Harry Potter Wiki
Don't have an account?
Register
Register
Harry Potter Wiki
Harry Potter Wiki
20,678
pages
in: Curses, Dark Magic, Fire-based magic,
and 4 more
English

Changes: Fiendfyre

Back to page
Sign in to edit
Tag: sourceedit
(29 intermediate revisions by 16 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{Spell infobox
  
{{Spell infobox
 
|name=Fiendfyre
  
|name=Fiendfyre
−
|image=[[File:fiendfyre.jpg|250px]]
 +
|image=[[File:Fiendfyre.jpg|250px]]
 
|incantation=
  
|incantation=
  +
|type=[[Curse]]<ref name="DH31">{{DH}} - Chapter 31 (''The Battle of Hogwarts'')</ref>
−
|light=Fire
  
  +
|hand=Hold [[wand]] aloft<ref name="DH2">{{DHF2}}</ref>
−
|type=[[Curse]] ([[Dark magic|Dark]])
  
  +
|light=Fire<ref name="DH31"/>
−
|effect=Unleashes cursed fire}}
 +
|effect=Unleashes cursed fire<ref name="DH31"/>
  +
|creator=
  +
}}
   
−
{{Quote|It was not normal fire; [[Vincent Crabbe|Crabbe]] had used a curse of which [[Harry Potter|Harry]] had no knowledge: As they turned a corner the flames chased them as though they were alive, sentient, intent upon killing them. Now the fire was mutating, forming a gigantic pack of fiery beasts: Flaming [[Snake|serpents]], [[chimaera]]s, and [[dragon]]s rose and fell and rose again, and the detritus of centuries on which they were feeding was thrown up in the air into their fanged mouths, tossed high on clawed feet, before being consumed by the inferno.|Description of Fiendfyre when [[Vincent Crabbe]] conjures it in the [[Room of Requirement#Room of Hidden Things|Room of Hidden Things]] during the [[Battle of Hogwarts]]|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
 +
{{Quote|It was not normal fire; [[Vincent Crabbe|Crabbe]] had used a curse of which [[Harry Potter|Harry]] had no knowledge: As they turned a corner the flames chased them as though they were alive, sentient, intent upon killing them. Now the fire was mutating, forming a gigantic pack of fiery beasts: Flaming [[Snake|serpents]], [[chimaera]]s, and [[dragon]]s rose and fell and rose again, and the detritus of centuries on which they were feeding was thrown up in the air into their fanged mouths, tossed high on clawed feet, before being consumed by the inferno.|Description|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
   
  +
'''Fiendfyre''' (''incantation unknown'') was a [[Dark Arts|bewitched]] [[Fire|flame]] of abnormal size and heat, infused with dark magic, capable of seeking out living targets despite being non-sentient.<ref name="DH31"/>
−
'''Fiendfyre''' is a type of [[fire]] made from [[Dark Arts|Dark Magic]].<ref name="DH31">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)</ref>
  
   
−
==Description==
 +
== Description and effects ==
  +
It is an immensely powerful fire that cannot be extinguished by normal or [[Water-Making Spell|enchanted]] [[water]],<ref name="DH31"/> It is also very difficult for the caster to control,<ref name="DH31"/> flowing from their wand in a continuous stream of flame.<ref name="DH2"/> If the [[Wizardkind|caster]] flicks their [[wand]] when the stream of flame is still running from it, a jet of fire will shoot off and become a flaming animal.<ref name="DH2"/>
−
[[File:Crabbe_Fiendfyre.JPG|thumb|left|Harry casting ''[[Water-Making Spell|Aguamenti]]'' in a failed attempt to extinguish the cursed fire.]]
  
−
Fiendfyre is a very powerful flame that cannot be extinguished by normal water but is very difficult for the caster to control. The blaze is so potent that Fiendfyre is one of the very few substances that are capable of destroying a [[Horcrux]].
  
   
−
It initially appears as a "roaring, billowing noise" and gives its victims only a moment's warning. Its flames are of abnormal size and take the shape of fire-breathing monsters and beasts, such as [[Snake|serpents]], [[chimaera]]s, [[dragon]]s, and [[Eagle|raptors]], continuously mutating. It appears to have enough consciousness to actually follow its intended victims. The fire will pursue nearby lifeforms as if it were alive itself, sentient, even the one who conjured it if they lack control. The fire will also pursue anything it can burn for more fuel and seems to incinerate anything through mere contact.<ref name="DH31"/>
 +
When cast, the [[fire]] appears with a roaring, billowing noise and gives its victims only a split-second's warning to escape, quickly consuming anything in the vicinity of its caster.<ref name="DH31"/> The flames are of abnormally large size and take the shape of fiery monsters and beasts such as [[snake]]s, dragons, eagles and [[chimaera]]s, constantly mutating into other beasts as well as powerful, formless flames that destroy all things flammable around it.<ref name="DH31"/> The fire even possesses a sentience of its own, a continuous (though far from latent) desire to burn anything it can.<ref name="DH31"/> It will pursue any nearby lifeforms and anything that it can destroy, and is capable of incinerating anything through mere contact.<ref name="DH2"/>
   
−
Inexperienced casters will be able to conjure it, but will have virtually no control over the flames once they are unleashed, which would make the flames a potential deadly backfire.<ref name="DH31"/> It seems like the flames feed off the caster's emotions and when they are insufficient in controlling such emotions while casting the curse, it becomes the reason for the backfire; [[Gregory Goyle|the caster]] themselves would become a target of the indiscriminate inferno, which would devour everything in the vicinity, including the one who created it.<ref name="Film8">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2]]''</ref> [[Hermione Granger]], a very skilled and intelligent witch, had her own doubts of being able to control such dangerous flames, further indicating its difficulty.<ref name="DH31"/> This being said, it seems that only the most experienced [[Dark Wizard]]s (like [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]])<ref name="Film5">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)]]'' - [[:File:Voldemort's_Fiendfyre.JPG|This image]]</ref> would be able to control it and manipulate it to great effect.
 +
Inexperienced casters will be able to conjure the flames but will have virtually no control over the [[curse]] once it has been unleashed, thereby making the fire a deadly backfire.<ref name="DH31"/> More experienced casters, such as [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]], may control the flaming beasts they create, even condensing it into a single, colossal animal of their desire<ref name="OPF">{{OOTPF}} - See [[:File:Firesnake.png|this image]]</ref>. There is also a [[charm]] to cease the flames as well as [[Partis Temporus|one to disperse them]], but unfortunately [[Vincent Crabbe]] never paid attention in class long enough to learn it, therefore costing him his life.<ref name="DH31"/> It is also possible that the fire may eventually burn off on its own, if it is unable to consume enough material to sustain it, and if so, the ash left behind may become [[Ashwinder]]s.
  ⚫
== Known uses==
  +
{| class="wikitable" border="1" 500px;"
  +
|-
  +
! align="center" width="20%" |Caster(s)
  +
! align="center" width="20%" |Date
  +
! scope="col" |Notes
  +
|-
  +
|[[Lord Voldemort]] (possibly)
  +
|[[18 June]], [[1996]]
  +
|During his duel with [[Albus Dumbledore]] Voldemort conjured a giant fire snake.
  +
|-
  +
|[[Amycus Carrow]]
  +
|[[1997-1998 school year]]
  +
|It was speculated by Harry Potter that Amycus was the one to teach Crabbe Fiendfyre.
  +
|-
  +
|[[Vincent Crabbe]]
  +
|[[2 May]], [[1998]]
  +
|Crabbe cast this in the [[Room of Requirement]] while it was transformed into the Room of Hidden Things. He died in the ensuing magical inferno.
  +
|}
   
  +
== Known practitioners==
−
It was mentioned by [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]] that [[Vincent Crabbe]] was not paying attention in class when they were taught how to stop Fiendfyre.<ref name="DH31"/> Though this is mostly Ron being sarcastic, it is possible that there is a counter-spell to cease the otherwise seemingly unstoppable flames, if controlled by a skilled wizard, or that it could even burn itself out naturally. Fiendfyre (or any other magical fire) that is allowed to burn unchecked for too long they can produce an [[Ashwinder]]; it is said that Ashwinders are born from the embers of a dying fire, so this is another indication that Fiendfyre can die out in time.
  
  +
{{Quote|He set the whole bloody room on fire!|[[Ronald Weasley]]|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2}}
−  
  +
*[[Amycus Carrow]]
⚫
==Known uses==
  
  +
*[[Bellatrix Lestrange]]<ref name="HBPF">{{HBPF}} - See [[:File:Bellatrix Fiendfyre and destroying Burrow.JPG|this image]]</ref>
−
{{Quote|Like it hot, scum?|[[Vincent Crabbe]], as he conjures Fiendfyre in the [[Room of Requirement]] in an attempt to kill [[Harry Potter]], but accidentally kills himself at the [[Battle of Hogwarts]]|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
  
  +
*[[Tom Riddle]]<ref name="OPF" />
−  
  +
*[[Vincent Crabbe]]
−
[[File:Fiendfyregoyle.jpg|thumb|Crabbe releases Fiendfyre against his adversaries.]]
  
−
In [[1998]], [[Vincent Crabbe]] learned how to cast Fiendfyre, presumably under the tutelage of [[Amycus Carrow]], a [[Death Eaters|Death Eater]] and professor of the [[Dark Arts (class)|Dark Arts class]] at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] when it was under the control of [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]]. He was either not paying attention when Carrow discussed how to control the curse or lacked the skill to do so.<ref name="DH31"/>
  
−  
−
[[File:Harry!!.jpg|thumb|left|[[The Trio]] flying out the blazing inferno.]]
  
−
During the [[Battle of Hogwarts]], [[Vincent Crabbe]], [[Gregory Goyle]], and [[Draco Malfoy]] cornered [[Harry Potter]], [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]], and [[Hermione Granger]] in the [[Room of Requirement]] during the latter group's search for [[Rowena Ravenclaw]]'s [[Rowena Ravenclaw's Diadem|Diadem]]. Crabbe had turned for the worse, and rebelled against Malfoy's leadership.<ref name="DH31"/> After several [[Cruciatus Curse|Cruciatus]] and [[Killing Curse]]s failed to hit his targets, Crabbe conjured Fiendfyre in an attempt to kill Harry and his friends, but he was unable to control it. Since the fire was used in an enclosed area, Crabbe perished along with the entire room in the cursed blaze. Harry attempted to use the [[Water-Making Spell]] to extinguish the flames, but it only evaporated on contact.<ref name="DH31"/> He, Ron, and Hermione narrowly rescued Malfoy and Goyle before barely managing to escape.<ref name="DH31"/>
  
−  
−
When the diadem, having been exposed to the flames before its recovery, broke apart in Harry's hands upon their escape, Hermione realised it was Fiendfyre they had escaped from. She had known that it was capable of destroying [[Horcrux]]es, but claimed it was far too dangerous for her to attempt to use.<ref name="DH31"/>
  
   
 
==Etymology==
  
==Etymology==
−
* The word "Fiendfyre" was probably derived from "fiend" (meaning an evil spirit or demon or "''The Devil''", a representation of the flame's cursed properties) and fire.
 +
* The word "Fiendfyre" is most likely derived from "fiend" (meaning an evil [[spirit]] or [[demon]], a representation of the flame's cursed properties and taking form of dark creatures).
−
* "Fyre" comes from the Old English word "fyr", which in turn is for "''fire''". Directly, "fyre" is just a single-letter corruption of "fire". Fire is the main effect of the curse.
 +
* "Fyre" comes from the Old English word "fyr", which in turn is for "''fire''". Directly, "fyre" is just a single-letter corruption of "fire". Fire is the main effect of the curse.
   
 
==Behind the scenes==
  
==Behind the scenes==
−
* Though the only confirmed use of this spell is by Crabbe in the Room of Requirement,<ref name="DH31"/><ref name="Film8"/> there are numerous instances of living fire shown in [[Harry Potter (film series)|the films]] that resembles Fiendfyre, either being it or a variant. These include:
 +
*Though the only confirmed use of this spell is by Crabbe in the Room of Requirement, there are numerous instances of living fire shown in [[Harry Potter (film series)|the films]] that may also be Fiendfyre, or variants of it. The following spells or curses are not explicitly named, but closely resembles the Fiendfyre spell depicted in the last film.
−
** A fire spell used by a [[Durmstrang Institute|Durmstrang]] student by [[:File:Unidentified Durmstrang Boy (I).png|blowing on the tip of his wand]] in ''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)|Goblet of Fire]]''.<ref name="Film4">''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)]]'' - [[:File:Unidentified_Durmstrang_Boy_(I).png|This image]]</ref>
 +
** A fire spell is used by a [[Durmstrang Institute|Durmstrang]] student by blowing on the tip of his wand in ''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)|Goblet of Fire]]''.
−
** A [[:File:Voldemort's Fiendfyre.JPG|fiery snake]] utilized by [[Tom Riddle|Voldemort]] during his duel with [[Albus Dumbledore]] in the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] in ''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)|Order of the Phoenix]]''.<ref name="Film5"/>
 +
** In ''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)|Order of the Phoenix]]'', [[Voldemort]] conjures a serpent made of fire during his duel with [[Albus Dumbledore]], who is able to divert it away from himself and re-direct it back towards Voldemort.
−
** The [[:File:Bellatrix Fiendfyre and destroying Burrow.JPG|circle of fire]] used by [[Bellatrix Lestrange]] to [[Burning of the Burrow|burn down]] [[the Burrow]] in ''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)|Half-Blood Prince]]'', which is described as "[embodying] ''some serpent-like creatures''" in ''[[Harry Potter Film Wizardry]]''.<ref name="Film6">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)]]'' - [[:File:Bellatrix_Fiendfyre_and_destroying_Burrow.JPG|This image]]</ref>
 +
** The fire used to [[Burning of the Burrow|burn down]] [[the Burrow]] in ''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)|Half-Blood Prince]]'' was described as "[embodying] ''some serpent-like creatures''" in ''[[Harry Potter Film Wizardry]]''.
  ⚫
* In ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2]]'', [[Gregory Goyle]] uses Fiendfyre and dies instead of Crabbe. This is due to the fact that Crabbe has been cut from the film. Also, whereas Crabbe died because he could not run fast enough from the fire, Goyle is depicted as having been unable to stop the flame from pouring out of his wand, and dying from grabbing a loose chair.
−
[[File:Goyle_Falls_to_his_Death.jpg|thumb|Goyle dies by his own Fiendfyre in ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2|Deathly Hallows: Part 2]]''.]]
  
  ⚫
* In the film adaption, Fiendfyre was not used to completely destroy [[Rowena Ravenclaw's Diadem]]. Instead, Harry stabbed it with the [[Serpent of Slytherin]]'s fang to damage it, and then Ron kicked it into the Fiendfyre to finish the job. This led Voldemort's mangled [[soul]] to possess the flames briefly and screaming in pain before it was destroyed.<ref name="DH2" />
⚫
* In ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2]]'', [[Gregory Goyle]] uses Fiendfyre and dies instead of Crabbe. This is due to the fact that Crabbe has been cut from the film. Unlike Crabbe's failing control over the flames and unseen death, Goyle died by falling into the inferno after grabbing a loose chair from climbing a mountain of old stuff. Also, Goyle's lack of control is depicted as him having trouble stopping the flames from coming out of his wand once he cast the curse.<ref name="Film8"/>
  
⚫
* In the film adaption, Fiendfyre was not used to completely destroy [[Rowena Ravenclaw's Diadem]]. Instead, Harry stabbed it with the [[Serpent of Slytherin]]'s fang to damage it, and then Ron kicked it into the Fiendfyre to finish the job. This led Voldemort's mangled [[soul]] to possess the flames briefly and screaming in pain before it was destroyed.<ref name="Film8"/>
  
   
 
==Appearances==
  
==Appearances==
−
* ''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)]]'' {{Possible}}
 +
* ''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)]]'' {{possible}}
−
* ''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)]]'' {{Possible}}
 +
* ''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)]]'' {{possible}}
−
* ''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)]]'' {{Possible}}
 +
* ''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)]]'' {{possible}}
 
* ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]] ''{{1st}}
  
* ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]] ''{{1st}}
−
* ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1]] ''{{Possible}} {{Flashback}}
 +
* ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1]]'' {{possible}} {{Flashback}}
 
* ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2]]''
  
* ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2]]''
 
* ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (video game)]]''
  
* ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (video game)]]''
Line 70: Line 84:
 
[[Category:Horcrux destruction methods]]
  
[[Category:Horcrux destruction methods]]
 
[[Category:Battle of Hogwarts]]
  
[[Category:Battle of Hogwarts]]
  +
[[Category:Spells of unknown incantation]]

Revision as of 01:34, 12 April 2015

"It was not normal fire; Crabbe had used a curse of which Harry had no knowledge: As they turned a corner the flames chased them as though they were alive, sentient, intent upon killing them. Now the fire was mutating, forming a gigantic pack of fiery beasts: Flaming serpents, chimaeras, and dragons rose and fell and rose again, and the detritus of centuries on which they were feeding was thrown up in the air into their fanged mouths, tossed high on clawed feet, before being consumed by the inferno."
— Description[src]

Fiendfyre (incantation unknown) was a bewitched flame of abnormal size and heat, infused with dark magic, capable of seeking out living targets despite being non-sentient.[1]

Description and effects

It is an immensely powerful fire that cannot be extinguished by normal or enchanted water,[1] It is also very difficult for the caster to control,[1] flowing from their wand in a continuous stream of flame.[2] If the caster flicks their wand when the stream of flame is still running from it, a jet of fire will shoot off and become a flaming animal.[2]

When cast, the fire appears with a roaring, billowing noise and gives its victims only a split-second's warning to escape, quickly consuming anything in the vicinity of its caster.[1] The flames are of abnormally large size and take the shape of fiery monsters and beasts such as snakes, dragons, eagles and chimaeras, constantly mutating into other beasts as well as powerful, formless flames that destroy all things flammable around it.[1] The fire even possesses a sentience of its own, a continuous (though far from latent) desire to burn anything it can.[1] It will pursue any nearby lifeforms and anything that it can destroy, and is capable of incinerating anything through mere contact.[2]

Inexperienced casters will be able to conjure the flames but will have virtually no control over the curse once it has been unleashed, thereby making the fire a deadly backfire.[1] More experienced casters, such as Lord Voldemort, may control the flaming beasts they create, even condensing it into a single, colossal animal of their desire[3]. There is also a charm to cease the flames as well as one to disperse them, but unfortunately Vincent Crabbe never paid attention in class long enough to learn it, therefore costing him his life.[1] It is also possible that the fire may eventually burn off on its own, if it is unable to consume enough material to sustain it, and if so, the ash left behind may become Ashwinders.

Known uses

Caster(s) Date Notes
Lord Voldemort (possibly) 18 June, 1996 During his duel with Albus Dumbledore Voldemort conjured a giant fire snake.
Amycus Carrow 1997-1998 school year It was speculated by Harry Potter that Amycus was the one to teach Crabbe Fiendfyre.
Vincent Crabbe 2 May, 1998 Crabbe cast this in the Room of Requirement while it was transformed into the Room of Hidden Things. He died in the ensuing magical inferno.

Known practitioners

"He set the whole bloody room on fire!"
— Ronald Weasley[src]

Etymology

  • The word "Fiendfyre" is most likely derived from "fiend" (meaning an evil spirit or demon, a representation of the flame's cursed properties and taking form of dark creatures).
  • "Fyre" comes from the Old English word "fyr", which in turn is for "fire". Directly, "fyre" is just a single-letter corruption of "fire". Fire is the main effect of the curse.

Behind the scenes

  • Though the only confirmed use of this spell is by Crabbe in the Room of Requirement, there are numerous instances of living fire shown in the films that may also be Fiendfyre, or variants of it. The following spells or curses are not explicitly named, but closely resembles the Fiendfyre spell depicted in the last film.
  • In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, Gregory Goyle uses Fiendfyre and dies instead of Crabbe. This is due to the fact that Crabbe has been cut from the film. Also, whereas Crabbe died because he could not run fast enough from the fire, Goyle is depicted as having been unable to stop the flame from pouring out of his wand, and dying from grabbing a loose chair.
  • In the film adaption, Fiendfyre was not used to completely destroy Rowena Ravenclaw's Diadem. Instead, Harry stabbed it with the Serpent of Slytherin's fang to damage it, and then Ron kicked it into the Fiendfyre to finish the job. This led Voldemort's mangled soul to possess the flames briefly and screaming in pain before it was destroyed.[2]

Appearances

References

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Chapter 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film) - See this image
  4. ↑ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film) - See this image
Deutsch Español Suomi Français Русский
*Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, Fandom will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.
More Fandoms