Gorgon

A Gorgon is a dangerous magical beast known, most famously, for having snakes for hair. These creatures are referenced within the wizarding world, drawing their origins from Greek Mythology. While mentioned by a Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry student, their existence, abilities, and classification by the Ministry of Magic remain unconfirmed within the primary narrative.

The only direct reference to a Gorgon in the original series occurs during the 1992-1993 school year, amidst the panic surrounding the re-opening of the Chamber of Secrets. After Mrs Norris is petrified, students begin to speculate on the nature of the Monster of Slytherin. In a conversation with Harry Potter, Ernie Macmillan, and Hannah Abbott, the Hufflepuff student Justin Finch-Fletchley expresses his theory: “What if the monster’s a snake? … Loads of monsters are snakey. The Basilisk’s a giant serpent … and then there are Gorgons, with snakes for hair …” This mention indicates that knowledge of Gorgons is present in the magical community, at least as a folkloric or mythological creature. However, no Gorgon is ever encountered, and their presence in the modern wizarding world is not substantiated further.

Based on the single canonical reference, the only confirmed physical trait of a Gorgon is having snakes for hair. In their original mythological context, Gorgons (most notably Medusa) possessed a petrifying gaze, capable of turning any who looked upon them to stone. Given that Justin Finch-Fletchley mentions them while discussing a monster that petrifies its victims, it is highly probable that this legendary ability is also attributed to them in wizarding lore. However, this power is not explicitly stated in the novels.

The name “Gorgon” derives from the Ancient Greek word Gorgṓ (Γοργώ), which translates to “dreadful,” “terrible,” or “grim.” In Greek Mythology, the Gorgons were three monstrous sisters—Stheno, Euryale, and Medusa—who were fearsome figures with serpentine features.

• In the video game adaptation of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, gargoyles shaped like Gorgons can be found in Hogwarts. They can be temporarily animated with the Skurge charm. (video game)