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. ======Dwarf====== =====Introduction===== A [[Dwarf]] is a species of short, stocky magical [[Being]] known to exist within the wizarding world. While not extensively featured in the series, they are shown to be of near-human intelligence and are integrated into magical society, capable of holding jobs. Their most memorable appearance is as hired performers, where they displayed considerable physical strength and a notably surly or grumpy disposition. =====Biography===== The primary chronological appearance of dwarfs in the series occurs during [[Harry Potter]]'s second year at [[Hogwarts]]. In an effort to boost his own popularity, [[Gilderoy Lockhart]] hires a dozen "surly-looking" dwarfs for [[Valentine's Day]]. He dresses them in golden wings and has them carry harps to roam the school delivering valentines. This event causes significant disruption and embarrassment for many students. One particular grumpy-looking [[Dwarf]] is tasked with delivering a singing valentine to [[Harry Potter]] from [[Ginny Weasley]]. To prevent Harry from escaping, the [[Dwarf]] tackles him, pinning him to the floor by his ankles in a crowded corridor. He then proceeds to sing the valentine aloud, much to Harry's mortification and the amusement of onlookers, including [[Draco Malfoy]]. An earlier, more ambiguous mention occurs when Harry first enters the [[Leaky Cauldron]]. He sees a "tiny man in a violet top hat" who bows to him, and Harry speculates that this individual might have been a [[Dwarf]]. No other significant interactions with dwarfs are recorded throughout the remainder of the series. =====Physical Appearance and Personality===== Dwarfs are described as being very short and stocky in build. The group hired by [[Gilderoy Lockhart]] are all "surly-looking," and the one who delivers Harry's valentine is noted as being particularly "grumpy-looking." Their personality, based on this single detailed interaction, appears to be ill-tempered and gruff. They fulfill their assigned tasks with a noticeable lack of enthusiasm and are not above using physical force to do so. The [[Dwarf]] who accosts Harry is aggressive and single-minded in his duty, showing no concern for Harry's comfort or embarrassment. =====Magical Abilities and Skills===== * **Physical Strength:** Dwarfs possess disproportionate strength for their size. A single [[Dwarf]] was able to easily catch up to, tackle, and physically restrain a healthy twelve-year-old [[wizard]] like [[Harry Potter]]. * **Intelligence:** As they are classified as [[Being]]s by the [[Ministry of Magic]] and can be employed by wizards to perform complex tasks like delivering messages, they are understood to possess near-human intelligence and the ability to speak and understand human language. * **Magical Nature:** While considered magical beings, dwarfs are never depicted performing [[magic]] with a [[wand]] or demonstrating any specific innate magical abilities in the novels. =====Possessions===== While no personal possessions are detailed, the dwarfs employed by [[Gilderoy Lockhart]] were equipped with several items for their task: * **Golden Wings:** A costume piece worn on their backs to give them a cupid-like appearance. * **Harps:** Musical instruments they carried as part of their valentine messenger role. * **Scrolls:** Used to read the valentines they were delivering. =====Relationships===== Dwarfs appear to have a working relationship with the wizarding community, available for hire for tasks and events. However, the nature of this relationship seems to be one of service rather than partnership. [[Gilderoy Lockhart]] treats them as a novelty act, and their grumpy demeanor suggests they may not hold wizards in high regard. There is a common misconception that Professor [[Filius Flitwick]] has [[Dwarf]] ancestry. While Professor [[Flitwick]] is notably short, it has been confirmed by J.K. Rowling that he has a distant [[Goblin]] ancestor, with no mention of any [[Dwarf]] lineage. No direct relationships between dwarfs and goblins are described in the novels. =====Etymology===== The word "**dwarf**" originates from the Old English //dweorg//, which has roots in the Proto-Germanic //*dwergaz//. In traditional European folklore, particularly Norse and Germanic mythology, dwarfs are a race of beings associated with mountains, mining, and smithing. While the dwarfs of the [[Harry Potter]] universe share the characteristic short stature of their mythological counterparts, other traits like craftsmanship or living underground are not confirmed in the source material. =====Behind the Scenes===== * In the film adaptation of //Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets//, the scene with the valentine dwarfs is depicted, including a [[Dwarf]] tackling [[Harry Potter]] to sing a message. * According to the book of //[[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]]//, the [[Ministry of Magic]] classifies dwarfs as **Beings**, which is a "creature that has sufficient intelligence to understand the laws of the magical community and to bear part of the responsibility in shaping those laws." This distinguishes them from **Beasts**. ([[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]])
