======Sphinx======
=====Introduction=====
The Sphinx is a magical [[beast]] with the body of a large lion and the head of a human woman. It is an ancient creature famed for its intelligence, its capacity for human speech, and its love of riddles and puzzles. Sphinxes are often employed by [[wizards]] and witches as guardians for valuable treasures or hidden locations. A Sphinx was notably used as one of the magical obstacles protecting the [[Triwizard Cup]] in the final task of the 1994 [[Triwizard Tournament]].
=====Role in the Harry Potter Series=====
The only direct encounter with a Sphinx in the series occurs in //Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire//.
  * During the third task of the [[Triwizard Tournament]], [[Harry Potter]] must navigate a large [[hedge]] maze to reach the [[Triwizard Cup]]. Near the centre of the maze, his path is blocked by a Sphinx.
  * The Sphinx spoke to Harry, calmly presenting him with a choice: he could attempt to solve a riddle to be granted passage, or he could remain silent and retreat unharmed. An incorrect answer, however, would result in the Sphinx attacking him.
  * Harry accepted the challenge, and the Sphinx recited her riddle:
  * //First think of the person who lives in disguise,//
  * //Who deals in secrets and tells naught but lies.//
  * //Next, tell me what's always the last thing to mend,//
  * //The middle of middle and end of the end?//
  * //And finally give me the sound often heard//
  * //During the search for a hard-to-find word.//
  * //Now string them together, and answer me this,//
  * //Which creature would you be unwilling to kiss?//
  * After piecing together the clues ("spy," the letter "d," and the sound "er"), Harry correctly gave the answer: a "spider."
  * Pleased with his correct answer, the Sphinx smiled, stretched her front legs out of his way, and allowed him to pass towards his goal.
=====Description and Nature=====
A Sphinx has the body of a very large, tawny lion and the head of a woman. The one Harry encountered had large, almond-shaped eyes and long-fingered hands. They are capable of articulate human speech and possess near-human intelligence. This high intelligence has led to centuries of debate over whether they should be reclassified as [[Beings]] rather than [[Beasts]]. However, their inherent love for puzzles and riddles can turn violent when they are not satisfied, which is why the [[Ministry of Magic]] continues to classify them as [[Beasts]] (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them). The Sphinx in the [[Triwizard Maze]] behaved in a formal and fair manner, honouring her agreement once her riddle was solved.
=====Abilities=====
  * **High Intelligence:** A Sphinx's primary and most formidable ability is its profound intellect. They are capable of creating, understanding, and communicating complex riddles, puzzles, and logical problems.
  * **Human Speech:** They can communicate fluently in human languages, unlike most magical [[Beasts]].
  * **Physical Prowess:** Possessing the body of a lion, a Sphinx is a powerful physical combatant. It is presumed to have immense strength and sharp claws, making it a dangerous opponent if provoked.
=====Etymology=====
The name and concept of the Sphinx are taken directly from Greek mythology. The Sphinx of Thebes was a legendary creature with the head of a woman, the body of a lion, and often the wings of a bird. She guarded the entrance to the city of Thebes and would pose a riddle to travellers. Those who could not answer correctly were killed and devoured, a fate that befell many until Oedipus finally solved her riddle.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * In the supplementary textbook //[[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]]//, the Sphinx is given a [[Ministry of Magic]] Classification of **XXXX** (Dangerous / Requires specialist knowledge / Skilled wizard may cope).
  * The textbook also notes that Sphinxes first originated in [[Egypt]] and have been used for over a thousand years to guard wizards' dwellings and treasures.
  * The entire sequence involving the Sphinx was cut from the film adaptation of //Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire// (film).