The Chimaera is a rare and exceptionally dangerous magical beast native to Greece. It is a monstrous hybrid creature possessing the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a dragon. Described as vicious and bloodthirsty, the Chimaera is one of the most feared creatures in the wizarding world, earning it the highest Ministry of Magic danger classification of XXXXX. Due to its formidable nature, it is considered impossible to train or domesticate. Furthermore, Chimaera eggs are classified as Class A Non-Tradeable Material, meaning their sale or trade is strictly forbidden by wizarding law.
Historically, the Chimaera is infamous for its ferocity, and very few witches or wizards have ever survived an encounter with one. According to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, there has been only one recorded instance of a wizard successfully slaying a Chimaera. However, the victorious wizard, exhausted and severely injured from the battle, fell from his winged horse to his death shortly afterward. The Chimaera is mentioned several times throughout Harry Potter's time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry:
The name “Chimaera” is taken directly from Greek mythology. The Chimera (Χίμαιρα) was a monstrous, fire-breathing female creature from Lycia, Asia Minor, composed of the parts of multiple animals. Classically, it is described as having the head and body of a lion, with the head of a goat arising from its back, and a tail that ended with a snake's head. The version in the wizarding world is slightly different, featuring a dragon's tail instead of a serpent's.