The Water Demons of Harry Potterâs 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 Grindylowâs 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.
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.
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 Fleurâs sister as well.Â
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 Scamanderâs 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 schoolâs 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.Â
Image from HarryPotter.com
Illegal Trade of Dark Wizards
The Grindylow and their sinister nature doesnât 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.Â
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 âWhat creature sat in the corner the first time Harry Potter visited my office at Hogwarts?!â Harry correctly answered âGrindylowâ as no imposter could verify that question as it was a personal memory.
Scene from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
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.Â
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 Irelandâ Wizard or Muggle alikeâ there is one thing you should remember: a Grindylow may be lurking beneath, waiting for its next victim.Â
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