Horned Toad

• Type: Magical Creature, Potion Ingredient

The Horned Toad is a magical amphibian, presumably distinguished by one or more horns on its body. Its specific physical characteristics, habitat, and behaviors are not detailed in the original seven novels. All available information about this creature is derived from supplementary materials. (Pottermore) The creature's name and concept are likely inspired by the non-magical North American lizards of the genus Phrynosoma. These reptiles are commonly known as “horned toads” or “horny toads” due to their squat, toad-like bodies and the prominent horns on their heads, despite being lizards.

The primary known magical use of the Horned Toad is as a Potion ingredient. According to information provided on Pottermore, it is a standard component included in a basic potion-making kit for first-year students attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. (Pottermore) This suggests its parts are used in the brewing of elementary potions taught in the early years of a wizarding education.

The Horned Toad is not mentioned in the original seven Harry Potter novels by J.K. Rowling. Its existence within the wizarding world was established through licensed media, such as video games, and later officially confirmed and detailed on the Pottermore website.

As the Horned Toad does not appear in the canonical books, it plays no role in the main narrative of the Harry Potter series. Its function in the wider lore is to flesh out the world of Potions, serving as an example of a common ingredient used by young witches and wizards.

• The Horned Toad's first notable appearance in a Harry Potter property was in the video game adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. In the game, it could be used as an item to create a noisy distraction. (video game)
• The creature was officially integrated into the wizarding world canon by J.K. Rowling via the Pottermore website, which listed it as a required item for a first-year student's potion-making kit. (Pottermore)
• The absence of the Horned Toad from the book's text, combined with its presence in other popular media, has occasionally led to the fan misconception that it was included on Harry Potter's original Hogwarts supply list in the novel.