Abraxans

• Type: Magical Creature (Winged Horse)
• Native Region: Believed to be France (Pottermore)
• Known Owners: Beauxbatons Academy of Magic
• Ministry of Magic Classification: XXXX (Dangerous / Requires specialist knowledge / Wizard may handle) (Pottermore)

Abraxans are a breed of gigantic winged horse. They are described as being the size of an elephant, with a gleaming palomino coat and fiery-red eyes. As palominos, they possess a golden-coloured body with a white or light-cream mane and tail. Their immense size and powerful wings allow them to pull extremely heavy loads over long distances.

Abraxans are known for their tremendous strength. A team of a dozen is capable of pulling the enormous, powder-blue carriage used by the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. They have a very particular and expensive diet, drinking only single-malt whisky. Handling these powerful creatures requires considerable skill and knowledge, as evidenced by Rubeus Hagrid needing careful instructions from Madame Maxime to care for them.

A team of twelve Abraxans was used to transport the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic delegation to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for the 1994-1995 Triwizard Tournament. They made a spectacular landing on the Hogwarts grounds, pulling the school's massive, carriage-like chateau. For the duration of the school year, the Abraxans were stabled at Hogwarts, where their care was overseen by Rubeus Hagrid on behalf of Headmistress Olympe Maxime.

The Abraxans serve to create a grand and memorable entrance for the Beauxbatons delegation in *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*. Their elegance and power immediately establish the character of the French school, contrasting sharply with the dramatic, submerged arrival of the Durmstrang Institute. Their presence also provides a reason for Rubeus Hagrid to interact regularly with Madame Maxime, fostering the development of their romantic relationship.

The name “Abraxan” is likely derived from Abraxas, a mystical word of Gnostic origin that was often engraved on amulets and charms. While Abraxas is sometimes depicted as a composite creature, the name has also been associated in some magical traditions with horses and the sun, which aligns with the creature's golden palomino colouring.

• In the film adaptation of *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*, the Abraxans are depicted largely as described in the novel, appearing as massive, beautiful palomino winged horses (film).
• The Abraxan is a magical creature that can be obtained and cared for in the mobile video game * Hogwarts Mystery* (video game).
• The official Ministry of Magic classification for Abraxans is provided by supplementary material on the Wizarding World website (Pottermore).