======Hengist of Upper Barnton======
=====Introduction=====
Hengist of Upper Barnton was a medieval [[wizard]] famed for founding the all-wizarding village of [[Hogsmeade]] in [[Scotland]]. Driven from his home by [[Muggle]] persecution, he established a safe haven for witches and wizards near [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]]. His legacy is primarily preserved through his inclusion on a [[Famous Witches and Wizards Card]]. While the book canon refers to him as "Hengist of Woodcroft," the name "Hengist of Upper Barnton" is used in supplementary materials.
=====Biography=====
Details of Hengist's life are sparse and come from his [[Famous Witches and Wizards Card]]. He lived during the Middle Ages, a period of intense [[Muggle]] persecution against those with magical abilities. Originally residing in a place known as Upper Barnton (or Woodcroft), he was eventually forced to flee his home.
Hengist traveled north to [[Scotland]], where he discovered a location near [[Hogwarts]]. Here, he founded the village of [[Hogsmeade]], which remains the only entirely non-[[Muggle]] settlement in Great Britain. It is believed that the pub, the [[Three Broomsticks Inn]], was originally Hengist's own dwelling (Pottermore). His work provided a crucial sanctuary for the magical community, allowing them to live openly without fear.
=====Physical Appearance and Personality=====
No official description of Hengist's appearance or personality exists within the novels. The depiction on his [[Famous Witches and Wizards Card]] in video game adaptations portrays him as a man with brown hair and a beard, dressed in medieval-style green and brown robes (video game).
Based on his known actions, it can be inferred that Hengist was resilient, resourceful, and a natural leader. Fleeing persecution and subsequently founding an entire village suggests immense courage and a deep commitment to the safety and well-being of the wizarding community.
=====Magical Abilities and Skills=====
Hengist's specific magical talents are not documented. However, the successful founding of a village like [[Hogsmeade]] would have required a considerable range of magical skills. These would likely include advanced [[Charms]] for construction, protective [[Enchantment]]s to ward off hostile [[Muggle]]s, and possibly expertise in [[Herbology]] and [[Potions]] to ensure the settlement was self-sufficient. His greatest skill, however, appears to have been in leadership and community-building.
=====Possessions=====
  * **The [[Three Broomsticks Inn]]**: It is widely believed that the building which later became the [[Three Broomsticks Inn]] served as Hengist's personal home after he founded [[Hogsmeade]] (Pottermore).
=====Relationships=====
Hengist's primary known relationship was with the [[Muggle]] community, which was one of persecution and hostility, forcing him to abandon his home. His relationship with the wizarding community, by contrast, was that of a founder and protector, as he established [[Hogsmeade]] for their benefit. No specific friends or family members are recorded.
=====Etymology=====
  * **Hengist**: The name is shared with a semi-legendary Jutish chieftain who, with his brother Horsa, led the Anglo-Saxon invasion of Britain in the 5th century. This historical connection lends an ancient, foundational quality to the character's name.
  * **Upper Barnton**: Barnton is a real suburb of Edinburgh, [[Scotland]]. Its inclusion firmly places Hengist's origins in the same country where he would eventually found [[Hogsmeade]].
  * **Woodcroft**: The alternate surname from the book canon, "Woodcroft," combines "wood" (forest) and "croft" (a small, enclosed farmstead), suggesting a rustic or rural origin.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
The name of this wizard differs between the primary canon and supplementary materials.
  * In //Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone//, [[Ron Weasley]] mentions owning a [[Chocolate Frog Card]] of **"Hengist of Woodcroft,"** which is the only mention of the character in the seven-book series.
  * The name **"Hengist of Upper Barnton"** originates from his [[Famous Witches and Wizards Card]] in the PC version of the //Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets// video game. This version of the card provides the backstory of his fleeing [[Muggle]] persecution and founding [[Hogsmeade]].
  * The information that the [[Three Broomsticks Inn]] was once his house comes from the Pottermore (now Wizarding World) website.