While the incredible witches and wizards that fill J.K. Rowling’s stories are celebrated almost daily, I find that the wondrous and extraordinary creatures that roam the Wizarding World usually go without the attention they deserve.

From the sneaky Niffler and elegant Hippogriff to the terrifying Dementors, the Harry Potter universe is jam-packed with fantastic beasts (pun intended), and for the latest post on The Blog That Must Not Be Named, I figured I’d shine a light on these incredible creatures by ranking my favourite magical beasts from the Wizarding World.

Check out the list below:

10. Occamy

First Appearance – Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

“The Occamy is found in the Far East and India. A plumed, two-legged winged creature with a serpentine body, the Occamy may reach a length of fifteen feet. It feeds mainly on rats and birds, though has been known to carry off monkeys.”

– An extract from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

9. Thunderbird

First Appearance – Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

“The Thunderbird is unique to North America and is found most plentifully in Arizona. Taller than a man when full-grown, it has the power to create storms as it flies.”

– An extract from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

8. Acromantula

First Appearance – Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

“The Acromantula is a monstrous eight-eyed spider capable of human speech. It originated in Borneo, where it inhabits dense jungle.”

– An extract from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

7. Dragon

First Appearance – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

“Probably the most famous of all magical beasts, dragons are among the most difficult to hide. The female is generally larger and more aggressive than the male, though neither should be approached by any but highly skilled and trained wizards.”

– An extract from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

6. Hippogriff

First Appearance – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

“The Hippogriff is native to Europe, though now found worldwide. It has the head of a giant eagle and the body of a horse. It can be tamed, though should be attempted only by experts.”

– An extract from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

5. Phoenix

First Appearance – Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

“The Phoenix is a magnificent, swan-sized, scarlet bird with a long golden tail, beak and talons. It nests on mountain peaks and is found in Egypt, India and China.”

– An extract from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

4. Bowtruckle

First Appearance – Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

“The Bowtruckle is a tree-guardian creature found mainly in the west of England, southern Germany and certain Scandinavian forests, It is immensely difficult to spot, being small.”

– An extract from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

3. Thestral

First Appearance – Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

“Manifesting as black, skeletal, bat-winged horses, but invisible to all who have never been truly touched by death, Thestrals have a somewhat macabre reputation.”

– J.K. Rowling

2. Dementor

First Appearance – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

“Dementors are among the foulest creatures that walk this earth. They infest the darkest, filthiest places, they glory in decay and despair, they drain peace, hope, and happiness out of the air around them.”

– Remus Lupin

1. Niffler

First Appearance – Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

“The Niffler is a British beast. Fluffy, black and long-snouted, this burrowing creature has a predilection for anything glittery. Niffler’s are often kept by goblins to burrow deep into earth for treasure.”

– An extract from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Well, there you have it, my ranking of the best magical creatures from the Harry Potter universe! What’s your favourite beast from the Wizarding World? Make sure you let me know in the comments section below! If you enjoyed this post, please enter your email and subscribe to The Blog That Must Not Be Named. I have huge plans for this blog and I wouldn’t want a fellow Potterhead to miss out!

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