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{{Quote|A Squib is someone who was born into a wizarding family but hasn’t got any magic powers. Kind of the opposite of Muggle-born wizards, but Squibs are quite unusual.|[[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]] discussing [[Argus Filch]]|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
 
{{Quote|A Squib is someone who was born into a wizarding family but hasn’t got any magic powers. Kind of the opposite of Muggle-born wizards, but Squibs are quite unusual.|[[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]] discussing [[Argus Filch]]|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
   
A '''Squib''' is a non-magical person who is born to [[magic]]al parents.<ref name="squib">"[http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/extrastuff_view.cfm?id=19 Squibs]" at [http://www.jkrowling.com J.K. Rowling's Official Site]</ref> Squibs are, in essence, 'wizard-born Muggles.' They are rare and are looked upon with a degree of disdain by some witches and wizards, particularly [[pure-blood]]s. [[Muggle-born]] witches and wizards are descended from Squibs who married Muggles; the magical gene resurfaces after many generations unexpectedly.
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A '''Squib''', also known as a '''wizard-born''',<ref>[https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/441907576272613376 Twitter account of J.K. Rowling]</ref> is a non-magical person who is born to at least one [[magic]]al parent.<ref name="squib">"[http://web.archive.org/web/20120208051328/http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/extrastuff_view.cfm?id=19 Squibs]" at [[J. K. Rowling Official Site|J. K. Rowling's Official Site]]</ref> Squibs are, in essence, 'wizard-born Muggles.' They are rare and are looked upon with a degree of disdain by some witches and wizards, particularly [[pure-blood]]s. [[Muggle-born]] witches and wizards are descended from Squibs who married Muggles; the magical ability unexpectedly resurfaces after many generations.
   
 
==Differences between Squibs and Muggles==
 
==Differences between Squibs and Muggles==
In addition to being born into magical rather than [[Muggle]] families, Squibs are different from Muggles in that they are born into the [[wizarding world]]. They are able to see things that are hidden from the Muggles and have access to certain magical objects and creatures that can help them. [[Argus Filch]], as well as [[Arabella Figg]], have formed wizarding-like relationships with [[cat]]s that, in the case of the latter, have been cross-bred with [[Kneazle]]s.
+
In addition to being born into magical rather than [[Muggle]] families, Squibs are different from Muggles by their knowledge of the [[wizarding world]]. They are able to see things that are hidden from the Muggles and have access to certain magical objects and creatures that can help them. [[Argus Filch]], as well as [[Arabella Figg]], have formed wizarding-like relationships with [[cat]]s that, in the case of the latter, have been cross-bred with [[Kneazle]]s.
   
 
Squibs should also be contrasted with the Muggle relatives of witches and wizards. Muggle parents, siblings, spouses etc. are simply Muggles who happen to know about the magical world.
 
Squibs should also be contrasted with the Muggle relatives of witches and wizards. Muggle parents, siblings, spouses etc. are simply Muggles who happen to know about the magical world.
   
 
==Attitude toward Squibs==
 
==Attitude toward Squibs==
[[File:Filch-GOF.jpg|thumb|180px|left|[[Argus Filch]].]]
 
 
{{Quote|You disgusting little Squib, you filthy little [[blood traitor]]!| [[Marvolo Gaunt]] to his [[Merope Gaunt|daughter]], whom he believed to be a Squib.|Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince}}
 
{{Quote|You disgusting little Squib, you filthy little [[blood traitor]]!| [[Marvolo Gaunt]] to his [[Merope Gaunt|daughter]], whom he believed to be a Squib.|Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince}}
   
 
[[File:Filch-GOF.jpg|thumb|165px|left|[[Argus Filch]]]]
The [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] does not keep records of Squib births,<ref name="OTP">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]''</ref> a sign of wizard society's general disregard for them. They can, however, check if a person is a squib using their parents' names, as demonstrated in [[1995]] during the disciplinary hearing of [[Harry Potter]]. The common practise with Squibs is to send them off to [[Muggle]] schools as children and encourage them to integrate with the Muggle community, which is much kinder than letting them live in the magical world where they will always be treated as second-class citizens.<ref name="DH">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]''</ref> Some, however, choose to remain in the wizarding world regardless. Some [[pure-blood]] families, such as the [[House of Black|Blacks]], disown any Squib members and remove them from their family trees, as they removed [[Marius Black]].<ref>[[House of Black|Black family tree]]</ref>
 
  +
 
The [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] does not keep records of Squib births,<ref name="OTP">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]''</ref> a sign of wizard society's general disregard for them. They can, however, check if a person is a Squib using their parents' names, as demonstrated in [[1995]] during the disciplinary hearing of [[Harry Potter]]. The common practise with Squibs is to send them off to [[Muggle]] schools as children and encourage them to integrate with the Muggle community, which is much kinder than letting them live in the magical world where they will always be treated as second-class citizens.<ref name="DH">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]''</ref> Some, however, choose to remain in the wizarding world regardless. Some [[pure-blood]] families, such as the [[House of Black|Blacks]], disown any Squib members and remove them from their family trees, as they removed [[Marius Black]].<ref>[[House of Black|Black family tree]]</ref>
   
 
Even families that are tolerant of Muggles and [[Muggle-born]]s seem to regard Squibs poorly. For example, the [[Weasley family]] seems embarrassed to have [[Molly Weasley's second cousin|a Squib who works in the Muggle world as an accountant]] in the family. Also, many wizarding families are anxious to see early signs of magical ability and are upset by the prospect that a member might be a Squib. [[Neville Longbottom]] was thought to be a Squib by his relatives because of this, though he proved to be magical. Similarly, [[Merope Gaunt]] was called a Squib by her father [[Marvolo Gaunt|Marvolo]] as a slur, due to her poor magical abilities, inhibited by her fear of her father and [[Morfin Gaunt|brother]].<ref name="HBP">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]''</ref>
 
Even families that are tolerant of Muggles and [[Muggle-born]]s seem to regard Squibs poorly. For example, the [[Weasley family]] seems embarrassed to have [[Molly Weasley's second cousin|a Squib who works in the Muggle world as an accountant]] in the family. Also, many wizarding families are anxious to see early signs of magical ability and are upset by the prospect that a member might be a Squib. [[Neville Longbottom]] was thought to be a Squib by his relatives because of this, though he proved to be magical. Similarly, [[Merope Gaunt]] was called a Squib by her father [[Marvolo Gaunt|Marvolo]] as a slur, due to her poor magical abilities, inhibited by her fear of her father and [[Morfin Gaunt|brother]].<ref name="HBP">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]''</ref>
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==Known Squibs==
 
==Known Squibs==
 
[[File:Marius Black.jpg|thumb|[[Marius Black]] on the [[House of Black|Black Family Tree]]]]
 
[[File:Marius Black.jpg|thumb|[[Marius Black]] on the [[House of Black|Black Family Tree]]]]
  +
* [[Angus Buchanan]]
 
* [[Arabella Figg]]
 
* [[Arabella Figg]]
 
* [[Argus Filch]]
 
* [[Argus Filch]]
 
* [[Marius Black]]
 
* [[Marius Black]]
 
* The [[Thurkell brothers]]
 
* The [[Thurkell brothers]]
  +
* [[Dolores Umbridge's brother]]<ref>Pottermore - New from J K Rowling: Dolores Jane Umbridge</ref>
  +
* [[Gilderoy Lockhart's sisters]] (possibly)
   
 
==Believed Squibs==
 
==Believed Squibs==
 
 
*[[Neville Longbottom]] — discovered to not be a Squib when his [[Algie|Uncle Algie]] 'accidentally' dropped him out of a window and he bounced down the road.
 
*[[Neville Longbottom]] — discovered to not be a Squib when his [[Algie|Uncle Algie]] 'accidentally' dropped him out of a window and he bounced down the road.
 
*[[Ariana Dumbledore]] — unable to control her magic after being traumatised by an attack by [[Muggle]] boys, and kept hidden by [[Dumbledore family|her family]]. Neighbours believe [[Kendra Dumbledore]] to be ashamed of her daughter and spread rumours that Ariana was locked in the cellar due to her being a Squib when in fact it was her powers that had gone awry.
 
*[[Ariana Dumbledore]] — unable to control her magic after being traumatised by an attack by [[Muggle]] boys, and kept hidden by [[Dumbledore family|her family]]. Neighbours believe [[Kendra Dumbledore]] to be ashamed of her daughter and spread rumours that Ariana was locked in the cellar due to her being a Squib when in fact it was her powers that had gone awry.
 
*[[Molly Weasley's second cousin|Unnamed second cousin]] of [[Molly Weasley]] — assumed to be a Squib due to working as an accountant in the Muggle world. Whether he is an actual Squib or not has yet to be confirmed.
 
*[[Molly Weasley's second cousin|Unnamed second cousin]] of [[Molly Weasley]] — assumed to be a Squib due to working as an accountant in the Muggle world. Whether he is an actual Squib or not has yet to be confirmed.
  +
*[[Anne Boleyn]] — believed to be a Squib by common wizarding historical theory. This theory may recently have been proven true.<ref>''[[Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Test]]'' - Grade 1, Question 5</ref>
  +
*[[Kelly Brown]] — suspected, among [[wizarding world|wizarding circles]], of actually being a talented Squib smuggled into the [[Scottish rugby team]] by the [[Wizarding Supporters of Scottish Rugby Union|WSSRU]], in violation of the [[International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy]].
  +
*[[Jim Hamilton]] — suspected, among wizarding circles, of actually being a talented Squib smuggled into the Scottish rugby team by the WSSRU, in violation of the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy.
  +
*[[Stuart Hogg]] — suspected, among wizarding circles, of actually being a talented Squib smuggled into the Scottish rugby team by the WSSRU, in violation of the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy.
   
 
==Behind the scenes==
 
==Behind the scenes==
 
* The term likely comes from the English expression "a [http://www.cjvlang.com/Hpotter/mistranslations/squib.html damp squib]" (dud firecracker), an expected delight that disappoints.
 
* The term likely comes from the English expression "a [http://www.cjvlang.com/Hpotter/mistranslations/squib.html damp squib]" (dud firecracker), an expected delight that disappoints.
 
* The word squib also refers to an incomplete or insufficient discharge of a firearm.
 
* The word squib also refers to an incomplete or insufficient discharge of a firearm.
  +
* The word could also be a pun on "skip", referring to the fact that the person was "skipped" by magic. In fact, at least one book series (Terry Goodkind's ''[[wikipedia:The Sword of Truth| The Sword of Truth]]'') used the word in a meaning analogous to Squib in several books.
 
* The ''[[starwars:Star Wars|Star Wars]]'' series also uses the term ''[[starwars:Squib|Squib]]'' as the name of an [[starwars:Alien|alien species]].
 
* The ''[[starwars:Star Wars|Star Wars]]'' series also uses the term ''[[starwars:Squib|Squib]]'' as the name of an [[starwars:Alien|alien species]].
 
* [[Idris Oakby]], founder of the [[Society for the Support of Squibs]], may have been a Squib herself.
 
* [[Idris Oakby]], founder of the [[Society for the Support of Squibs]], may have been a Squib herself.
 
* Two squibs (both are minor characters) seen in the series are Arabella Figg and Argus Filch. Both seem to love cats and have the same initials.
 
* Two squibs (both are minor characters) seen in the series are Arabella Figg and Argus Filch. Both seem to love cats and have the same initials.
* Even though [[Merope Gaunt]] proven she is capable at magic, her father derogatorily referred her as a Squib due to her poor control. Whether he believed her to be an actual Squib or that he was simply insulting her is unclear.
+
* Even though [[Merope Gaunt]] had proven she is capable at magic, her father derogatorily referred her as a Squib due to her poor control. Whether he believed her to be an actual Squib or that he was simply insulting her is unclear.
   
 
==Appearances==
 
==Appearances==
 
 
*''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'' {{1st}}
 
*''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'' {{1st}}
 
*''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)]]''
 
*''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)]]''
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[[Category:Squibs| ]]
 
[[Category:Squibs| ]]
 
[[Category:Genetics]]
 
[[Category:Genetics]]
[[Category:Biology]]
 

Revision as of 21:03, 14 December 2014

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"A Squib is someone who was born into a wizarding family but hasn’t got any magic powers. Kind of the opposite of Muggle-born wizards, but Squibs are quite unusual."
Ron Weasley discussing Argus Filch[src]

A Squib, also known as a wizard-born,[1] is a non-magical person who is born to at least one magical parent.[2] Squibs are, in essence, 'wizard-born Muggles.' They are rare and are looked upon with a degree of disdain by some witches and wizards, particularly pure-bloods. Muggle-born witches and wizards are descended from Squibs who married Muggles; the magical ability unexpectedly resurfaces after many generations.

Quick Answers

What is the definition of a Squib in the Harry Potter universe? toggle section
In the Harry Potter universe, a Squib is a person who was born into a wizarding family but does not possess any magical powers. This is quite unusual and is considered the opposite of Muggle-born wizards, who are born to non-magical families but have magical abilities. Despite their lack of magic, Squibs are still part of the wizarding world and have knowledge of it, unlike Muggles.
Provided by: Fandom
How are Squibs viewed by pure-blood witches and wizards in Harry Potter? toggle section
In the Harry Potter series, Squibs, or non-magical people born to at least one magical parent, are often viewed with a degree of disdain by some witches and wizards, particularly those of pure-blood. This is due to the fact that Squibs are essentially 'wizard-born Muggles', and their existence challenges the notion of pure-blood supremacy. Despite being born into magical families, Squibs are unable to perform magic themselves, which can lead to embarrassment and disappointment within their families. As a result, Squibs are often encouraged to integrate with the Muggle community, where they are less likely to be treated as second-class citizens.
Provided by: Fandom
What is the difference between a Squib and a Muggle in the Harry Potter series? toggle section
In the Harry Potter series, a Squib and a Muggle are both non-magical, but they come from different backgrounds. A Muggle is a person who is born into a non-magical family and has no magical abilities. On the other hand, a Squib is someone who is born into a wizarding family but does not possess any magical powers. This makes Squibs quite unusual and sometimes they are even mistaken for wizards due to a magical aura that can surround them after birth. Despite their wizarding lineage, Squibs cannot use magic, which often leads them to integrate into the Muggle community.
Provided by: Fandom
How does a Muggle-born witch or wizard relate to a Squib in the Harry Potter universe? toggle section
In the Harry Potter universe, a Squib is a non-magical person born to at least one magical parent. This is different from a Muggle-born witch or wizard, who are magical individuals born to non-magical parents. Interestingly, Muggle-born witches or wizards are more likely to produce Squib children. It's also believed that Muggle-born witches and wizards could be descendants of Squibs who married Muggles, introducing the potential for magical ability into the bloodline. So, a few generations later, a wizard could be born to two Muggles.
Provided by: Fandom
How rare are Squibs in the Harry Potter universe? toggle section
Squibs are quite rare in the Harry Potter universe. They are non-magical people who are born to at least one magical parent. Despite their wizarding lineage, Squibs do not possess any magical powers. This makes them a unique and uncommon occurrence within the wizarding world.
Provided by: Fandom

Differences between Squibs and Muggles

In addition to being born into magical rather than Muggle families, Squibs are different from Muggles by their knowledge of the wizarding world. They are able to see things that are hidden from the Muggles and have access to certain magical objects and creatures that can help them. Argus Filch, as well as Arabella Figg, have formed wizarding-like relationships with cats that, in the case of the latter, have been cross-bred with Kneazles.

Squibs should also be contrasted with the Muggle relatives of witches and wizards. Muggle parents, siblings, spouses etc. are simply Muggles who happen to know about the magical world.

Attitude toward Squibs

"You disgusting little Squib, you filthy little blood traitor!"
Marvolo Gaunt to his daughter, whom he believed to be a Squib.[src]
Filch-GOF

Argus Filch

The Ministry of Magic does not keep records of Squib births,[3] a sign of wizard society's general disregard for them. They can, however, check if a person is a Squib using their parents' names, as demonstrated in 1995 during the disciplinary hearing of Harry Potter. The common practise with Squibs is to send them off to Muggle schools as children and encourage them to integrate with the Muggle community, which is much kinder than letting them live in the magical world where they will always be treated as second-class citizens.[4] Some, however, choose to remain in the wizarding world regardless. Some pure-blood families, such as the Blacks, disown any Squib members and remove them from their family trees, as they removed Marius Black.[5]

Even families that are tolerant of Muggles and Muggle-borns seem to regard Squibs poorly. For example, the Weasley family seems embarrassed to have a Squib who works in the Muggle world as an accountant in the family. Also, many wizarding families are anxious to see early signs of magical ability and are upset by the prospect that a member might be a Squib. Neville Longbottom was thought to be a Squib by his relatives because of this, though he proved to be magical. Similarly, Merope Gaunt was called a Squib by her father Marvolo as a slur, due to her poor magical abilities, inhibited by her fear of her father and brother.[6] However, the wizarding world did set up at least one organisation to support Squibs, called Society for the Support of Squibs.

It is unclear as to Lord Voldemort's attitude towards Squibs. He had personally noted throughout his life that he aims to purge Muggle-born wizards and witches for "stealing" magic. However, as Argus Filch was allowed to remain in Hogwarts, it is likely they were not prosecuted as blood traitors.

Known Squibs

Marius Black

Marius Black on the Black Family Tree

Believed Squibs

  • Neville Longbottom — discovered to not be a Squib when his Uncle Algie 'accidentally' dropped him out of a window and he bounced down the road.
  • Ariana Dumbledore — unable to control her magic after being traumatised by an attack by Muggle boys, and kept hidden by her family. Neighbours believe Kendra Dumbledore to be ashamed of her daughter and spread rumours that Ariana was locked in the cellar due to her being a Squib when in fact it was her powers that had gone awry.
  • Unnamed second cousin of Molly Weasley — assumed to be a Squib due to working as an accountant in the Muggle world. Whether he is an actual Squib or not has yet to be confirmed.
  • Anne Boleyn — believed to be a Squib by common wizarding historical theory. This theory may recently have been proven true.[8]
  • Kelly Brown — suspected, among wizarding circles, of actually being a talented Squib smuggled into the Scottish rugby team by the WSSRU, in violation of the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy.
  • Jim Hamilton — suspected, among wizarding circles, of actually being a talented Squib smuggled into the Scottish rugby team by the WSSRU, in violation of the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy.
  • Stuart Hogg — suspected, among wizarding circles, of actually being a talented Squib smuggled into the Scottish rugby team by the WSSRU, in violation of the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy.

Behind the scenes

  • The term likely comes from the English expression "a damp squib" (dud firecracker), an expected delight that disappoints.
  • The word squib also refers to an incomplete or insufficient discharge of a firearm.
  • The word could also be a pun on "skip", referring to the fact that the person was "skipped" by magic. In fact, at least one book series (Terry Goodkind's The Sword of Truth) used the word in a meaning analogous to Squib in several books.
  • The Star Wars series also uses the term Squib as the name of an alien species.
  • Idris Oakby, founder of the Society for the Support of Squibs, may have been a Squib herself.
  • Two squibs (both are minor characters) seen in the series are Arabella Figg and Argus Filch. Both seem to love cats and have the same initials.
  • Even though Merope Gaunt had proven she is capable at magic, her father derogatorily referred her as a Squib due to her poor control. Whether he believed her to be an actual Squib or that he was simply insulting her is unclear.

Appearances

Notes and references


See also