- "The hag is a child-eating creature of human appearance, though likely to have more warts than the average witch."
- — The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection[src]
A hag is a savage being that looks like an ugly, old witch but has more warts.[4] They possess rudimentary magic, similar to that of a troll.[5] Little is known of them, though it is thought that they are what Muggles think are witches and are therefore popular in Muggle literature.
History
- Quirinus Quirrell supposedly had a "nasty bit o' trouble" with a hag sometime in 1991 during his Grand Tour.[6]
- Sometime in or before 1992, Gilderoy Lockhart published a book called Holidays with Hags; the book probably does not contain any useful information on them, though.[7]
- In 1993, Harry Potter thought he saw a hag ordering a plate of raw liver from behind a thick balaclava.[8]
- A hag sent in "A Word in Support of Hags" to the Daily Prophet, offering babysitting services.[9]
Ministry classification
The Ministry of Magic classifies hags as beings, a fact that causes centaurs and merpeople to desire the classification of beast.[3]
Known hags[2]
Habitats
Hags can occasionally be encountered in Diagon and Knockturn Alleys, as well as Hogsmeade[8]; however, some hags like Annis Black live in caves.[2]
Diet
Hags eat children[2] and raw liver are part of their diets.[8]
Etymology
From hægtesse, meaning witch.
Behind the scenes
- The hag is a creature from English folklore. Originally used a way to explain the then-unknown condition of sleep paralysis, the "Old Hag" was a spirit that sat on a person's chest while they slept and gave them nightmares. The concept later evolved to be used for any malevolent and ugly old woman.
- It is possible that Honoria Nutcombe is a hag, given that she founded the Society for the Reformation of Hags in the seventeenth or eighteenth century.[9]
- According to W.O.M.B.A.T, hags might only have four toes on each foot.[5]
Appearances
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (First mentioned)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Mentioned only)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film) (Disc 2) (Mentioned only)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game) (Appears on a Famous Wizard Card)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Possible appearance)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
- The Queen's Handbag (Mentioned only)
- Pottermore (Mentioned only)
Notes and references
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 If Quirrell really did have a run-in with one, it must have some sentience, and must be partially part of the magical community.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Famous Witches and Wizards Cards
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (real)
- ↑ Pottermore
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 J. K. Rowling's Official Site
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Daily Prophet Newsletters