Poltergeists

A poltergeist is an amortal, indestructible spirit of chaos known for causing mischief and mayhem. In the wizarding world, they are distinct from ghosts, as they were never living beings and are instead described as elemental entities. Poltergeists are defined by their disruptive, noisy, and often malicious behaviour, possessing the ability to physically interact with their environment to cause disorder. The most prominent and well-documented poltergeist in the series is Peeves, the resident poltergeist of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Poltergeists are amortal entities, meaning they were never truly born and cannot truly die. They are described by Professor Binns as “indestructible spirits of chaos”. While often confused with ghosts, as Ron Weasley initially does, Hermione Granger clarifies that poltergeists are fundamentally different because they have never been alive. The ghost Nearly Headless Nick also confirms that Peeves is not a ghost. Their origins are tied to specific locations; they are drawn to places with a high concentration of adolescent magic and angst, which explains their presence in schools like Hogwarts (Pottermore). Peeves has been a resident of Hogwarts since its founding c. 993, having come with the original building and proving impossible for any caretaker or headmaster to remove (Pottermore). The existence of other poltergeists is implied when Ron Weasley's Great Aunt Muriel dismisses a sighting of the Grim by Great Uncle Bilius, suggesting it was merely a poltergeist rattling the teacups.

Poltergeists are generally non-corporeal but can manifest a physical form at will. Peeves is described as a “little man with a wicked face and a wide mouth,” often seen wearing brightly coloured and eccentric clothing, such as a bell-covered hat and an orange bow tie. He can choose to be solid or intangible, visible or invisible. By nature, poltergeists are mischievous, chaotic, and driven by a love for pranks and destruction. Their personality is anarchic and they delight in annoying and harassing people, particularly authority figures like Argus Filch. Their humour is typically malicious, and they often invent rude songs and nicknames to taunt their victims, such as Peeves's “Loony, loopy Lupin” and “Potty Wee Potter” chants. Despite their disruptive nature, they can sometimes be directed towards a common goal, as seen during the Battle of Hogwarts.

Poltergeists do not use wands but possess a range of inherent magical abilities that allow them to cause chaos.

• Flight: They can fly, float, and phase through solid objects like walls and ceilings.
• Invisibility: They can become invisible at will, allowing them to spy and cause unseen trouble.
• Tangibility Control: Unlike ghosts, poltergeists can become solid to physically interact with the world. This allows them to lift, throw, and break objects, write on chalkboards, block staircases with chewing gum, and unscrew chandeliers.
• Superhuman Strength: They can manipulate objects with considerable force, such as when Peeves chased Dolores Umbridge from Hogwarts while pelting her with a walking stick and a sock full of chalk.

While they do not own items in the conventional sense, poltergeists are known to frequently commandeer objects to use as tools for their mischief. Peeves was known to use:

• Water balloons
• Rotted fruit and other projectiles
• Chalk and inkwells
• Walking sticks
• Vases and suits of armour
• Snargaluff pods

Poltergeists generally have an antagonistic relationship with most wizards and witches, seeing them as targets for pranks. The dynamic between Peeves and Hogwarts caretaker Argus Filch is one of mutual hatred, with Filch constantly trying to have him expelled. Control over a poltergeist is extremely difficult. Peeves demonstrated a profound fear of the Bloody Baron, the Slytherin house ghost, and would typically cease his antics upon the Baron's request. He also showed a degree of respect for Albus Dumbledore. Notably, Peeves greatly respected Fred Weasley and George Weasley, taking their final command to “give her hell” against Dolores Umbridge to heart. During the Second Wizarding War, he chose a side, fighting for Hogwarts against Lord Voldemort and the Death Eaters during the final battle.

The term “poltergeist” is German in origin. It is a compound of the verb poltern, meaning “to make noise” or “to rattle,” and Geist, meaning “ghost” or “spirit.” The name literally translates to “noisy ghost,” which is an accurate description of their primary characteristic of causing loud and violent disturbances.

• J.K. Rowling has explained that poltergeists are not and never were living beings, but are instead “elemental spirits of chaos” that are attracted to places populated by young people. This is why a school like Hogwarts would have one. (Pottermore)
• In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the character of Peeves was cast and played by British comedian Rik Mayall. However, all of his scenes were cut from the final version of the film, and the character does not appear in the movie series at all. (film)
• Peeves is a recurring character in several of the early Harry Potter video games, where he typically functions as an antagonist who creates obstacles for the player. (video game)