Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ======Butterflies====== Butterflies appear in the wizarding world both as the product of magical [[Conjuration]] and as a common English idiom used by witches and wizards to describe strong emotions. While they can be conjured by a specific [[Charm]], the term is also used metaphorically to represent feelings of nervousness and love. =====Spell Information===== * **Incantation:** None stated in the novels; performed non-verbally by [[Hermione Granger]]. The incantation //Papilio Hesterna// is associated with a similar charm. (Pottermore) * **Pronunciation:** //pa-PILL-ee-oh hes-TERN-ah// (Pottermore) * **Wand Movement:** Unknown * **Light:** None described * **Effect:** Conjures a swarm of butterflies. The specific appearance, such as color, may be determined by the caster. * **Type:** [[Charm]], [[Conjuration]] =====History and Known Uses===== The primary magical use of a butterfly-conjuring charm is documented during the 1992-1993 school year at [[Hogwarts]]. * In a [[Charms]] class taught by [[Professor Flitwick]], [[Hermione Granger]] successfully performed a non-verbal charm that produced a flock of bluebell-coloured butterflies, which flew around the classroom. This was a demonstration of her advanced magical talent as a second-year student. In addition to magical conjuration, the term "butterflies" is used metaphorically to describe a physical sensation associated with intense emotions. * In //Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban//, [[Harry Potter]] describes the feeling in his stomach just before his first attempt at the [[Patronus Charm]] as being similar to the "fistful of butterflies that had been trapped in there" during his first [[broomstick]] ride, indicating excitement and nervousness. * In //Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince//, upon winning the [[Quidditch Cup]] for [[Gryffindor]] and seeing [[Ginny Weasley]], Harry feels "as though a large butterfly was beating its wings furiously in his chest, instead of a heart," representing the powerful, exhilarating feeling of love. =====Learning and Counter-Spells===== The charm to conjure butterflies is likely not overly difficult, as [[Hermione Granger]] was able to perform it effectively in her second year. It is unknown if the spell is taught as part of the standard [[Hogwarts]] curriculum. There are no known specific counter-spells or methods to defend against this charm, as it is generally harmless. It is presumed a general counter-spell like [[Finite Incantatem]] would dispel the conjured butterflies. =====Etymology===== The incantation //Papilio Hesterna//, associated with this charm in supplementary materials, is derived from Latin. * **//Papilio//** is the Latin word for "butterfly." * **//Hesterna//** is Latin for "of yesterday" or "yesterday's." The combination could suggest the fleeting, ephemeral nature of the conjured creatures, which exist only for a brief time before vanishing. =====Behind the Scenes===== * In the video game adaptation of //Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets//, a game mechanic involves casting [[Lumos]] near certain symbols, which causes a butterfly to appear. The player must then follow the butterfly to uncover a hidden passage or secret. (video game)
