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{{Quote|Non-magic people (more commonly known as muggles) were particularly afraid of [[magic]] in medieval times, but not very good at recognising it.|Excerpt from [[A History of Magic]], by [[Bathilda Bagshot]]|Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban}}
 
{{Quote|Non-magic people (more commonly known as muggles) were particularly afraid of [[magic]] in medieval times, but not very good at recognising it.|Excerpt from [[A History of Magic]], by [[Bathilda Bagshot]]|Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban}}
   
A '''Muggle''' is a person who is born into a non-magical family and is incapable of performing  [[magic]]. Most Muggles are not aware that magic exists at all and that those with it have organised their own [[Wizarding world|society]] largely separate from the Muggle world. The few Muggles that do know of the existence of the [[wizarding world]] are usually parents, or close relatives, of witches and wizards (for example, [[Hermione Granger]]'s parents, [[Hermione Granger's father|Mr.]] and [[Hermione Granger's mother|Mrs. Granger]], knew of the wizarding world because of their daughter, as did [[Harry Potter]]'s [[Petunia Evans|aunt]] and [[Vernon Dursley|uncle]]). Muggles are not to be confused with [[Squib]]s, who also lack magic but are born into magical families and are aware of the wizarding world.
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A '''Muggle''' is a person who is born into a non-magical family and is incapable of performing [[magic]]. Most Muggles are not aware that magic exists at all and that those with it have organised their own [[Wizarding world|society]] largely separate from the Muggle world. The few Muggles that do know of the existence of the [[wizarding world]] are usually parents, or close relatives, of witches and wizards (for example, [[Hermione Granger]]'s parents, [[Hermione Granger's father|Mr]] and [[Hermione Granger's mother|Mrs Granger]], knew of the wizarding world because of their daughter, as did [[Harry Potter]]'s [[Petunia Evans|aunt]] and [[Vernon Dursley|uncle]]). Muggles are not to be confused with [[Squib]]s, who also lack magic but are born into magical families and are aware of the wizarding world.
   
The term "Muggle" is widely used in the wizarding world, and generally is not intended to be offensive; in fact, it is often used affectionately, often by [[Arthur Weasley]], whom has a great fondness for Muggles and learning about them and their way of life. Some of the more prejudiced members of the community, however, use the word in the same context as the epithet "Mudblood," though the term is generally associated with [[Muggle-borns]] (witches or wizards that come from non-magic families/Muggles).
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The term "Muggle" is widely used in the wizarding world, and generally is not intended to be offensive; in fact, it is often used affectionately, often by [[Arthur Weasley]], who has a great fondness for Muggles and learning about them and their way of life. Some of the more prejudiced members of the community, however, use the word in the same context as the epithet "Mudblood," though the term is generally associated with [[Muggle-borns]] (witches or wizards that come from non-magic families/Muggles). These wizards or witches believe that Muggle-borns have "stolen" magic and thus are actually Muggles, rather than legitimate wizards or witches.
   
==The Muggle and Wizarding World==
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==The Muggle and wizarding world==
 
===Wizarding law===
 
===Wizarding law===
[[File:Weasleygranger.jpg|thumb|270px|left|Muggles [[Hermione Granger's parents|Mr. and Mrs. Granger]] with [[Wizardkind|wizard]] [[Arthur Weasley]].]]
 
{{Quote|Each wizarding governing body will be responsible for the concealment, care and control of all magical beasts, beings, and spirits dwelling within its territory's borders. Should any such creature cause harm to, or draw the notice of, the Muggle community, that nation's wizarding governing body will be subject to discipline by the [[International Confederation of Wizards]].|Clause 73 of [[International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy]]|Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (real)}}
 
   
 
{{Quote|Each wizarding governing body will be responsible for the concealment, care and control of all magical beasts, beings, and spirits dwelling within its territory's borders. Should any such creature cause harm to, or draw the notice of, the Muggle community, that nation's wizarding governing body will be subject to discipline by the [[International Confederation of Wizards]].|Clause 73 of [[International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy]]|Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (real)}}
Since the [[International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy]] was enacted in [[1690s|1692]], [[Wizardkind|wizards and witches]] have hidden the existence of magic from Muggles<ref name="FB">''[[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (real)|Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]]''</ref>. Thus, most Muggles are either afraid of magic or believe it to be nothing but a childish fantasy. Wizards and witches hide their world with [[Muggle-Repelling Charm]]s, and if a Muggle witnesses a magical event or sees a magical creature such as a [[dragon]], their memories are [[Memory Charm|erased]]. [[Confundus Charm]]s are also occasionally employed to encourage Muggles to ignore any magic they witness. Violations of the Statute of Secrecy are prosecuted by the [[Improper Use of Magic Office]], and the [[Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office]] tries to keep bewitched items away from Muggles.
 
 
[[File:Weasleygranger.jpg|thumb|220px|left|Muggles [[Hermione Granger's parents|Mr and Mrs Granger]] with [[Wizardkind|wizard]] [[Arthur Weasley]]]]
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Since the [[International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy]] was enacted in [[1690s|1692]], [[Wizardkind|wizards and witches]] have hidden the existence of magic from Muggles.<ref name="FB">''[[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (real)|Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]]''</ref> Thus, most Muggles are either afraid of magic or believe it to be nothing but a childish fantasy. Wizards and witches hide their world with [[Muggle-Repelling Charm]]s, and if a Muggle witnesses a magical event or sees a magical creature such as a [[dragon]], their memories are [[Memory Charm|erased]]. [[Confundus Charm]]s are also occasionally employed to encourage Muggles to ignore any magic they witness. Violations of the Statute of Secrecy are prosecuted by the [[Improper Use of Magic Office]], and the [[Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office]] tries to keep bewitched items away from Muggles.
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Wizards and witches thus organised their own society, known as the [[wizarding world]], distinct from that of Muggles. There are some exclusively magical settlements, such as [[Hogsmeade]], but also magical communities hidden within largely Muggle ones, such as in [[Ottery St Catchpole]] and even in [[London]]. Magical people also have a separate [[wizarding currency|currency system]] and government. The [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] maintains relations with the Muggle [[Prime Minister]], but they do not appear to be subordinate to the Muggle government.<ref name="PS">''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]''</ref>
   
Wizards and witches thus organised their own society, known as the [[wizarding world]], distinct from that of Muggles. There are some exclusively magical settlements, such as [[Hogsmeade]], but also magical communities hidden within largely Muggle ones, such as in [[Ottery St. Catchpole]] and even in [[London]]. Magical people also have a separate [[wizarding currency|currency system]] and government. The [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] maintains relations with the Muggle [[Prime Minister]], but they do not appear to be subordinate to the Muggle government.<ref name="PS">''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]''</ref>
 
[[File:Desk15pu1.jpg|thumb|right|170px|Muggle [[Mrs. Cole]] and wizard [[Albus Dumbledore]].]]
 
 
===Overlapping of worlds===
 
===Overlapping of worlds===
{{Quote|Most wizards these days are [[half-blood]] anyway. If we hadn’t married Muggles we’d’ve died out.|[[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]] discussing [[blood purity]]|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
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{{Quote|Most wizards these days are [[half-blood]] anyway. If we hadn't married Muggles we'd've died out.|[[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]] discussing [[blood purity]]|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
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[[File:Desk15pu1.jpg|thumb|right|160px|Muggle [[Mrs Cole]] and wizard [[Albus Dumbledore]]]]
   
However, the Muggle and magical worlds are tied together in some ways. For instance, Muggles sometimes marry wizards or witches and thus become aware of the wizarding world, as occurred with [[Seamus Finnigan's father|Mr. Finnigan]] when he married a [[Seamus Finnigan's mother|witch]]. Muggles also occasionally produce a magical child. In Britain, these [[Muggle-born]] wizards and witches will often join the wizarding world when they are invited to attend [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]]. Their parents will thus be informed of the existence of the wizarding world, and may even enter it on occasion, as [[Hermione Granger's father|Mr.]] and [[Hermione Granger's mother|Mrs. Granger]] did when they accompanied their [[Hermione Granger|daughter]] and the [[Weasley family]] to [[Diagon Alley]] to shop for school supplies in [[1992]].<ref name="CS">''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]''</ref>
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However, the Muggle and magical worlds are tied together in some ways. For instance, Muggles sometimes marry wizards or witches and thus become aware of the wizarding world, as occurred with [[Seamus Finnigan's father|Mr Finnigan]] when he married a [[Seamus Finnigan's mother|witch]]. Muggles also occasionally produce a magical child. In Britain, these [[Muggle-born]] wizards and witches will often join the wizarding world when they are invited to attend [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]]. Their parents will thus be informed of the existence of the wizarding world, and may even enter it on occasion, as [[Hermione Granger's father|Mr]] and [[Hermione Granger's mother|Mrs Granger]] did when they accompanied their [[Hermione Granger|daughter]] and the [[Weasley family]] to [[Diagon Alley]] to shop for school supplies in [[1992]].<ref name="CS">''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]''</ref>
   
 
Some Muggles are aware of the magical world but, through choice, choose to ignore it, such as [[Vernon Dursley]], who was aware his [[Lily Evans|sister-in-law]] was a witch but otherwise remained intentionally ignorant of the wizarding world until he was forced to recognise it with the arrival of his nephew, Harry Potter.
 
Some Muggles are aware of the magical world but, through choice, choose to ignore it, such as [[Vernon Dursley]], who was aware his [[Lily Evans|sister-in-law]] was a witch but otherwise remained intentionally ignorant of the wizarding world until he was forced to recognise it with the arrival of his nephew, Harry Potter.
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==Muggle attitude towards magic==
 
==Muggle attitude towards magic==
{{Quote|Knew! Of course we knew! How could you not be, my dratted sister being who she was?! Oh, she received a [[Hogwarts acceptance letter|letter]] just like that about that...[[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|that school]], and she disappeared, and she came home for vacation with pockets full of [[frog]] spawn, turning teacups into rats. I was the only one that saw what she was...a freak!|[[Petunia Dursley]] on her magical sister, Lily Evans|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
 
[[File:DursleyFamily.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The [[Dursley family]].]]
 
Historically, Muggles tended to consider those who practised magic to be evil, leading to the burning of witches during the Middle Ages. In response, some wizards and witches managed to use [[Flame-Freezing Charm]]s to render the fire harmless. Thus, most considered the Muggle efforts completely useless<ref name="POA">''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]''</ref>. However, such acts were part of the reason that wizards decided to go into hiding. Many wizards were killed by these incidents.<ref>[http://lounge.moviecodec.com/vs-forum/muggles-vs-harry-potter-wizards-in-a-giant-war-around-the-world-75615/]</ref> Some innocent Muggles were being burned as witches, [[Muggle-born|magical children born to Muggles]] were often persecuted when their magical abilities [[underage magic|surfaced]], and some Muggles tried to make magical people perform magic for their own ends. Magical creatures left the Muggles too, as many of them were extinguished, probably becasue of overhunting and ecosystem destruction.<ref name="FB" />
 
   
 
{{Quote|[[Wizardkind|Wizards]] represent all that the true 'Muggle' most fears: They are plainly outcasts and comfortable with being so. Nothing is more unnerving to the truly conventional than the unashamed misfit!|[[J. K. Rowling]]}}
 
{{Quote|[[Wizardkind|Wizards]] represent all that the true 'Muggle' most fears: They are plainly outcasts and comfortable with being so. Nothing is more unnerving to the truly conventional than the unashamed misfit!|[[J. K. Rowling]]}}
   
 
[[File:DursleyFamily.jpg|thumb|left|220px|The [[Dursley family]]]]
In the modern world, few Muggles believe in magic. Some who are aware of the wizarding world are accepting of it, such as [[Hermione Granger]]'s [[Granger family|parents]]<ref name="CS" />. Others, however, respond negatively. The [[Dursley family]], for instance, had a "very medieval" attitude towards magic. [[Petunia Dursley]] considered her sister [[Lily Evans|Lily]] a "freak" for her abilities, although this was originally prompted by envy of them, so she would not have thought of her sister like this if she too had had those powers<ref name="DH">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]''</ref>. She, her [[Vernon Dursley|husband]], Vernon and son, Dudley were suspicious of magic, and thus treated their wizard nephew [[Harry Potter]] badly and distrusted anyone associated with magic. They also tried to prevent him from learning of his magical heritage, without success.<ref name="PS" />[[Ariana Dumbledore]] was attacked and severely traumatised by Muggle boys after they saw her use magic and she was unable to show them how to do it. So this was not as much an act of prejudice than an act of envy, like Petunia<ref name="DH" />. [[Tom Riddle|Tom Marvolo Riddle]] also once suggested that his Muggle [[Tom Riddle Sr.|father]] abandoned his pregnant [[Merope Gaunt|wife]] because he discovered that she was a witch.<ref name="CS" />
 
  +
 
Historically, Muggles tended to consider those who practised magic to be evil, leading to the burning of witches during the Middle Ages. In response, some wizards and witches managed to use [[Flame-Freezing Charm]]s to render the fire harmless. Thus, most considered the Muggle efforts completely useless.<ref name="POA">''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]''</ref> However, such acts were part of the reason that wizards decided to go into hiding. Many wizards were killed by these incidents.<ref>[http://lounge.moviecodec.com/vs-forum/muggles-vs-harry-potter-wizards-in-a-giant-war-around-the-world-75615/]</ref> Some innocent Muggles were being burned as witches, [[Muggle-born|magical children born to Muggles]] were often persecuted when their magical abilities [[underage magic|surfaced]], and some Muggles tried to make magical people perform magic for their own ends. Magical creatures left the Muggles too, as many of them were extinguished, probably becasue of overhunting and ecosystem destruction.<ref name="FB" />
  +
 
In the modern world, few Muggles believe in magic. Some who are aware of the wizarding world are accepting of it, such as [[Hermione Granger]]'s [[Granger family|parents]].<ref name="CS" /> Others, however, respond negatively. The [[Dursley family]], for instance, had a "very medieval" attitude towards magic. [[Petunia Dursley]] considered her sister [[Lily Evans|Lily]] a "freak" for her abilities, although this was originally prompted by envy of them, so she would not have thought of her sister like this if she too had had those powers.<ref name="DH">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]''</ref> She, her [[Vernon Dursley|husband]], Vernon and son, Dudley were suspicious of magic, and thus treated their wizard nephew [[Harry Potter]] badly and distrusted anyone associated with magic. They also tried to prevent him from learning of his magical heritage, without success.<ref name="PS" />[[Ariana Dumbledore]] was attacked and severely traumatised by Muggle boys after they saw her use magic and she was unable to show them how to do it. So this was not as much an act of prejudice than an act of envy, like Petunia.<ref name="DH" /> [[Tom Riddle|Tom Marvolo Riddle]] also once suggested that his Muggle [[Tom Riddle Sr.|father]] abandoned his pregnant [[Merope Gaunt|wife]] because he discovered that she was a witch.<ref name="CS" />
   
 
It has been suggested by some wizards and witches that Muggles choose, on some level, not to believe in magic, since there are inevitably some occasions at which they are exposed to magic but seem to ignore it or attribute it to other causes.<ref name="CS" />
 
It has been suggested by some wizards and witches that Muggles choose, on some level, not to believe in magic, since there are inevitably some occasions at which they are exposed to magic but seem to ignore it or attribute it to other causes.<ref name="CS" />
   
 
==Wizarding attitude towards Muggles==
 
==Wizarding attitude towards Muggles==
{{Quote|[[Alecto Carrow|Alecto]]...teaches [[Muggle Studies]], which is compulsory for everyone. We’ve all got to listen to her explain how Muggles are like animals, stupid and dirty, and how they drive wizards into hiding by being vicious toward them, and how the natural order is being re-established.|[[Neville Longbottom]] on [[Death Eaters]]' teaching while [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] was in power.|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
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{{Quote|[[Alecto Carrow|Alecto]]...teaches [[Muggle Studies]], which is compulsory for everyone. We've all got to listen to her explain how Muggles are like animals, stupid and dirty, and how they drive wizards into hiding by being vicious toward them, and how the natural order is being re-established.|[[Neville Longbottom]] on [[Death Eaters]]' teaching while [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] was in power.|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
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[[File:Riot.jpg|thumb|right|380px|[[Death Eaters]] tormented and humiliated [[Roberts family|a Muggle family]] at the [[1994]] [[Quidditch World Cup]].]]
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[[File:Riot.jpg|thumb|right|240px|[[Death Eaters]] tormented and humiliated [[Roberts family|a Muggle family]] at the [[1994]] [[Quidditch World Cup]]]]
Many magical people, particularly [[pure-blood]]s, consider their own world superior to that of Muggles. Some consider Muggles little better than animals and hate them. For example, [[Araminta Meliflua]] once proposed that the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] make Muggle hunting legal<ref name="OTP">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]''</ref>.
 
  +
 
Many magical people, particularly [[pure-blood]]s, consider their own world superior to that of Muggles. Some consider Muggles little better than animals and hate them. For example, [[Araminta Meliflua]] once proposed that the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] make Muggle hunting legal.<ref name="OTP">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]''</ref>
   
 
[[Dark Wizard]] [[Gellert Grindelwald]] originally intended to conquer the world and make Muggles subservient to wizards. [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] and his [[Death Eaters]] killed Muggles for amusement during the [[First Wizarding War|First]] and [[Second Wizarding War]]s. They often extend this hatred to [[Muggle-born]]s as well, considering them to be unworthy of magic and not "real" wizards or witches. During the Second Wizarding War, Muggle-borns were rounded up by the Ministry of Magic (on Voldemort's orders) and accused of stealing magic from wizards; a way of thoroughly humiliating them instead of killing them outright.<ref name="DH" />
 
[[Dark Wizard]] [[Gellert Grindelwald]] originally intended to conquer the world and make Muggles subservient to wizards. [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] and his [[Death Eaters]] killed Muggles for amusement during the [[First Wizarding War|First]] and [[Second Wizarding War]]s. They often extend this hatred to [[Muggle-born]]s as well, considering them to be unworthy of magic and not "real" wizards or witches. During the Second Wizarding War, Muggle-borns were rounded up by the Ministry of Magic (on Voldemort's orders) and accused of stealing magic from wizards; a way of thoroughly humiliating them instead of killing them outright.<ref name="DH" />
   
Others, however, have more favourable opinions. The Ministry also tries to protect Muggles from the [[Dark Arts]] and other potentially harmful magic things with its [[Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office]]<ref name="CS" />. [[Muggle Studies]] is also an optional subject at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] that strives to educate magical children about the Muggle world and to foster understanding of it. One [[Wizardkind|witch]], [[Carlotta Pinkstone]], famously advocated for the repeal of the [[International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy]]. She believed in the idea that Muggles should know about magic, and performed magic publicly on several occasions.
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Others, however, have more favourable opinions. The Ministry also tries to protect Muggles from the [[Dark Arts]] and other potentially harmful magic things with its [[Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office]].<ref name="CS" /> [[Muggle Studies]] is also an optional subject at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] that strives to educate magical children about the Muggle world and to foster understanding of it. One [[Wizardkind|witch]], [[Carlotta Pinkstone]], famously advocated for the repeal of the [[International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy]]. She believed in the idea that Muggles should know about magic, and performed magic publicly on several occasions.
   
 
{{Quote|But you're ''Muggles''! We must have a drink! What's that you've got there? Oh, you're changing Muggle money. Molly, look!|[[Arthur Weasley]] showing his fascination with Muggles|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
 
{{Quote|But you're ''Muggles''! We must have a drink! What's that you've got there? Oh, you're changing Muggle money. Molly, look!|[[Arthur Weasley]] showing his fascination with Muggles|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
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Some Muggle pastimes have also found favour with those in the wizarding world. Famously, [[Albus Dumbledore]]'s [[Albus Dumbledore (Chocolate Frog Card)|Chocolate Frog Card]] proclaims his liking of the Muggle sport of ten-pin bowling, and he also developed a fondness for a Muggle sweet called [[sherbet lemon]].<ref name="PS" /> Some elements of Muggle pop culture have also bled over into wizarding culture, such as rock and roll music which is performed by groups such as the [[Weird Sisters]].<ref name="GF">''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]''</ref> The concept of "tabloid journalism" is also alive in the wizarding world.<ref>i.e. [[Rita Skeeter]]'s work in ''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]'', et al.</ref>
 
Some Muggle pastimes have also found favour with those in the wizarding world. Famously, [[Albus Dumbledore]]'s [[Albus Dumbledore (Chocolate Frog Card)|Chocolate Frog Card]] proclaims his liking of the Muggle sport of ten-pin bowling, and he also developed a fondness for a Muggle sweet called [[sherbet lemon]].<ref name="PS" /> Some elements of Muggle pop culture have also bled over into wizarding culture, such as rock and roll music which is performed by groups such as the [[Weird Sisters]].<ref name="GF">''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]''</ref> The concept of "tabloid journalism" is also alive in the wizarding world.<ref>i.e. [[Rita Skeeter]]'s work in ''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]'', et al.</ref>
   
Such wizards and witches are considered "[[blood traitor]]s" by prejudiced pure-bloods such as the [[Malfoy family|Malfoy]] and [[House of Black|Black]] families for their belief in Muggle equality and attempts to protect them. [[Brutus Malfoy]] once claimed that it was a sign of weak magic to enjoy the company of Muggles<ref>''[[The Tales of Beedle the Bard (real)]]''</ref>, and his descendant [[Lucius Malfoy]] tried to sabotage [[Arthur Weasley]]'s career after he proposed the [[Muggle Protection Act]] in [[1992]].<ref name="CS" />
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Such wizards and witches are considered "[[blood traitor]]s" by prejudiced pure-bloods such as the [[Malfoy family|Malfoy]] and [[House of Black|Black]] families for their belief in Muggle equality and attempts to protect them. [[Brutus Malfoy]] once claimed that it was a sign of weak magic to enjoy the company of Muggles,<ref>''[[The Tales of Beedle the Bard (real)]]''</ref> and his descendant [[Lucius Malfoy]] tried to sabotage [[Arthur Weasley]]'s career after he proposed the [[Muggle Protection Act]] in [[1992]].<ref name="CS" />
   
 
==Characteristics==
 
==Characteristics==
Although Muggle have no magical abilities, they make it up for their technology. But many sophisticated muggle technology such as[[ electricity]] naturally doesn't work well inside the Wizarding World, unless it is magically powered, in this case [[Arthur Weasley|Arthur Weasley's]] [[Ford]]. Muggle's never understand magic, and wizards never understand technology. Even though the Muggles lack magic, they still possessed a threat to the wizarding world.<ref name="CS" /> An advantage they have is that they outnumber the population of pure-bloods and wizards 10 to 1.<ref>[http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.251759-War-Wizards-vs-Muggles-A-Harry-Potter-Inspired-Thought-Exercise?page=3 ''Escapist'']</ref> Their technologies like firearms and nuclear weapons proved to be just as dangerous. Muggles flourished in territories way larger than the Magical World. As such the Minister of Magic and the Prime Minister keeps a good relatonship for the safety of both worlds.<ref>''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' - Chapter 1 (''The Other Minister'')</ref>
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Although Muggle have no magical abilities, they make it up for their technology. But many sophisticated muggle technology such as [[electricity]] naturally does not work well inside the wizarding world, unless it is magically powered, in this case [[Arthur Weasley]]'s [[Flying Ford Anglia|Ford Anglia]]. Muggles never understand magic, even going to extreme lengths (and sometimes making themselves seem rather foolish to wizards) to ignore obvious occurences of magic, and wizards never understand technology. Even though the Muggles lack magic, they still pose a threat to the wizarding world.<ref name="CS" /> An advantage they have is that they outnumber the population of pure-bloods and wizards 10 to 1.<ref>[http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.251759-War-Wizards-vs-Muggles-A-Harry-Potter-Inspired-Thought-Exercise?page=3 ''Escapist'']</ref> Their technologies like firearms and nuclear weapons proved to be just as dangerous. Muggles flourished in territories way larger than the magical world. As such the Minister of Magic and the Prime Minister keeps a good relationship for the safety of both worlds.<ref>''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' - Chapter 1 (''The Other Minister'')</ref>
  +
  +
==Muggle inventions==
  +
Muggles have found many fascinating ways to make up for their lack of magic, using technology to perform tasks for which wizards use magic. Examples of such inventions include:
  +
*Electricity (misunderstood and mispronounced by some wizards, including Head of the [[Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office]], [[Arthur Weasley]])
  +
*[[Telephone]] (called a "fellytone" by some Wizards, such as [[Ron Weasley]])
  +
*Rubber Duck (used as entertainment to persuade Muggle children to bathe)
  +
*Video Games
  +
*[[Television]]
  +
*The Underground
  +
*Escalators
   
 
==Etymology==
 
==Etymology==
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==Behind the scenes==
 
==Behind the scenes==
*For whatever reason, the GameBoy Color version of ''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)]]'' appears to go to great lengths to avoid using the word "Muggle", even renaming terms like "[[Muggle Studies]]" to "Non-Magical Studies" and "[[Muggle Protection Act]]" to "Non-Magical-Folk Protection Act".
+
*For whatever reason, the Game Boy Color version of ''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)]]'' appears to go to great lengths to avoid using the word "Muggle", even renaming terms like "[[Muggle Studies]]" to "Non-Magical Studies" and "[[Muggle Protection Act]]" to "Non-Magical-Folk Protection Act".
  +
*After coining the term "Muggle", Rowling was shocked to learn that the word had been used as a drug slang.<ref name="AQ">[http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/2004/0304-wbd.htm 2004 World Book Day Chat]</ref>
   
 
==Appearances==
 
==Appearances==

Revision as of 03:57, 14 June 2014

"Non-magic people (more commonly known as muggles) were particularly afraid of magic in medieval times, but not very good at recognising it."
— Excerpt from A History of Magic, by Bathilda Bagshot[src]

A Muggle is a person who is born into a non-magical family and is incapable of performing magic. Most Muggles are not aware that magic exists at all and that those with it have organised their own society largely separate from the Muggle world. The few Muggles that do know of the existence of the wizarding world are usually parents, or close relatives, of witches and wizards (for example, Hermione Granger's parents, Mr and Mrs Granger, knew of the wizarding world because of their daughter, as did Harry Potter's aunt and uncle). Muggles are not to be confused with Squibs, who also lack magic but are born into magical families and are aware of the wizarding world.

The term "Muggle" is widely used in the wizarding world, and generally is not intended to be offensive; in fact, it is often used affectionately, often by Arthur Weasley, who has a great fondness for Muggles and learning about them and their way of life. Some of the more prejudiced members of the community, however, use the word in the same context as the epithet "Mudblood," though the term is generally associated with Muggle-borns (witches or wizards that come from non-magic families/Muggles). These wizards or witches believe that Muggle-borns have "stolen" magic and thus are actually Muggles, rather than legitimate wizards or witches.

The Muggle and wizarding world

Wizarding law

"Each wizarding governing body will be responsible for the concealment, care and control of all magical beasts, beings, and spirits dwelling within its territory's borders. Should any such creature cause harm to, or draw the notice of, the Muggle community, that nation's wizarding governing body will be subject to discipline by the International Confederation of Wizards."
— Clause 73 of International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy[src]
Weasleygranger

Muggles Mr and Mrs Granger with wizard Arthur Weasley

Since the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy was enacted in 1692, wizards and witches have hidden the existence of magic from Muggles.[1] Thus, most Muggles are either afraid of magic or believe it to be nothing but a childish fantasy. Wizards and witches hide their world with Muggle-Repelling Charms, and if a Muggle witnesses a magical event or sees a magical creature such as a dragon, their memories are erased. Confundus Charms are also occasionally employed to encourage Muggles to ignore any magic they witness. Violations of the Statute of Secrecy are prosecuted by the Improper Use of Magic Office, and the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office tries to keep bewitched items away from Muggles.

Wizards and witches thus organised their own society, known as the wizarding world, distinct from that of Muggles. There are some exclusively magical settlements, such as Hogsmeade, but also magical communities hidden within largely Muggle ones, such as in Ottery St Catchpole and even in London. Magical people also have a separate currency system and government. The Ministry of Magic maintains relations with the Muggle Prime Minister, but they do not appear to be subordinate to the Muggle government.[2]

Overlapping of worlds

"Most wizards these days are half-blood anyway. If we hadn't married Muggles we'd've died out."
Ron Weasley discussing blood purity[src]
Desk15pu1

Muggle Mrs Cole and wizard Albus Dumbledore

However, the Muggle and magical worlds are tied together in some ways. For instance, Muggles sometimes marry wizards or witches and thus become aware of the wizarding world, as occurred with Mr Finnigan when he married a witch. Muggles also occasionally produce a magical child. In Britain, these Muggle-born wizards and witches will often join the wizarding world when they are invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Their parents will thus be informed of the existence of the wizarding world, and may even enter it on occasion, as Mr and Mrs Granger did when they accompanied their daughter and the Weasley family to Diagon Alley to shop for school supplies in 1992.[3]

Some Muggles are aware of the magical world but, through choice, choose to ignore it, such as Vernon Dursley, who was aware his sister-in-law was a witch but otherwise remained intentionally ignorant of the wizarding world until he was forced to recognise it with the arrival of his nephew, Harry Potter.

In addition, there are secret connections maintained between the two societies at the governmental level; for example, the Minister for Magic occasionally consults with the Prime Minister of Great Britain on issues affecting both societies, and it is clear that the Prime Minister is aware of the wizarding world. Each Prime Minister, on the day appointed to office, gets a visit from the current Minister for Magic. The visit encompasses telling the Prime Minister of the existence of magic and that they will only ever need to meet when there is something going on in the wizarding world that might affect the Muggle world.[4]

Muggle attitude towards magic

"Wizards represent all that the true 'Muggle' most fears: They are plainly outcasts and comfortable with being so. Nothing is more unnerving to the truly conventional than the unashamed misfit!"
J. K. Rowling
DursleyFamily

The Dursley family

Historically, Muggles tended to consider those who practised magic to be evil, leading to the burning of witches during the Middle Ages. In response, some wizards and witches managed to use Flame-Freezing Charms to render the fire harmless. Thus, most considered the Muggle efforts completely useless.[5] However, such acts were part of the reason that wizards decided to go into hiding. Many wizards were killed by these incidents.[6] Some innocent Muggles were being burned as witches, magical children born to Muggles were often persecuted when their magical abilities surfaced, and some Muggles tried to make magical people perform magic for their own ends. Magical creatures left the Muggles too, as many of them were extinguished, probably becasue of overhunting and ecosystem destruction.[1]

In the modern world, few Muggles believe in magic. Some who are aware of the wizarding world are accepting of it, such as Hermione Granger's parents.[3] Others, however, respond negatively. The Dursley family, for instance, had a "very medieval" attitude towards magic. Petunia Dursley considered her sister Lily a "freak" for her abilities, although this was originally prompted by envy of them, so she would not have thought of her sister like this if she too had had those powers.[7] She, her husband, Vernon and son, Dudley were suspicious of magic, and thus treated their wizard nephew Harry Potter badly and distrusted anyone associated with magic. They also tried to prevent him from learning of his magical heritage, without success.[2]Ariana Dumbledore was attacked and severely traumatised by Muggle boys after they saw her use magic and she was unable to show them how to do it. So this was not as much an act of prejudice than an act of envy, like Petunia.[7] Tom Marvolo Riddle also once suggested that his Muggle father abandoned his pregnant wife because he discovered that she was a witch.[3]

It has been suggested by some wizards and witches that Muggles choose, on some level, not to believe in magic, since there are inevitably some occasions at which they are exposed to magic but seem to ignore it or attribute it to other causes.[3]

Wizarding attitude towards Muggles

"Alecto...teaches Muggle Studies, which is compulsory for everyone. We've all got to listen to her explain how Muggles are like animals, stupid and dirty, and how they drive wizards into hiding by being vicious toward them, and how the natural order is being re-established."
Neville Longbottom on Death Eaters' teaching while Lord Voldemort was in power.[src]
Riot

Death Eaters tormented and humiliated a Muggle family at the 1994 Quidditch World Cup

Many magical people, particularly pure-bloods, consider their own world superior to that of Muggles. Some consider Muggles little better than animals and hate them. For example, Araminta Meliflua once proposed that the Ministry of Magic make Muggle hunting legal.[8]

Dark Wizard Gellert Grindelwald originally intended to conquer the world and make Muggles subservient to wizards. Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters killed Muggles for amusement during the First and Second Wizarding Wars. They often extend this hatred to Muggle-borns as well, considering them to be unworthy of magic and not "real" wizards or witches. During the Second Wizarding War, Muggle-borns were rounded up by the Ministry of Magic (on Voldemort's orders) and accused of stealing magic from wizards; a way of thoroughly humiliating them instead of killing them outright.[7]

Others, however, have more favourable opinions. The Ministry also tries to protect Muggles from the Dark Arts and other potentially harmful magic things with its Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office.[3] Muggle Studies is also an optional subject at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry that strives to educate magical children about the Muggle world and to foster understanding of it. One witch, Carlotta Pinkstone, famously advocated for the repeal of the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy. She believed in the idea that Muggles should know about magic, and performed magic publicly on several occasions.

"But you're Muggles! We must have a drink! What's that you've got there? Oh, you're changing Muggle money. Molly, look!"
Arthur Weasley showing his fascination with Muggles[src]

Arthur Weasley is very interested in how Muggles function without the aid of magic, and collects Muggle items, though he often gets their names and other facts wrong. He has a large collection of batteries and electric plugs. He was ecstatic to meet Hermione Granger's Muggle parents, inviting them to have a drink with him at the Leaky Cauldron. During Harry Potter's stays at the Burrow, Arthur likes to sit next to Harry, in order to ask questions about Muggles. He is also interested to learn how the Muggle post office and a telephone work[3], and his greatest ambition is to learn how aeroplanes stay up.[9]

Some Muggle pastimes have also found favour with those in the wizarding world. Famously, Albus Dumbledore's Chocolate Frog Card proclaims his liking of the Muggle sport of ten-pin bowling, and he also developed a fondness for a Muggle sweet called sherbet lemon.[2] Some elements of Muggle pop culture have also bled over into wizarding culture, such as rock and roll music which is performed by groups such as the Weird Sisters.[10] The concept of "tabloid journalism" is also alive in the wizarding world.[11]

Such wizards and witches are considered "blood traitors" by prejudiced pure-bloods such as the Malfoy and Black families for their belief in Muggle equality and attempts to protect them. Brutus Malfoy once claimed that it was a sign of weak magic to enjoy the company of Muggles,[12] and his descendant Lucius Malfoy tried to sabotage Arthur Weasley's career after he proposed the Muggle Protection Act in 1992.[3]

Characteristics

Although Muggle have no magical abilities, they make it up for their technology. But many sophisticated muggle technology such as electricity naturally does not work well inside the wizarding world, unless it is magically powered, in this case Arthur Weasley's Ford Anglia. Muggles never understand magic, even going to extreme lengths (and sometimes making themselves seem rather foolish to wizards) to ignore obvious occurences of magic, and wizards never understand technology. Even though the Muggles lack magic, they still pose a threat to the wizarding world.[3] An advantage they have is that they outnumber the population of pure-bloods and wizards 10 to 1.[13] Their technologies like firearms and nuclear weapons proved to be just as dangerous. Muggles flourished in territories way larger than the magical world. As such the Minister of Magic and the Prime Minister keeps a good relationship for the safety of both worlds.[14]

Muggle inventions

Muggles have found many fascinating ways to make up for their lack of magic, using technology to perform tasks for which wizards use magic. Examples of such inventions include:

Etymology

Muggle is derived from the word "mug," which refers to a gullible person. J. K. Rowling has commented that she added a syllable to soften the word, which she wanted to suggest "both foolishness and lovability." In the Brazilian translation of the series the term "muggle" was adapted to "trouxa", which literally means "fool", albeit not necessarily lovable at all.

Behind the scenes

Appearances

Wiki
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See also

Notes and references