Galatea Merrythought
From Harry Potter Wiki
| Galatea Merrythought | |
|---|---|
| Biographical information | |
| Title(s) | |
| Physical description | |
| Species | |
| Gender |
Female |
| Affiliation | |
| Occupation |
Professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts (formerly) |
| Loyalty | |
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Professor Galatea Merrythought was a witch and Professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts from 1895 to 1945, holding the position for fifty years. After her retirement, no wizard could hold her position as D.A.D.A. professor. Her fate remains unknown, although if she is still alive, she would be over 110 years old.
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[edit] Biography
[edit] Early life
Nothing is known of Galatea Merrythought’s past, although it is likely that she attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and would’ve attained her Wand from Ollivander's Wand Shop at Diagon Alley at the age of eleven. If so, one of her classmates would be Rolanda Hooch. She would’ve graduated at the age of seventeen and it is likely that she had good Defence Against the Dark Arts marks.
[edit] Career at Hogwarts
Galatea returned to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry at some point and became Professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts. One of her pupils was a young Gryffindor named Albus Dumbledore, who she taught very well and who she made an excellent duellist.
[edit] The Chamber of Secrets and retirement
Many years later, when Professor Dippet was Headmaster, Galatea became the teacher of a brilliant student named Tom Riddle. Her fellow colleagues, and possibly Galatea herself, had been impressed by Riddle’s skills and determination, and taught him all they knew. During her sixth year of teaching Riddle, the Chamber of Secrets was opened and many of her students were petrified. Eventually, a third-year named Rubeus Hagrid was accused of releasing Slytherin’s monster from the Chamber and he was expelled. It was during this year that Galatea decided to retire, whether it was because of these events or not, and she left the school following year.
[edit] Relationships
Galatea taught many generations of wizards and witches, and many of them proved vital in the war against Lord Voldemort.
[edit] Albus Dumbledore
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore was taught by Professor Merrythought from 1895 through to 1899. He was an excellent student and became a great duellist, capable of capturing and defeating many wizards at one time, as evident in the Battle of the Department of Mysteries. Albus defeated Gellert Grindelwald, became the leader of the rebellion against Lord Voldemort and duelled the former at least once while keeping his own. After graduating, Albus returned to the school and became one of Galatea’s colleagues as Transfiguration professor.
[edit] Tom Riddle
Tom Marvolo Riddle was taught by Professor Merrythought from 1938 through to 1945. He was a brilliant pupil whose skills amazed Galatea and her colleagues. He was ever-curious and charmed his teachers into learning valuable information that would help him in his years as a Dark Lord. He became a master duellist, capable of rivalling ex-student Albus Dumbledore, and was considered to be the greatest student Hogwarts had ever seen.
[edit] Rubeus Hagrid
Rubeus Hagrid was taught by Professor Merrythought from 1940 through to 1943. Galatea only taught him for three years because he was expelled after he was accused by Tom Riddle of opening the Chamber of Secrets. His wand was snapped but Headmaster Dippet, after being urged by Professor Dumbledore, allowed him to remain at the school as gamekeeper.
[edit] Aberforth Dumbledore
Professor Merrythought would have taught her star pupil’s younger brother, Aberforth Dumbledore. As with the rest of the staff, it is likely that she expected great things from him, but was disappointed.
[edit] Death Eaters
Professor Merrythought taught Tom Riddle’s gang, who would later become the first Death Eaters, so it can be assumed that she is responsible for teaching them their defensive and offensive magic.
[edit] Etymology
- The surname Merrythought could imply that she was adept at conjuring the Patronus.
- Her given name Galatea may have been derived from Greek mythology. There are three notable women in Greek mythology who possessed the name Galatea: First Galatea of Sicily was the name of one of the fifty daughters of Nereus and Doris known as the Nereids, was courted by both Polyphemus and Acis. Second, Galatea of Cyprus was the wife of King Pygmalion. Pygmalion was famous for having created a statute of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, that the goddess brought to life at his request. After receiving the gift of life, Galatea married the king. Last, Galatea was the name of the wife King Lamprus. Galatea prayed to the Greek goddess Leto to transform her daughter into a son so she would not have to sacrifice her according to the command of her husband. Leto granted Galatea's request.
[edit] Behind the scenes
- In the sixth movie, after finally agreeing to come back and teach at Hogwarts, Horace Slughorn demands that when he comes back to Hogwarts, he is given Merrythought's old office.
[edit] Appearances
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (First mentioned)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film) (Mentioned only)
