Guest Author - Lisa Shea
Curious what a thestral is? How about a giant or other magical creatures? Read through this bestiary to learn all about the various monsters and creatures found in the Harry Potter world.
Basilisk
In Book 2, the creature in the Chamber of Secrets was a Basilisk. These are reptilian snakes that grow to a HUGE size - 30' or more - and whose gaze can kill someone. Even to just see a reflection can cause someone to go into a coma. Harry can understand basilisk-speak because he understands snake speech.
Centaur
A centaur is a very intelligent half-man, half-horse with all four legs of a horse and the torso of a human. Firenze is one of the first Centaurs that Harry meets, and he becomes a teacher at Hogwarts in Book 5.
Devil's Snare
This strangling plant nearly kills Ron at the end of Book 1, but Hermoine saves him by remembering that the plant hates sunlight. In Book 5, Devils Snare is given to Mr. Bode, a sick Order member, and he is killed by it.
Elf, House
House elves are small creatures with long ears who can be quite clever. They normally serve as maids in wizard households, kept in servitude until they are given an article of clothing and freed. Dobby was the Malfoy's house elf until Harry freed him in Book 2.
Bowtruckles
Bowtruckles are small wood-creatures that live in wand trees. They eat wood lice and fairy eggs. Professor Grubbly-Plank teaches the class about these in Book 5.
Giant
Giants are large humanoid creatures that live in the mountains. They are not very smart, although some can learn English. Hagrid's mother was a giant, so he is half-giant.
Phoenix
A phoenix is a magical bird who has a quick life cycle that involves being born, being an adult, and then consuming itself in a burst of fire. It then rises again from its own ashes. Phoenix feathers are good wand ingredients, and the tears of a phoenix can cure any wound. Dumbledore's pet, Fawkes, is a phoenix.
Thestral
Thestrals are four legged animals with wings that are lizard-like. They are invisible to all but those who have witnessed a death. They are what pull the "horseless carriages" up to Hogwarts. Hagrid teaches the kids about Thestrals in Book 5.
Unicorn
A unicorn is a magical horse with a long horn on its head. The blood of a unicorn can keep alive someone who is almost dead, but it curses the person who would do such a thing. Voldemort lives on unicorn blood in book 1.
Order of the Phoenix Chapter Listing and Detailed Plot
Harry Potter Timeline
Harry Potter Character Listing
Harry Potter Magical Term Glossary
Harry Potter Location Listing
Harry Potter Spell Glossary
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