Hag

A Hag is a species of magical humanoid being, often appearing as an ugly old woman, that is frequently confused with a Witch. Despite the physical similarities, hags are a distinct non-human species possessing their own form of rudimentary magic. The Ministry of Magic classifies hags as Beings, affording them legal rights and responsibilities within the magical community. They are notorious in wizarding folklore for their malevolent nature and a reported taste for the flesh of human children, a trait that clearly distinguishes them from witches.

Hags have long been a part of the wizarding world, though their history is often intertwined with that of dark or ill-favoured Witches. A hag was seen among the patrons of the Leaky Cauldron when Harry Potter first visited, indicating their integration, to some degree, into magical society. Historically, there has been significant debate over the classification and perception of hags. Albus Dumbledore's notes in The Tales of Beedle the Bard reveal that during the International Warlock Convention of 1709, a motion was put forward to have the term “hag” declared pejorative and replaced, though the motion was ultimately defeated. Their public image is often sensationalised, as seen in the works of Gilderoy Lockhart, who claimed to have had numerous encounters with them in his likely fabricated book, Holidays with Hags. The confusion between hags and Witches is a recurring theme; the Chocolate Frog Card for the ancient Greek Witch Circe notes that “some modern historians think Circe was not a witch at all, but a hag.”

Hags are typically depicted as grotesque, crone-like figures. The hag seen in the Leaky Cauldron was described as “weird-looking.” In general, they resemble ugly old women, which is the primary reason they are often mistaken for Witches. Their personality is generally portrayed as malevolent and cunning. An advertisement for Gringotts Wizarding Bank in the Daily Prophet depicted a hag attempting to trick a wizard out of his bag of Gold, suggesting they are perceived as greedy and untrustworthy. According to Dumbledore's notes, the most sinister trait attributed to hags is their preference for eating young children, a fundamental difference that sets them apart from humans.

Hags possess a form of magic that is considered to be “rudimentary” when compared to the magic performed by Wizards and Witches with a wand. The precise nature and limitations of their abilities are not widely documented. However, the theory that Circe may have been a hag suggests that some could be capable of powerful Transfiguration, as she was famous for turning sailors into pigs. This remains a point of academic debate within the wizarding world.

While no specific possessions are detailed, hags are depicted as having a strong desire for wealth, particularly Gold. This is illustrated by the Gringotts advertisement in the Daily Prophet where a hag is shown trying to acquire a wizard's money.

Hags have a complex and often strained relationship with the wider magical community.

• With the Wizarding Community: They are classified by the Ministry of Magic's Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures as Beings, meaning they possess sufficient intelligence to be considered part of the magical community and share in its governance. Despite this official status, they are often feared and reviled. There is, however, evidence of inter-species relationships; the famous Russian hag Babayaga was known to have married a wizard. (The Tales of Beedle the Bard)
• Distinction from Witches: A key point of social and academic contention is their difference from Witches. While Witches are human females with magical ability, hags are a separate, non-human species. Albus Dumbledore noted that the desire to eat children is a key differentiator, as no verified case of a Witch eating a child has ever been recorded.

The word “hag” is a term from Muggle English folklore used to describe a withered, malicious old woman or a type of supernatural being resembling one, often synonymous with a witch. Its use in the wizarding world directly reflects this origin, contributing to the common confusion between the two.

• In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, a hag can be seen stirring her drink in the Leaky Cauldron as Hagrid and Harry Potter enter. (film)
• In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, an illustration of a stereotypical hag appears on the cover of Gilderoy Lockhart's book, Holidays with Hags. (film)
• Much of the definitive information regarding the nature of hags, their history, and their distinction from Witches comes from Albus Dumbledore's annotations within the supplementary book, The Tales of Beedle the Bard.
• The official classification of hags as Beings is stated in the introduction to the supplementary textbook, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.