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{{Pottermoreold}}
 
{{Creature infobox
  
{{Creature infobox
 
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|sentience=Sentient
  
|sentience=Sentient
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|skin=Varies
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|eyes=Varies
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|hair=Varies
 
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|native=Worldwide
 
|alias=
  
|alias=
 
|height=
  
|height=
 
|length=
  
|length=
 
|wingspan=
  
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|distinction=*Similar to a ghost, but can move objects.
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|distinction=*Causes chaos
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*Similar to a [[ghost]], but solid, and can move objects
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*Never was a living human.
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*Was never a living [[human]]
 
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{{Quote|The name 'poltergeist' is German in origin, and roughly translates as 'noisy ghost', although it is not, strictly speaking, a ghost at all. The poltergeist is an invisible entity that moves objects, slams doors and creates other audible, kinetic disturbances. It has been reported in many cultures and there is a strong association with the places where young people, especially adolescents, are living. Explanations for the phenomenon vary all the way from supernatural to scientific.|Description.|Pottermore}}
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A '''Poltergeist''' is a chaotic spirit which is similar to a [[ghost]]. The main differences are that a poltergeist typically moves objects and people with physical force, and was never a living human.
  
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A '''poltergeist''' is an "indestructible [[spirit]] of chaos."<ref name="faq">[http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/faq_view.cfm?id=67 F.A.Q. question] on J. K. Rowling's Official Site (text only)</ref>. They haunt one specific location at time, generally those inhabited by a large number of adolescents<ref name=pottermore>[http://www.pottermore.com/en/book2/chapter8/moment1/peeves ''Pottermore'' - Book 2, Chapter 8, Moment 1 - New from J.K. Rowling - Peeves]</ref>, and either "[came] with the building,"<ref name="leaky">[http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/2005/0705-tlc_mugglenet-anelli-2.htm 2005 Leaky Cauldron interview with J. K. Rowling]</ref> or chose to enter it at some point.<ref name="blc">[http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/2007/0730-bloomsbury-chat.html 2007 Bloomsbury Live Chat with J. K. Rowling]</ref>  They occasionally haunt the homes of Muggles.<ref name=pottermore>[http://www.pottermore.com/en/book2/chapter8/moment1/peeves ''Pottermore'' - Book 2, Chapter 8, Moment 1 - New from J.K. Rowling - Peeves]</ref> They are among the creatures classed as [[non-being]]s.
   
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Poltergeists generally do not have a physical form, with one notable exception being [[Peeves]], the poltergeist that haunts [[Hogwarts Castle]]. He is considered "the most notorious and troublesome poltergeist in British history."<ref name=pottermore />
⚫
Poltergeists cause vandalism, malicious mischief and chiefly frustrate and aggravate living persons. They can unscrew chandeliers, write rude words on chalkboards, throw water balloons at people, throw walking sticks at people, stuff keyholes with chewing gum and other such acts, simply for their amusement.
  
   
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==Nature==
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It is also strangely unknown how Poltergeists come about. They do not breed like most creatures and it does not seem normal for them to reproduce asexually. It is therefore likely that they are ancient and have existed since magic itself. For instance, [[Peeves]] haunts [[Hogwarts Castle]] since its creation. <ref name="LC and MN interview JKR">[http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/2005/0705-tlc_mugglenet-anelli-2.htm Anelli, Melissa and Emerson Spartz. "''The Leaky Cauldron and MuggleNet interview Joanne Kathleen Rowling: Part Two''" The Leaky Cauldron, 16 July 2005]</ref>
  
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===Abilities===
  ⚫
Poltergeists can [[flying|fly]] and delight in vandalism, malicious mischief, and the general aggravation and embarrassment of living persons. They could unscrew chandeliers,<ref>{{OOTP}}, Chapter 30</ref> write rude words on chalkboards,<ref>{{PS}}, Chapter 9</ref> throw water balloons at people,<ref>{{GOF}}, Chapter 12</ref> throw walking sticks at people,<ref>{{PS}}, Chapter 7</ref> stuff keyholes with chewing gum<ref>{{POA}}, Chapter 7</ref> and other such acts, simply for their amusement.
   
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===Behaviour===
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Poltergeists typically haunt one specific location. It is unknown why this is so. When poltergeists choose a location to haunt, no one can get them out. They come with the location, so to speak<ref name="LC and MN interview JKR">[http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/2005/0705-tlc_mugglenet-anelli-2.htm Anelli, Melissa and Emerson Spartz. "''The Leaky Cauldron and MuggleNet interview Joanne Kathleen Rowling: Part Two''" The Leaky Cauldron, 16 July 2005]</ref>. Despite this, the [[Minister for Magic]] can sign an order banning a poltergeist, as [[Dolores Umbridge]] once threatened Peeves, but the effectiveness of this is unknown.
  
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Poltergeists are notably unruly and have developed a misconception that there is no way to get rid of a poltergeist once it has moved into a location.<ref name="leaky" /><ref name="blc" /> More destructive poltergeists who have inhabited a location for a longer period of time are harder to expel, but it is not impossible to do.<ref name="pottermore"/> In more serious cases, some people could get the poltergeist to settle down for a while, though it would inevitably start acting up again.<ref name="leaky" /> [[Dolores Umbridge]] claimed that the [[Minister of Magic]] could sign an order banning a poltergeist, and once threatened [[Peeves]] with this action. However, her statement may reflect her belief in the superiority of wizards in general and the Ministry of Magic in particular, rather than specific knowledge of the nature of poltergeists, and that her efforts would be wasted. Peeves is likely the only known exception to this course of action.<ref name="pottermore"/>
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===Comparison to ghosts===
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Whilst similar, poltergeists differ from [[ghost]]s in a number of ways. Firstly, [[ghost]]s are incorporeal, whereas the poltergeist, despite not normally having a physical form<ref name=pottermore />, is solid enough to move objects with physical force. Poltergeists have never once been living [[human]]s either.<ref name="faq" /> The latter trait may indicate [[amortality]], the condition of never having died and being unable to die, as one was never alive to start.<ref>Second [[Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Test|W.O.M.B.A.T. test]]</ref> Poltergeists with form have enough physicality that they can have gum fly up their noses<ref name="POA">{{POA}}</ref>, and they are vulnerable to some of the same [[hexes]] as humans, including [[Langlock]].<ref name="HBP">{{HBP}}</ref>
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==Known Poltergeists==
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*[[Handsome Poltergeist]]
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*[[Peeves]]
   
 
==Etymology==
  
==Etymology==
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"Poltergeist" comes from the German, "Poltern", meaning "to make (loud) noise" and "Geist", meaning "Ghost" or "Spirit".
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"Poltergeist" comes from the German, ''poltern'', meaning "to make (loud) noise" and ''geist'', meaning "ghost" or "spirit." The German plural form is "Poltergeister."<ref>"[http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=poltergeist&searchmode=none Poltergeist]" on the Online Etymology Dictionary</ref>
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==Behind the scenes==
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*It may be possible that poltergeists form from (and consequently feed on) the chaos of an area. If so then it may also be possible that - if their home were to be left desolate for long enough - a poltergeist would not die but simply cease to exist, at least until the locale became more active again.
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*[[Fleur Delacour]] once stated that if a poltergeist was ever discovered in the [[Palace of Beauxbatons]], it would be immediately expelled. This is impossible, however, as [[J. K. Rowling]] has stated a poltergeist cannot be driven by any means, from a location it has decided to haunt. As such, [[Dolores Umbridge]]'s request to [[Cornelius Fudge]] to sign an [[Order for the Expulsion of Peeves]] from Hogwarts was also a complete waste of effort on her part.
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==See also==
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*[[Ghost]]
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*[[Phantom]]
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==External links==
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*{{wplink|Poltergeist}} on [[Wikipedia:main page|Wikipedia]]
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*[[Peeves]] on [http://pottermore.wikia.com/wiki/Peeves Pottermore Wikia]
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==Appearances==
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*''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'' {{1st}}
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*''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)]]'' {{C|Cut from final edit (Peeves)}}
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*''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game)]]''
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*''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]''
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*''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)]]''
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*''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]''
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*''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)]]''
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*''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]''
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*''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]''
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*''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game)]]'' {{C|Peeves is mentioned}}
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*''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]''
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*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]''
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*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Building the Magical World]]''
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*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Characters of the Magical World]]''
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*''[[The Queen's Handbag]]'' {{C|Peeves is mentioned}}
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*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4]] ''{{C|DS/PSP versions only}}
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*''[[LEGO Harry Potter|Harry Potter LEGO Sets]]''
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*''[[Pottermore]]''
   
 
==Notes and references==
  
==Notes and references==
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{{reflist}}
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{{Reflist}}
   
 
[[fr:Esprit frappeur]]
  
[[fr:Esprit frappeur]]
 
[[ru:Полтергейст]]
  
[[ru:Полтергейст]]
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[[Category:Non-beings]]
 
[[Category:Poltergeists| ]]
  
[[Category:Poltergeists| ]]
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[[Category:Spirits]]
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[[Category:Amortals]]

Revision as of 14:16, 4 October 2015

"The name 'poltergeist' is German in origin, and roughly translates as 'noisy ghost', although it is not, strictly speaking, a ghost at all. The poltergeist is an invisible entity that moves objects, slams doors and creates other audible, kinetic disturbances. It has been reported in many cultures and there is a strong association with the places where young people, especially adolescents, are living. Explanations for the phenomenon vary all the way from supernatural to scientific."
— Description.[src]

A poltergeist is an "indestructible spirit of chaos."[1]. They haunt one specific location at time, generally those inhabited by a large number of adolescents[2], and either "[came] with the building,"[3] or chose to enter it at some point.[4]  They occasionally haunt the homes of Muggles.[2] They are among the creatures classed as non-beings.

Poltergeists generally do not have a physical form, with one notable exception being Peeves, the poltergeist that haunts Hogwarts Castle. He is considered "the most notorious and troublesome poltergeist in British history."[2]

Nature

Abilities

Poltergeists can fly and delight in vandalism, malicious mischief, and the general aggravation and embarrassment of living persons. They could unscrew chandeliers,[5] write rude words on chalkboards,[6] throw water balloons at people,[7] throw walking sticks at people,[8] stuff keyholes with chewing gum[9] and other such acts, simply for their amusement.

Behaviour

Poltergeists are notably unruly and have developed a misconception that there is no way to get rid of a poltergeist once it has moved into a location.[3][4] More destructive poltergeists who have inhabited a location for a longer period of time are harder to expel, but it is not impossible to do.[2] In more serious cases, some people could get the poltergeist to settle down for a while, though it would inevitably start acting up again.[3] Dolores Umbridge claimed that the Minister of Magic could sign an order banning a poltergeist, and once threatened Peeves with this action. However, her statement may reflect her belief in the superiority of wizards in general and the Ministry of Magic in particular, rather than specific knowledge of the nature of poltergeists, and that her efforts would be wasted. Peeves is likely the only known exception to this course of action.[2]

Comparison to ghosts

Whilst similar, poltergeists differ from ghosts in a number of ways. Firstly, ghosts are incorporeal, whereas the poltergeist, despite not normally having a physical form[2], is solid enough to move objects with physical force. Poltergeists have never once been living humans either.[1] The latter trait may indicate amortality, the condition of never having died and being unable to die, as one was never alive to start.[10] Poltergeists with form have enough physicality that they can have gum fly up their noses[11], and they are vulnerable to some of the same hexes as humans, including Langlock.[12]

Known Poltergeists

Etymology

"Poltergeist" comes from the German, poltern, meaning "to make (loud) noise" and geist, meaning "ghost" or "spirit." The German plural form is "Poltergeister."[13]

Behind the scenes

  • It may be possible that poltergeists form from (and consequently feed on) the chaos of an area. If so then it may also be possible that - if their home were to be left desolate for long enough - a poltergeist would not die but simply cease to exist, at least until the locale became more active again.
  • Fleur Delacour once stated that if a poltergeist was ever discovered in the Palace of Beauxbatons, it would be immediately expelled. This is impossible, however, as J. K. Rowling has stated a poltergeist cannot be driven by any means, from a location it has decided to haunt. As such, Dolores Umbridge's request to Cornelius Fudge to sign an Order for the Expulsion of Peeves from Hogwarts was also a complete waste of effort on her part.

See also

External links

Appearances

Notes and references

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 F.A.Q. question on J. K. Rowling's Official Site (text only)
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Pottermore - Book 2, Chapter 8, Moment 1 - New from J.K. Rowling - Peeves
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 2005 Leaky Cauldron interview with J. K. Rowling
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 2007 Bloomsbury Live Chat with J. K. Rowling
  5. ↑ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 30
  6. ↑ Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 9
  7. ↑ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 12
  8. ↑ Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 7
  9. ↑ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 7
  10. ↑ Second W.O.M.B.A.T. test
  11. ↑ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
  12. ↑ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
  13. ↑ "Poltergeist" on the Online Etymology Dictionary
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