- "...there was a loud bang and he felt himself flying backwards as if punched; as he slammed into the kitchen wall and slid to the floor, he glimpsed the tail of Lupin's cloak disappearing round the door."
- — Lupin uses this on Harry.[src]
The Knockback Jinx is a spell which can be used to physically repel an opponent; the spell is also convenient in the blasting apart of fragile objects and the activation of magically charmed switches. The jinx is described as most 'utilitarian' and is a rather simple spell.
Deflection and teaching
Flipendo can be blocked both by Expelliarmus, and Protego. It is taught to first year students of Defence Against the Dark Arts; the textbook The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection provides the directions on how to cast the spell.
Charging power
In the second year, students learn how to charge up the spell to more powerful levels (without casting the variations). To do so, one must hold their power in their wand and release their magic when the blue spell turns a strange purplish-red colour. Past this point, the spell will backfire in mid-air.
History
This jinx was taught by Professor Quirinus Quirrell to his first year class in 1991; they later used it to defeat the various imps, fire crabs, and pixies residing in Hogwarts Castle, as well as helping to protect themselves against the monsters in the Forbidden Forest.
Practitioners
- Dobby the House Elf
- Garrick Ollivander
- Harry Potter
- Hermione Granger
- Quirinus Quirrell
- Ronald Weasley
Behind the scenes
- This spell can be bought at Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment in Diagon Alley.
- Although this spell is used to repel opponents, in the second film, Rictusempra is used to this effect, instead of its usual tickling effect.
- Severus Snape blasted a man aside whilst fleeing from the castle in the sixth film during the Battle of the Astronomy Tower.
- A spellbook detailing how to cast this spell could be found in Ollivanders Wand Shop.
Appearances
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game) (First appearance)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (video game)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film) (Possibly)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (video game)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
- LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4
- LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7
- Pottermore (Spells / Duels)
- Harry Potter Trading Card Game
