Odysseus

The name Odysseus does not appear directly within the seven original Harry Potter novels. However, it is the Greek equivalent of the name Ulysses, which belongs to a historical wizard named Ulysses MacDuff. This character was identified in supplementary material released by J.K. Rowling. Ulysses MacDuff served as the Head of the Wizengamot for a significant portion of the 17th century.

According to information released on J.K. Rowling's official website, Ulysses MacDuff lived from 1612 to 1687. He held the esteemed position of Head of the Wizengamot, the wizarding world's high court of law, for thirty-eight years, from 1649 until his death in 1687 (J.K. Rowling's official website). No further details about his life, career, or historical context are available from canonical sources.

No information is available regarding the physical appearance or personality of Ulysses MacDuff.

While no specific magical talents are documented, Ulysses MacDuff's long and successful tenure as Head of the Wizengamot strongly implies that he was a highly intelligent, powerful, and respected wizard with a profound knowledge of magical law.

There is no canonical information detailing any wands, artifacts, or other significant possessions owned by Ulysses MacDuff.

No information is available regarding Ulysses MacDuff's family, friends, or other personal relationships.

• Odysseus: The name is of Greek origin, famously belonging to the hero of Homer's epic poem, the Odyssey. The literary Odysseus was renowned for his intelligence, cunning, and decade-long journey home from the Trojan War.
• Ulysses: This is the Latinised form of Odysseus, which became more common in the Roman and subsequent Western European traditions.
• MacDuff: This is a traditional Scottish surname meaning “son of the dark man”. The name is also famous in literature, belonging to Lord Macduff, a key character in William Shakespeare's play Macbeth who ultimately slays the tyrannical king. This suggests that Ulysses MacDuff may have had Scottish heritage.

• The character this entry refers to, Ulysses MacDuff, was featured as the “Wizard of the Month” for July 2006 on J.K. Rowling's official website prior to the launch of Pottermore.
• The prompt name “Odysseus” is the Greek original for the Roman name “Ulysses,” and the two are often used to refer to the same mythological figure. It is presumed that this entry is for the wizard identified as Ulysses MacDuff.