The Mind-Blowing Truths About Harry Potter's Enigmatic Thestrals

Highlights

Thestrals are winged horses with a macabre appearance, only visible to those who have witnessed death, symbolizing mortality in the Harry Potter series.

Thesetrals, despite their unsettling looks, possess a social nature, showing unwavering loyalty to their owners, while also serving as reliable means of transportation.

In the series, Harry comes across these enigmatic creatures following his experience with death, relying on them for his travels, and eventually witnessing their involvement in battles, symbolizing acceptance and the grim toll of war.

The Harry Potter series boasts a plethora of magical creatures, to the extent that a spinoff book and subsequent movie series were dedicated to them. However, even the main series itself incorporates fantastical elements, including various magical animals and creatures that appear throughout the story. While some of these beings hold great significance and impact the narrative, others simply serve as embellishments, enhancing the intricacy of the Wizarding World with their existence.

Certain magical creatures truly enhance the story's atmosphere and exemplify the prevalent themes. One such creature is the thestral, which makes its debut (at least, in Harry's perspective) in the fifth book, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. These horse-like creatures possess an eerie quality, contributing to the story's unsettling ambiance. As they play a lesser role compared to other creatures, there are numerous individuals who remain unfamiliar with their nature. Consequently, what exactly are thestrals, and what purpose do they serve in the Harry Potter series?

What Is A Thestral?

Thestrals possess an unusual and eerie appearance, resembling more of a dragon than a pegasus, with their black, skeletal bodies, reptilian facial features, and bat-like wings. Their enigmatic nature lies in the fact that not everyone can perceive them; only those who have witnessed death can see these creatures. Consequently, they are associated with mortality, almost resembling a form of reaper, as they materialize solely when death has been present. Thestrals, viewed by the Ministry of Magic as highly perilous creatures due to misconstrued superstitions, are indeed rare and have been labeled as omens of misfortune and aggression, albeit unfairly. Adding to their unfavorable reputation is their attraction to blood, further fueling the controversy.

Contrary to popular belief, Thestrals are social creatures that congregate in herds, often making their dwellings within obscure forests. Remarkably intelligent, they comprehend and respond to human instructions while effectively distinguishing friend from foe. Additionally, they exhibit loyalty, defending their owners by attacking perceived threats. Handling these creatures requires extensive wizardry expertise, and unauthorized breeding is strictly prohibited by the Ministry. Despite their formidable appearance, Thestrals are not intrinsically hazardous to humans unless provoked in a negative manner.

What Do Thestrals Do In The Wizarding World?

Thestrals, despite their eerie appearance, possess the ability to be trained and ridden. Their incredible speed and impeccable navigational instincts make them an ideal means of transportation, surpassing broomsticks or Apparition. Although employing thestrals for travel is against the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy, their utilization remains rare due to their unsettling appearance.

Within Hogwarts, a specific group of thestrals reside, designated solely for pulling carriages that transport students from Hogsmeade Station to the school. Those students who had never experienced the loss of a loved one perceived the carriages as moving autonomously. Hagrid speculated that this particular assembly of tamed thestrals at Hogwarts was the largest in the entire United Kingdom.

Does Harry Encounter Any Thestrals?

Harry's first encounter with the thestrals occurs several years before he becomes aware of their presence. These enigmatic creatures only become visible to those who have witnessed death. In The Order of the Phoenix, Harry finally perceives the thestrals for the first time, having personally experienced the death of Cedric Diggory at the hands of Voldemort. Initially taken aback by their nature and appearance, Harry eventually grows to appreciate them. Sharing this unique ability, Luna Lovegood and Harry form a bond over their shared connection to the thestrals.

Later, Harry, Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Neville, and Luna rely on the thestrals to transport them to London in search of Sirius Black at the Ministry of Magic. This poses a challenge for Hermione, Ron, and Ginny, who cannot see the thestrals and struggle to mount them. During the Battle of the Seven Potters, members of the Order of the Phoenix, disguised as Harry, utilize the thestrals to fly to the safehouse.

The thestrals played a role in the Battle of Hogwarts, where they fought against Voldemort's Giant soldiers. As a result of the war, a significant number of individuals became able to see the thestrals for the first time. This served as a poignant reminder of the losses suffered. However, a dedicated group of activists endeavored to alter the perception of thestrals among the general public. Their efforts ultimately led to greater acceptance than ever before.