphook's reclusive behaviour when he was recuperating at Shell Cottage after he escaped with Harry from the Malfoy manor. Goblins also view ownership of treasure in a very different way to humans, which is one source of the tension between the races. Goblins regard anything made by themselves but bought by humans as merely hired rather than acquired, and so expect it back when the purchaser dies. The fact that humans are in the habit of passing Goblin-made treasures to their descendents is a source of great dismay to the Goblins, and they thus regard anyone who does this as nothing more than a thief [DH25].
Graphorn XXXX
The Graphorn is a large four-legged mountain creature with an unusually aggressive nature. It has two long, sharp horns and very tough hide that can repel most spells. Mountain Trolls occasionally attempt to tame Graphorns and use them as steeds, but this is rarely possible even for a Troll because of the violent nature of the beasts. Powdered Graphorn horn is a sought-after potion ingredient, although it is very difficult to collect [FB].
Granian
A type of Winged Horse. The Granian is grey in colour and very fast [FB].
Griffin XXXX
The Griffin has the front legs and head of an eagle, and the body and hind legs of a lion. It is very fierce and is often utilised by wizards to guard treasure. The Griffin originated in Greece [FB].
Grindylow XX
The myth of the Grindylow began in the English county of Yorkshire. Tales are told of a bogeyman hiding in water, waiting to grab and eat and children who come in. The purpose of such tales is to keep children away from any dangerous stretches of water.
The Harry Potter version is similar and is depicted as a water-demon native to the lakes of Britain and Ireland. It is aggressive and will attack humans by trying to strangle them with its long, powerful fingers. Though it will attack both wizards and Muggles in this way, the Grindylow normally feeds on fish. Grindylows inhabit the Hogwarts lake, and some of the Merpeople even have them as pets [GOF26].
Gulping Plimpy
Another of the creatures that Luna Lovegood believes in but nobody else does. If it exists it is a type of Plimpy that can be warded off with Gurdyroot, but it probably doesn't [HBP20]. See also "Plimpy".
Hag
Hags are gnarled and aged women or witches, and can be found in folk tales from around Europe and America. One particular Hag, named simply "Old Hag" is said to sit on sleeping victims and make them have nightmares. The role of the Grindylow, in scaring children away from dangerous stretches of water, is also taken by a Hag in some tales. Hags can commonly be found as evil or unpleasant characters in the tales they appear in.
In Harry Potter, Hags remain true to their origins in folklore and have the appearance of unkempt and wild-looking witches. Unlike most witches, however, they have a preference for eating children [FB], although they will accept raw meat as a substitute [POA4]. Early attempts to distinguish between beasts and beings put Hags in the "beings" category. This was quickly reversed, leaving them firmly defined as beasts [FB]. Harry once saw what he was sure was a Hag eating raw liver for breakfast in the Leaky Cauldron [POA4], whilst Gilderoy Lockhart wrote an entire book about them - Holidays with Hags [COS4].
Hairy McBoon XXXXX
Alternative name for the Quintaped [FB].
Heliopath
A spirit of fire. Accoding to Luna Lovegood, Cornelius Fudge had a personal army of Heliopaths, which are great tall flaming creatures that gallop across the ground burning everything in front of them [OOTP16]. Most people take the view that he never had such an army, due to the fact that Heliopaths don't exist.
Hinkypunk
"Hinkypunk" is a term that originated in the south-west of England, and is an alternative name for the Will-o-the-Wisp - the strange lights that can spontaneously appear at night over boggy ground and lakes. Legends of the Will-o-the-Wisp usually involve a lost soul, denied entrance to heaven and doomed to walk the earth. The rejected soul in question then takes to wandering marshland with a lantern, trying to lure unwary passers-by in. This ties in nicely with JKR's take on the Hinkypunk. The real origin of Will-o-the-Wisp lighting effects is unknown, but is likely to be linked to local weather conditions and gasses released from the marshland.
JKR's Hinkypunk is a one-legged creature that infests marshland. As in the Will-o-the-Wisp myths, it carries a lantern in its hand and attempts to use the light to lure unwary travellers into the bog [POA10].
Hippocampus XXX
This creature has the head and front legs of a horse but the body and tail of a fish. Like the Griffin it originated in Greece, and it is usually resident in the Mediterranean. It lays large semi-transparent eggs, through which the young tadfoal can be seen [FB].
Hippogriff XXX
The Hippogriff is a creature from medieval European mythology. It is said to be the offspring of a male Griffin (a creature that is half-lion, half-eagle) and a female horse. This is as unlikely a match-up as the combination that produces the Blast-Ended Skrewt (Manticores and Fire Crabs), as the Griffin traditionally sees the horse as prey and is thus unlikely to mate with it. The Hippogriff is therefore very rare. It can be tamed, unlike the Griffin, and is ridden by the hero in some tales.
The Hippogriff has the head and front legs of an eagle and the body and back legs of a horse. It is dangerous when wild, although it can be tamed by an expert. JKR's Hippogriffs understand human speech although they cannot speak themselves, and caution should be exercised when approaching one, as they are very proud creatures. They will attack if insulted. Eye contact should be maintained, and bowing is seen as a statement of the human's peaceable intentions. If the creature is receptive to an approach, it will bow in return. The Hippogriff originated in Europe and feeds on insects, birds and small animals [FB].
The creature has a large wingspan and is capable of flight, and will even let wizards ride on it if it has taken a liking to them [POA6]. Hogwarts keep a herd of 12 Hippogriffs for use in Care of Magical Creatures lessons. It was here that Harry rode Buckbeak, who shortly afterwards gored Draco Malfoy for being rude to him [POA6]. Buckbeak was condemned to death, but rescued by Harry and Hermione, and was finally used by Sirius Black to make his escape from Hogwarts [POA21]. Following Sirius's death, Buckbeak is now cared for by Hagrid [HBP3], and joined in the Battle of Hogwarts towards the end, fighting on the side of the Order of the Phoenix against the Death Eaters [DH36].
Horklump X
This is another very dull creature that resembles a vegetable rather than an animal. It originated in Scandinavia and looks like a pink mushroom covered in black bristles. It is an animal, however, and it uses its root-like tentacles to catch worms for food. In turn, the Horklump is a considered a delicacy by Gnomes, but nobody else seems to like it [FB].
Horned Slug
A type of slug that is used as an ingredient in Boil Cure potion [PS8].
Horned Toad
A creature that is used as a potion ingredient. Neville once had to disembowel an entire barrel full of horned toads while in detention with Snape for melting yet another cauldron. Afterwards, Ron imagined Mad-Eye Moody turning Snape into a Horned Toad [GOF14].
Imp XX
Imps are small, mischievous humanoid creatures that grow up to 8 inches in height. They look akin to Pixies, although they are usually brown or black in colour and are flightless. Imps inhabit marshy areas or river banks and live on small insects. Imps are only found in Britain and Ireland [FB].
Inferius
The Inferius is JKR's take on the Zombie, and has much in common with the Zombies from horror stories and folklore. Zombies are mentioned separately in the Harry Potter series, however, and so have their own entry in this list. The difference between the two creatures is not made clear in the books.
The Inferius is therefore an animated corpse, bewitched by Dark magic and commanded to do the bidding of the wizard who is controlling it. It is not alive in any sense, but is merely a puppet, mindlessly acting out the instructions that it is given [HBP21]. Lord Voldemort killed so many people during the first war that he was able to construct an entire army of Inferi. He used them to guard his Locket Horcrux, where they lay motionless beneath the water in the cave. Once Harry touched the surface of the water in order to get a drink for Dumbledore, however, they rose up and attacked [HBP26]. This is typical behaviour for Inferi: due to the fact that they are merely automatons, they are merciless when ordered to attack, but they have a vital weakness in that they fear fire and can be fought very effectively in this way. Dumbledore used this method to force them back when they had been awoken in the cave [HBP26].
The name comes from the Latin "inferi", meaning "the dead". See also "Zombie".