Goyle

Goyle was a pure-blood wizard and a loyal Death Eater in the service of Lord Voldemort. The father of Hogwarts student Gregory Goyle, he was part of Voldemort's inner circle during both the First and Second Wizarding Wars. Goyle was a physically imposing figure, often seen alongside his fellow Death Eater, Crabbe (Death Eater). He participated in key battles, including the fight at the Department of Mysteries, and was known for his allegiance to the Dark Arts.

Goyle served Lord Voldemort as a Death Eater during the First Wizarding War. Following Voldemort's first downfall in 1981, Goyle, along with many other followers, managed to evade imprisonment in Azkaban. He did not attempt to find his fallen master, a fact Voldemort noted with displeasure upon his return. During this time, he raised his son, Gregory Goyle, instilling in him the pure-blood supremacist ideology common among the families of Voldemort's followers.

On 24 June 1995, Goyle answered the call of the Dark Mark and apparated to the Little Hangleton graveyard to witness the rebirth of Lord Voldemort. He was among the inner circle of Death Eaters who Voldemort personally named and addressed, acknowledging his return to service. In 1996, Goyle participated in the Battle of the Department of Mysteries alongside a small group of Death Eaters led by Lucius Malfoy. Their mission was to steal the prophecy concerning Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort. During the battle, he was seen with Crabbe (Death Eater) in the Time Room. Following the intervention of members of the Order of the Phoenix, Goyle was captured by Ministry of Magic officials and subsequently sentenced to Azkaban. He remained imprisoned for approximately one year until Voldemort engineered a mass breakout in the summer of 1997. After his escape, Goyle presumably rejoined Voldemort's forces and participated in the final stages of the war, though his specific actions during the Battle of Hogwarts are not recorded. His ultimate fate following Voldemort's final defeat is unknown.

Goyle is described as an “enormous man,” a physical trait he shares with his son and his associate, Crabbe (Death Eater). Like his son, he was likely brutish and thuggish in his demeanour. As a Death Eater, Goyle was a firm believer in pure-blood supremacy and held a deep disdain for Muggle-borns, Muggles, and any who opposed Lord Voldemort. He was loyal to his master, though this loyalty likely stemmed from a combination of fear and a desire for power. He was willing to use violence and Dark Magic to achieve Voldemort's goals.

Goyle was a fully qualified wizard and a competent duellist, capable enough to be included in the elite team sent to the Department of Mysteries. He was proficient in the Dark Arts, a requirement for all of Voldemort's followers. No specific spells cast by him are mentioned in the novels.

• Wand: Goyle possessed a wand, though its core, wood, and length are unknown.
• Death Eater Robes and Mask: As a Death Eater, Goyle wore the traditional black robes and skull-like mask to conceal his identity during missions.

• Gregory Goyle: Goyle was the father of Gregory Goyle, a Slytherin student in Harry Potter's year. He passed his prejudiced pure-blood beliefs down to his son.
• Crabbe (Death Eater): Goyle was a close associate of Crabbe (Death Eater). They were often seen together, and their sons, Gregory and Vincent Crabbe, formed a similar duo at Hogwarts.
• Lord Voldemort: Goyle was Voldemort's servant and follower. He was part of the inner circle summoned to the graveyard upon Voldemort's return.
• Other Death Eaters: He served alongside other prominent Death Eaters such as Lucius Malfoy, Walden Macnair, Nott (Death Eater), and Avery.

The name “Goyle” is likely derived from “gargoyle,” a grotesque carving of a human or animal face, often found on old buildings. Gargoyles are typically perceived as monstrous, ugly, and thuggish figures, which reflects the physical description and brutish nature of both Goyle and his son.

• In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, a Death Eater presumed to be Goyle is played by actor Tony Adkins, though he is uncredited in the role (film).
• Goyle's first name is never mentioned in any of the seven original novels or supplementary materials.