The Mysterious Creatures of Harry Potter: Unraveling the Secrets of Thestrals

The Thestral, with its gaunt and menacing appearance, has long been considered an ill omen in the world of Harry Potter. Its name alone, derived from archaic English, implies a connection to the "dark" or "gloom". For centuries, Thestrals were hunted and mistreated due to their association with bad luck. However, this perception of the creature as aggressive and sinister is simply a result of their "difference". In reality, Thestrals possess a kind and tender temperament, as well as magical abilities. Only a wizard or witch who has faced death can master the tail hair of a Thestral, and J.K. Rowling has revealed that the core of the most powerful wand in wizardkind, the Elder Wand, is made from Thestral tail hair. Contrary to popular belief, Thestrals are meant to be positive symbols, particularly in themes of death and calamity in the story.

What Are Thestrals in Harry Potter?

The glossy black manes and long tails of Thestrals resemble those of winged horses, but their skeletal, fleshless bodies and large wings give them a distinct “reptilian” appearance. Their dragon-like faces, with blank white eyes and sharp fangs, only add to their eerie and sinister aura. These creatures are native to the British Isles and Ireland, but have also been sighted in France and the Iberian Peninsula. In other parts of the wizarding world, similar creatures are believed to exist. Thestrals dwell in forests, communicating with each other through shrill shrieks, and are carnivorous, attracted to the scent of blood. Professor Wilhelmina Grubbly-Plank notes that they hunt birds and prey both on the ground and in the air.

While the Ministry of Magic has classified Thestrals as “dangerous,” experienced wizards and witches can train them to be gentle and highly intelligent creatures. Thestrals make excellent modes of transportation as they have a keen sense of direction and can fly long distances with ease. They can carry multiple humans and even lift objects as heavy as themselves. In Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix, the Golden Trio, Luna Lovegood, Ginny Weasley, and Neville Longbottom fly on Thestrals from Hogwarts to the Ministry of Magic. During the Battle of the Seven Potters, members of the Order of the Phoenix also ride on Thestrals. Even Dumbledore was known to ride them when he didn't feel like Apparating. However, due to the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy, traveling on Thestrals is illegal.

At Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the only known herd of domesticated Thestrals in Britain can be found. These creatures were originally brought to the school to transport students before the Hogwarts Express was introduced. Currently residing in the Forbidden Forest, the Thestrals are under the care of Hagrid and are often used to pull carriages from Hogsmeade Station to the school gates. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are trained not to harm students or the numerous owls that fly around the school. Known for their loyalty, Thestrals only attack those they perceive as a threat. In the Battle of Hogwarts, they were seen attacking Voldemort's giants, led by Buckbeak the Hippogriff. As seen in the epilogue, Harry reassures his son that these creatures would never attack without reason.

Why Can Some People See Thestrals?

According to wizarding superstition, Thestrals are considered to be an omen of bad luck and bring about misfortune to those who can see them. This belief is not unfounded since only those who have witnessed death can perceive them. Neville, for instance, can see them because he witnessed his grandfather's death as a child. Dumbledore, who had witnessed his sister's death, could also see them. Harry, on the other hand, could not see them until his fifth year at Hogwarts after he had witnessed Cedric's murder. Rowling explains that he did not see them earlier because he had not yet come to terms with Cedric's death. Interestingly, Harry could not see Thestrals even when his mother died for him since he was an infant and could not comprehend death. Luna, who saw her mother die as a child, could see Thestrals since she was old enough to understand death.