When writing the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling did more than write an interesting plot and characters to capture the audiences’ hearts. She created the entire wizarding world, as we know it today. From wizarding banks to pubs, she fabricated in astounding detail a world of its own that has captivated readers and cinematic audiences over the years.
One of the many elements that comprise the Harry Potter world is the mysterious creatures, some foes, and some friends to wizardkind. Many of these beings are Rowling’s own creations. Others are creatures that have been adapted from mythology. Here’s a list of the most interesting of the lot.
10. The Niffler: If you’ve seen Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, I’m guessing you’re familiar with this little troublemaker. Their adorable can be deceiving, but Nifflers can be more trouble than they’re worth. Their obsession with glittering objects makes them capable of causing havoc before you can say, “Bloody Hell!”
9. House Elves: Although they are meant to serve wizards and witches, House Elves are creatures with incredible magical capabilities. Their relationship is governed by the Elf Legislation, pledging their loyalty to the extent where they often disregard their well-being. This is why their owners mistreat them.
8. Veela: We all remember the Fleur Delacour and the beautiful ladies of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Half-human, they appear as incredibly attractive women with “white-gold hair and skin that appears to shine moon-bright.” Like house-elves, they possess magical powers that do not require wands.
7. The Mandrake: Yes, we’re talking about the same Mandrake that helped save many students when the Chamber of Secrets was unlocked. The Mandrake is a plant humanoid with a cry capable of dooming those who dare dig it up.
6. Boggarts: Boggarts are probably the most unusual creatures in the entire franchise. They inhibit dark spaces and possess no form of their own. Instead, they transform into the greatest fear of the person watching them. To get rid of a Boggart, one imagines a form they find amusing and uses the incantation ‘Riddikulus.’
5. Dementors: The scariest of them all, Dementors are the guards of the Azkaban prison. Neither dead nor alive, they feed on the happiness of humans. Their most fatal attack called the “Dementor’s Kiss,” is capable of sucking the soul out of a person’s body, rendering them just flesh and bones. No one knows how Dementors came about, but one must use the Patronus charm to protect oneself from it.
4. Doxies: These little purple fairies are far from cute. Known to be aggressive in nature, they are highly venomous, so it’s best to stay away if you ever come across one of these.
3. Bowtruckle: One of Newt Scamander’s favorite creatures, Bowtruckles make quite an appearance in the movie. They’re known as the wandmaker’s friend, identifying trees with wand quality wood. But beware of giving sufficient compensation, or you risk losing your eyes.
2. Thestrals: On the outside, Thestrals appear to be formidable creatures with skeletal features and massive bat-like wings. However, they are very docile creatures. What makes them unique is that they are invisible. Or rather, they are only visible to people who have witnessed death.
1. Obscurials: It’s tragic how young wizards and witches meet fates as tragic as Credence Barebone. By witnessing the prosecution of magic users by muggles, many repress their powers, which ultimately give rise to a parasitic force. When unleashed, it is incredibly destructive.
