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"That's no beauty spell, that's a Stinging Jinx! Don't worry, the swelling will go down shortly."
Someone reassuring a victim[src]

The Stinging Jinx[1][2] (incantation unknown), also known as the Stinging Hex,[3] was a Dark charm that could be used to sting the victim's flesh, producing a red brand like a scorch mark[3] and causing swelling.[1]

History[]

"He looked up at Snape, who had lowered his wand and was rubbing his wrist. There was an angry weal there, like a scorch mark."
— Harry Potter having performed a Stinging Hex on Snape inadvertently[src]

When under assault by Severus Snape's Legilimency, Harry Potter found it almost impossible to resist the intrusion until Snape happened upon the memory of Harry's kiss with Cho Chang. The resistance he felt to Snape viewing this memory translated into a Stinging Hex that broke Snape's spell. Harry had not consciously decided to perform that spell, so it seems unlikely that that he actually spoke any words. It would seem instead that this hex was purely an extension of his intention to fight Snape off.[3]

Hermione Granger used it on Harry as a means of disguising his face when they were caught by Snatchers after inadvertently triggering the Taboo on Voldemort's name in 1998.[1]

Effects[]

"He could feel his face swelling rapidly under his hands as heavy footfalls surrounded him."
— The effects of the Stinging Jinx[src]
Stinging hex effect

Harry Potter under the effects

When cast, the Stinging Jinx was a burst of white light. Immediately upon hitting the target, it caused agony and rendered the target unable to see.[1]

It was also excruciatingly painful when the target was hit in the face, making that area feel unrecognisable to the owner. The skin was tight, swollen, and puffy, as though they had suffered some violent allergic reaction. The eyes were reduced to slits through which a person could barely see.[1] It also produced welts on the skin if used on other parts of the body.[3]

Known practitioners[]

Behind the scenes[]

  • Alongside the Impediment Jinx and Insect Hex, this spell is one of only three spells that is called both a jinx as well as a hex.

Appearances[]

Notes and references[]

See also[]

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