One of the greatest joys in reading the hugely popular Harry Potter books is reading about all the magical creatures that Harry and his friends encounter on their various adventures.

Many of the fabulous creatures that are riddled throughout the six Harry Potter books are derived from many diverse classical sources, such as ancient Greek mythology, Egyptian mythology, Scandinavian folklore, and British folklore.

Aragog Aragog is a gigantic hairy spider. It is the size of a carthorse, eight-eyed and eight-legged. The spider is old and blind. It lives in the Forbidden Forest. His instinct is to attack humans, but Aragog does not harm them from respect of Hagrid, the gamekeeper. It has got a lot of sons and daughters. Aragog’s venom is very valuable.

Centaurs Centaurs live in the Forbidden Forest. A Centaur looks like a man to the waist, but below it is a horse’s body. They are belligerent, but they do not attack young people. Centaurs are very proud and independent. Their intelligence outstrips human knowledge. Their findings teach them that the future may be glimpsed in the sky above them.

Goblins Goblins are short men with big domed heads, swarthy, clever faces, long fingers and feet. Goblins work at the wizard bank Gringotts. They speak Gobbledegook. Unlike house-elves, goblins do not serve wizards and recognize no masters. There hardly can be friendship between wizards and goblins.

Hippogriffs Hippogriffs have got the bodies, hind legs and tails of horses, but the front legs, wings and heads of what seems to be giant eagles, with cruel, steel-coloured beaks and large, brilliantly orange eyes. These creatures are very proud and easily offended. It is very dangerous to insult Hippogriffs. One should always be polite with them.

House-elves House-elves are little creatures with bat-like ears and bulging eyes. They serve rich wizards and they usually live in big old manors and castles. House-elves are not allowed to use wands. They are bound to serve one house and one family until they die. They are devoted to their masters and they must do whatever they are told.

Phoenix Phoenix is a beautiful bird with red and gold plumage. Phoenixes burst into flame when it is time for them to die and are reborn from the ashes. They can carry immensely heavy loads, their tears have healing powers and they make highly faithful pets.

Thestrals Thestrals look like horses. They are completely fleshless, their black coats cling to their skeletons, of which every bone is visible. Many people consider them unlucky and try to avoid them. But in reality Thestrals are very clever and useful. The only people who can see Thestrals are people who have seen death.

Unicorns Unicorns are very beautiful and powerful magic creatures with golden hooves and horned heads. They are hard to catch. Unicorns are pure and defenceless. Their blood will keep you alive, even if you are an inch from death. It is a terrible thing to kill a unicorn.

Sources: 1) Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 2) Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets 3) Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 4) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 5) Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 6) Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince 7) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows