Elfrida Clagg

Elfrida Clagg (1612 – 1687) was a seventeenth-century witch who served as the Chieftainess of the Warlock's Council, the governmental body that preceded the Ministry of Magic. She is most famous for her pivotal role in the history of Quidditch and the conservation of magical creatures, having declared the Golden Snidget a protected species and outlawed its use in the sport.

Elfrida Clagg's most significant contribution to the wizarding world came during her tenure as Chieftainess of the Warlock's Council in the mid-1600s. At the time, the popular sport of Quidditch involved the use of a real, living bird, the Golden Snidget. The tiny, swift bird was released during the match, and the Seeker from each team would attempt to catch it, earning their team 150 points and ending the game. This practice had devastating consequences for the Snidget population, driving the species to the brink of extinction. (Quidditch Through the Ages) In 1662, recognizing the grave danger to the species, Chieftainess Clagg made the monumental decision to classify the Golden Snidget as a protected species. She imposed a complete ban on its use in Quidditch matches and established the Modesty Rabnott Snidget Reservation in Somerset, England, to protect the remaining population. This act not only saved the Golden Snidget but also fundamentally altered the game of Quidditch. Her ban directly prompted the famed metal-charmer Bowman Wright of Godric's Hollow to invent the Golden Snitch, a mechanical substitute that perfectly replicated the flight patterns and purpose of the bird without causing harm. (Quidditch Through the Ages) Elfrida Clagg is memorialized on a Famous Witches and Wizards Card for her historic and compassionate actions. (Pottermore)

There is no canonical description of Elfrida Clagg's physical appearance. Based on her actions as Chieftainess of the Warlock's Council, she can be perceived as a responsible, forward-thinking, and compassionate leader. Her willingness to make an unpopular but necessary decision for the sake of a magical creature demonstrates a strong moral compass and an ability to wield authority for the greater good.

While specific spells or magical talents are not recorded, her position as Chieftainess of the Warlock's Council implies that Elfrida Clagg was a highly skilled and powerful witch. Leading the entire wizarding community of Britain would have required considerable magical ability, political acumen, and leadership skills.

There are no known magical objects or possessions specifically associated with Elfrida Clagg.

No specific details about Elfrida Clagg's family, friends, or rivals are known from the canonical texts. Her professional life revolved around her duties on the Warlock's Council.

• Elfrida: The name is of Old English origin, derived from Ælfþryð, which means “elf-strength.” The element “elf” has long been associated with magical or supernatural beings, making it a fitting name for a witch.
• Clagg: The surname is less clear in its origin. It may be a variant of the word “clag,” which means to stick or clog, though its connection to her character is not apparent.

• Elfrida Clagg's primary canonical mention comes from the supplementary book Quidditch Through the Ages, where her role in protecting the Golden Snidget is detailed.
• She appears on a Famous Witches and Wizards Card which is mentioned as existing within the wizarding world. Her card, number 7, has been featured in the Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban video games, which provide her life dates of 1612-1687. (video game)
• Her biography is also featured on the Pottermore (now Wizarding World) website, confirming the details from her Famous Witches and Wizards Card. (Pottermore)