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THE GRINDYLOW

The Water Demons of Harry Potter’s Wizarding World

The Grindylows are considered one of the most dangerous magical creatures in the wizarding world. They are native to the lakes and still waters of Ireland and Great Britain. The Grindylows are small, pale green horned water demons, and are well known to have a fearsome and aggressive nature. Witches and Wizards fear these creatures, even Muggles are not safe if they ever encounter them.

Their Origins and Different Names

The Grindylow’s physical appearance may vary depending on their specific habitat, they are most commonly found in Yorkshire. In fact, this menacing creature may be called different names in local folklore. In Kettlewell, they are called Candypole. In Ilkley, they are known as a Pollywiggle, and in Sheffield they are referred to as a Jarvis. The creatures having different variations in local folklore is a testament on how they have a longstanding presence in British and Irish storytelling legends.

The Grindylow is called a Grypt in their early stages in life. Beyond its aquatic dependence, little is known about this creature; however, their development into fearsome adults usually happens in their Grypt stage.

Anatomy of a Water Demon

Grinylows often blend into the dark murky waters of the lake with the pale green color of their skin. Their very distinctive features are their small pointed horns, spindly fingers, and very sharp green hued teeth. Their fingers may be deceivingly fragile but their fingers are their most dangerous weapon.

Scene Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire movie

Their slender bodies make them adept swimmers, which makes their aquatic life efficient. Grindylows are typically found in stagnant waters; they prefer living in lake weed beds where they lie in wait for their next victim. They have surprisingly adapted to urban environments. In areas like Porter Beach in Sheffield, they have been known to make submerged shopping trolleys and traffic cones their home.

Behaviour and Food

The wizarding world classifies the Grindylow as a dark creature due to their taste for human flesh and general hostile nature. While their primary diet consists of varied aquatic creatures, algae, and fish; they are also known to have a taste for human flesh. This trait has made the magical community be cautious and fear the fearsome creature.

Grindylows have no preference between their potential magical or non-magical victims. They are equally aggressive towards witches, wizards, and muggles alike. However, there is one exception: the Merpeople. The Merpeople are half-human, half-fish creatures that are known to have Grindylows as pets. It is indicated that both creatures have formed a unique understanding and connection, ensuring a harmonious existence in their aquatic life.

How to Escape a Grindylow

Trying to escape from a Grindylow is not an easy feat. Their long and powerful fingers can easily grasp onto a victim, dragging them down into the dark murky waters. Luckily, witches and wizards have developed a spell to escape these deadly creatures. The most effective spell is the Revulsion Jinx, when cast underwater, this spell emits a jet of hot boiling water scalding the Grindylows skin. The pain from the hot water spell causes them to release their victim and forces them to retreat into the deep waters.

Scene from Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire movie

During the second task in the 1994-1995 Triwizard Tournament at Hogwarts, this spell proved to be life-saving as Harry Potter used the Revulsion Jinx to defend himself from a swarm of Grindylows during their task in the Black Lake. Unfortunately, another Triwizard champion Fleur Delacour was unable to fight them off and was forced to withdraw early from the task, unable to save her sister. Harry was able to break free and finish his task and save Fleur’s sister as well. 

Grindylow in Magical History

Throughout magical history, the Grindylows have made several notable appearances. The famous Magizoologist Newt Scamander kept a jar of  baby Grindylows in a water-filled cupboard at Hogwarts in 1910. During Newt Scamander’s many travels, including his trip to New York in 1926, he kept a jar of Grindylows in his magical suitcase.

In the school year of 1989-1990 at Hogwarts, there was a conflict between the Merpeople and Grindylows at the school’s Black Lake. The usual harmonious relationship between creatures can sometimes turn volatile and aggressive, even between usual allies.

During the Defence Against the Dark Arts class in 1993, Professor Remus Lupin introduced Grindylows to his third year students. Students were able to observe the creature through the water tank that Professor Lupin kept in his office. When Professor Lupin left Hogwarts, the Grindylow was possibly left behind at the school.

Their most well-known appearance was at the Triwizard Tournament at Hogwarts, where they attacked champions during their challenge at the Black Lake as mentioned previously. This sealed their reputation as a grave threat to anyone who ventures into the dark waters of the lake. 

Image from HarryPotter.com

Illegal Trade of Dark Wizards

The Grindylow and their sinister nature doesn’t mean it will deter dark wizards from having an interest in them. Illegal black market trading exists in the magical world as well and some dark wizards like to keep them as pets however, for some wizards they are a forbidden delicacy that they consume. This illegal trade continues to thrive despite the magical law enforcement trying to shut down these operations. 

Memory Test for Harry

One of the memorable references to the Grindylow was during a moment in the chapter of Battle of Seven Potters. Remus Lupin trying to confirm that Harry is who he says he is and not an imposter. He asked the specific question “What creature sat in the corner the first time Harry Potter visited my office at Hogwarts?!” Harry correctly answered “Grindylow” as no imposter could verify that question as it was a personal memory.

Scene from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Final Thoughts

The Grindylow represents a darker side to the magical aquatic creatures of the wizarding world, it is a creature that witches and wizards will continue to fear and be wary of. While Hippofriffs, Thestrals and the Phoenix will continue to be respected and be fascinating, the Grindylow will always evoke some fear from people and other creatures. With their sharp teeth, long powerful fingers, and dangerously feisty nature, their presence in the dark waters will always be feared. 

Despite their small size, their presence in the magical world is vast. They are woven into stories, lessons, and memories throughout wizarding history. If you happen to find yourself near dark, still, murky lakes of Britain and Ireland— Wizard or Muggle alike— there is one thing you should remember: a Grindylow may be lurking beneath, waiting for its next victim. 

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NAGINI’s Origins

Voldemort’s snake was once human

This is Nagini’s heartbreaking story. Learn about how the cursed human, who transformed into a beast, ended up as Voldemort’s prized pet and Horcrux.

Who was Nagini before her encounter with the dark wizard Voldemort?

In the magical world of Harry Potter, Nagini is known as Voldemort’s mysterious and loyal pet snake. She was first introduced to readers in the 4th book Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, but her backstory was later revealed in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.

It paints a tragic story of a woman with a doomed blood curse.

Let us explore Nagini’s tragic story, from her human life, and how she ended up with Lord Voldemort.

Life before Lord Voldemort

Before her transformation into a deadly creature, Nagini inherited a horrible and rare magical blood curse that was passed down from her mother’s side of the family. This condition is known as being a Maledictus, this curse caused her to transform permanently into a snake. It was initially a temporary transformation, but eventually became a permanent one.

The role of Nagini in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald was played by Claudia Kim. She was a kind, intelligent and deeply empathetic character that formed a bond with another tragic figure in the Wizarding World, Credence Barebone. Her compassion and humanity adds another layer of sorrow to the future that awaits her.

Nagini’s tale tells us about the loss of her identity, as she faced the transformation that she had no control over.

The Maledictus Curse

A Maledictus is a bloodborne affliction that affects female witches from birth, this magical blood curse causes the witch to transform into a beast permanently.

Unlike other creatures like Werewolves and Animagi, the Maledictus is irreversible once you transform permanently.

Nagini’s curse was passed down through her bloodline, she was doomed to turn into a beast from the day she was born. Despite her kindness and compassion as a human, her life as a Maledictus was destined to be a dangerous and feared creature.

Nagini meets the Dark Lord

After Nagini’s permanent transformation into a snake, her life took a dark turn. Now that she is a snake, her humanity is completely gone. She no longer retains her human thoughts and feelings, she fades into her own mysterious life and disappears from the Wizarding World until she resurfaces with Lord Voldemort. How she ended with the Dark Lord remains a mystery, there are several theories, though none was confirmed in the books or movies.

Fans of the Harry Potter series speculate that Lord Voldemort found her in the deep forests of Albania, took advantage of her fading humanity and manipulated her. After being alone and lost for many years, in turn Nagini sought protection or saw purpose in following the Dark Lord. She became more than his pet, she ended up as his protector, spy, and deadly weapon.

Nagini as Voldemort’s Horcrux

As one of Voldemort’s 7 horcruxes, Nagini plays a crucial role in the Harry Potter storyline. After the murder of Bertha Jorkins in Albania, who was a witch working for the Ministry of Magic’s Department of Games and Sports, Voldemort chose Nagini as one of his soul’s vessels and turned her into a horcrux. The connection to Nagini deepened as his own life is tethered to her, turning her into an important creature and not just a pet. 

Nagini and Voldemort don't just have a soul connection; they have a psychic bond as well, which explains her loyalty to him. She was always near him, protecting him, and executing his orders without hesitation. 

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Naginis Final Moments

In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Harry Potter realized that Nagini was a Horcrux. Because Harry was able to see through her eyes, just as he could see through Voldemort’s, the unusual control he had over her, Harry confirmed Nagini was another horcrux he had to destroy. 

During the Battle of Hogwarts, Nagini met her end. Carrying the Sword of Gryffindor, one of the weapons that can destroy a horcrux, Neville Longbottom bravely beheaded Nagini. Aside from killing the snake, this also destroyed the horcrux inside of her, bringing the Dark Lord one step closer to his end.

Nagini was a tragic creature that led a cursed life, as a result of her transformation to a beast, she lost her humanity, and later turned into a weapon by an evil wizard.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Nagini’s Legacy in the Wizarding World

Whether or not we will learn more about her story in future books or films, Nagini’s story is one of the most heartbreaking characters in the Harry Potter universe.

Learning about Nagini’s origins from Fantastic Beasts added an emotional depth to her story; she wasn’t just a purely fearsome and deadly creature, she had to endure the loss of her autonomy, loss of her power and the loss of her identity.

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Inside Aragog’s Colony: The Acromantulas of the Forbidden Forest

Acromantulas: The Giant Spiders That Haunt the Forbidden Forest

Few creatures in the wizarding world inspire the same level of sheer terror as the Acromantula—massive, intelligent spiders with a disturbing fondness for human flesh. First introduced to readers in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, these eight-legged horrors have cemented their place as one of the most fearsome magical beasts ever to crawl through the shadows of the Forbidden Forest.

“Not tiny spiders... Spiders the size of carthorses, eight-eyed, eight-legged, black, hairy, gigantic.” —Harry Potter’s terrifying first encounter with an Acromantula

What Are Acromantulas?

Native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia, particularly Borneo, Acromantulas are thought to be wizard-bred—possibly created to guard treasure hoards or secure locations. Standing as tall as a carthorse with leg spans that can reach up to eighteen feet, these giant spiders are covered in thick black hair, sport eight gleaming eyes (white if blind), and possess venomous fangs capable of delivering a highly toxic bite.

Their venom? Worth 100 Galleons per pint by 1996. Their presence? Priceless nightmare fuel.

Despite their terrifying appearance, Acromantulas are sentient, capable of human speech, and even able to form bonds—though rarely—with those who raise them from birth. Rubeus Hagrid, Hogwarts’ beloved gamekeeper, famously raised an Acromantula named Aragog from an egg and released him into the Forbidden Forest in the 1940s. Aragog later established a thriving colony with his mate, Mosag.

Acromantula Society and Behavior

Unlike most mundane spiders, Acromantulas are social creatures, forming large colonies led by the oldest and most respected male and female. Despite their ability to speak and form basic social structures, they remain extremely dangerous to humans, and their natural instincts make them prone to attack. Even Hagrid wasn’t safe after Aragog’s death—his offspring had no qualms about seeing him as dinner.

These colonies reside in dark, secluded areas—most notably the Forbidden Forest surrounding Hogwarts. Their webs are dome-shaped and enormous, often suspended high in the treetops—fitting for creatures whose name comes from the Greek “acro” (high) and “mantula” (a nod to tarantulas).

Deadly Design: Anatomy and Traits

Eyes: Eight in total, used to symbolize the number eight in magical runes.

Fangs: Drip with poisonous venom, also secrete toxins when excited.

Pedipalps: Giant feeding appendages used for devouring prey—or fallen comrades.

Eggs: Females lay up to 100 eggs at once, each the size of a beach ball. These are classified as Class A Non-Tradeable Goods.

Upon death, Acromantulas are often eaten by their colony, including former leaders. Whether this is a burial ritual or just practical recycling is unknown.

Terrifying Trivia

Acromantulas fear the Basilisk above all other creatures—so much so that they refuse to even speak its name.

One Acromantula was used as an obstacle in the Third Task of the Triwizard Tournament in 1995.

The colony joined the Battle of Hogwarts in 1998—after being driven out of the forest by Death Eaters, much to the chaos of the defenders.

Behind the Magic: Acromantulas in Pop Culture

In the films, Acromantulas are modeled more closely on wolf spiders than tarantulas, adding to their terrifying realism. Ron Weasley’s deep fear of spiders led him to famously scribble nine extra "X"s onto the Ministry of Magic's danger rating for the creature in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

They've popped up in theme park rides (Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey), video games (Hogwarts Legacy), and even bear a strong resemblance to Tolkien’s Great Spiders from The Hobbit.

🕷️ Acromantulas: Fascinating or Frightening?

Whether you're a fan of magical creatures or simply trying to forget the image of giant hairy spiders clicking their pincers in excitement, one thing is certain—Acromantulas are among the most iconic monsters in the wizarding world.

Photos from Shutterstock, Wikidot, Harry Potter Encylopedia

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The Sorceress by John William Waterhouse (1911)

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Vargoth, The Vigilant by Calder Moore

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© Breed My Darkness

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 Sasabonsam- The Forest Vampire

Sasabonsam: The Bat-Winged Vampire of West African Folklore

Deep within the dense forests of Ghana and surrounding West African nations lurks a terrifying creature few dare to speak of—the Sasabonsam. With glowing red eyes, iron-like teeth, and massive bat-like wings, this supernatural being is said to perch in the tallest trees, waiting for unsuspecting travelers to pass beneath. When the moment is right, it swoops down, wrapping its victims in an inescapable grip, dragging them into the shadows forever.

The Sasabonsam is one of the most feared beings in Akan mythology, an entity of the wild that represents the unknown dangers lurking within the forests. But what is this creature exactly? And what stories have been passed down through generations to warn people of its presence?

The Legend of the Sasabonsam

Unlike the vampires of European folklore, the Sasabonsam is a monstrous, winged being said to be half-human, half-bat, with long, dangling legs that curl around tree branches like twisted roots. It is often described as having rough, red skin, enormous claws, and teeth strong enough to crush bone. Though it is sometimes compared to a vampire due to its blood-drinking nature, the Sasabonsam is much more beastly in appearance and behavior.

Legends say that it feeds on humans, not just by drinking their blood but by tearing into their flesh with jagged fangs. Those who stray too deep into the forests at night may find themselves the next victim of this winged terror.

A Tale of a Hunter’s Encounter

One of the most famous Sasabonsam stories tells of a skilled hunter named Kofi, who prided himself on his ability to navigate the darkest parts of the forest. One evening, while tracking a deer, he heard a strange rustling above him. Looking up, he saw two glowing red eyes staring down from the canopy.

Before he could react, the creature dropped from the tree, its massive wings spreading like a shroud of darkness. Kofi barely had time to raise his spear before the beast lunged at him, its claws slashing through the air. Thinking quickly, he reached into his pouch and pulled out a bundle of ash and herbs—a concoction his grandmother had once given him to ward off evil spirits. He threw the powder into the air, and as it settled on the Sasabonsam’s skin, the creature let out a piercing screech and fled into the night.

The hunter never entered the forest alone again, and to this day, villagers warn their children: "Do not wander beneath the trees at night, or the Sasabonsam will take you away."

Connections to Other Myths

The Sasabonsam is not the only legendary winged creature of African folklore. Some believe it is related to the Adze, a vampire-like entity that takes the form of a firefly before transforming into a monstrous being that drinks human blood. Others compare it to the mythical Chupacabra or even the European vampire, though the Sasabonsam is far more monstrous in nature.Interestingly, the Sasabonsam shares some similarities with the Camazotz of Mayan mythology—a terrifying bat god associated with night, death, and sacrifice. This suggests that across different cultures, people have long feared bat-like creatures as symbols of darkness and danger.

How to Protect Yourself from the Sasabonsam

If you ever find yourself in the forests of West Africa and hear an eerie rustling above, there are a few ways to protect yourself from the Sasabonsam:

Fire and Light: Like many supernatural beings, the Sasabonsam is believed to fear fire and bright light, so carrying a torch or lantern may keep it at bay.

Herbs and Ashes: Some stories suggest that certain herbs, especially those blessed by a healer or elder, can repel the creature.

Avoid the Deep Forest at Night: The simplest advice? Stay away from the thickest parts of the jungle after dark—because once the Sasabonsam has you in its claws, there’s little chance of escape.

Final Thoughts: Myth or Reality?

While modern scholars consider the Sasabonsam to be a figure of folklore rather than an actual creature, its legend remains strong. Some believe it serves as a cautionary tale to keep villagers—especially children—from wandering too far into the jungle, where real dangers like wild animals and treacherous terrain await.

But others? They swear that on certain nights, when the wind rustles through the trees and the moon is hidden behind thick clouds, you can still hear the distant flap of wings—a chilling reminder that perhaps the Sasabonsam is more than just a myth.

Have you ever heard of the Sasabonsam before?

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Current read!

My personal comfort zone is «Remain Nameless» by @heyjude19-writing

still there after the first artwork that I made 4 years ago (can't believe how fast time passes) and also can't miss the chance to redraw the cover piece

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You looked so pretty today.

I just want to kiss you.

I miss you.

Reread my little roman empire «Wait and Hope» by incredible @mightbewriting 💚

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The Augurey in Harry Potter: Origins, Symbolism, and Role in Wizarding History

Among the many magical creatures introduced in the Harry Potter universe, few are as misunderstood—or as melodramatic—as the Augurey. Also known as the Irish Phoenix, this peculiar bird is far from fiery or flamboyant. Instead, it cuts a thin, gloomy figure, resembling a small, underfed vulture with greenish-black feathers and a sharp, sorrowful cry.

A Shy Bird with a Bad Reputation

Native to Great Britain and Ireland, the Augurey is intensely shy, preferring to nest alone in thorny brambles. Its tear-shaped nest is often hidden deep in the undergrowth. It survives on a diet of insects, flies, and even fairies, which it hunts during heavy rain.

The Augurey’s mournful cry has long carried an ominous reputation. In wizarding folklore, it was once believed that its cry foretold death. This superstition caused many wizards to go to great lengths to avoid Augurey nests. But in 1824, magical researcher Gulliver Pokeby put those fears to rest with his book Why I Didn’t Die When the Augurey Cried. He revealed the truth: the Augurey simply sings when rain is on the way. Rather than a death omen, it’s a magical weather report.

From Myth to Meteorologist

Once the myth was dispelled, Augureys were sometimes used as magical weather forecasters. However, their constant moaning during rainy seasons—especially in wetter regions—made them less than ideal pets. While their feathers are striking, they repel ink and are therefore useless for writing. That said, the legendary Quill of Acceptance at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is believed to be made from an Augurey feather.

Love in the Rain

The Augurey’s courtship rituals are surprisingly complex, peaking around Valentine’s Day each year. Sadly, Augureys raised in captivity often struggle to find mates if released, having never learned these intricate social behaviors. Their shy and melancholic nature doesn’t make matchmaking any easier.

Famous (and Infamous) Augurey Moments

Over the years, the Augurey has popped up in several curious moments in wizarding history:

Uric the Oddball, a notoriously eccentric wizard, once kept 50 Augureys as pets. On a particularly rainy day, they all cried in unison—leading Uric to believe he was a ghost. He promptly gave himself a concussion trying to walk through a wall.

In 1927, Newt Scamander—the famed Magizoologist—had a pet Augurey named Patrick, who lived among other magical creatures in his enchanted suitcase.

Hans, an oversized and gloomy Augurey, became the mascot of the Liechtenstein National Quidditch Team, even gaining a fan club.

Most hauntingly, Delphini, the daughter of Voldemort, grew up with an Augurey and later adopted it as her personal symbol. She had a tattoo of one on the back of her neck, and in an alternate timeline where Voldemort won, she took on the name “The Augurey.”

What’s in a Name?

The name “Augurey” cleverly plays on augury, the ancient Roman practice of interpreting omens by observing birds. Given that the Augurey’s cry was once thought to predict death (and now rain), the term is fitting. Some even suggest the "-ey" suffix hints at "grey"—a color symbolic of sadness, clouds, and rain. Very on-brand for such a moody little bird.

So, while the Augurey may not be the most glamorous creature in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, it certainly leaves an impression. Equal parts misunderstood, mystical, and moody, the Augurey reminds us that not every ominous sound is a bad omen—sometimes, it’s just time to grab your umbrella.

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Easy to download and print coloring pages for Halloween!

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Honestly, same.

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