Huldra

The Huldra is a species of magical creature known primarily for its contentious relationship with the Ministry of Magic regarding official classification. While little is known about them, their staunch opposition to being categorized as “Beings” provides a significant insight into their perception of their own status within the magical world. All known information about Huldra comes from the introduction to the book Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

The history of the Huldra in the wizarding world is documented solely through their interaction with the Ministry of Magic's classification system in the nineteenth century. When the Beast Division of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures was attempting to define what separated a “Beast” from a “Being,” they encountered strong objections from certain groups. The Huldra, alongside Werewolves, insisted that they should be classified as Beasts, not Beings. Their reasoning was particularly extreme; according to a complaint received by the Werewolf Capture Unit, the Huldra stated they would prefer to be “shot and stuffed” rather than share the “Being” category with creatures like Hags and Vampires. This dispute highlights the complex and often prejudiced social hierarchies present among magical races. (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them)

• Physical Appearance: The physical appearance of a Huldra is not described in any wizarding world text.
• Personality: Based on their complaint to the Ministry, Huldra appear to be a proud species, holding themselves in higher regard than certain other magical creatures like Hags and Vampires. Their declaration that they would rather be killed and displayed as a trophy than be associated with these groups demonstrates a powerful, if morbid, sense of superiority and pride.

There is no canonical information regarding the specific magical abilities or skills possessed by Huldra.

The Huldra's most notable relationship is their antagonistic one with the Ministry of Magic's bureaucracy. They also hold a clear disdain for Hags and Vampires, viewing them as so inferior that any association is unacceptable. They seemingly found common cause with Werewolves, who also lobbied to be classified as Beasts during the same period. (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them)

The Huldra of the wizarding world is named after a figure from Scandinavian folklore. In mythology, the Huldra (or Hulder) is a seductive and often benevolent female forest spirit. She is typically described as a stunningly beautiful woman who is completely normal in appearance from the front. However, from behind, she is said to have a long cow's or fox's tail and sometimes a back that is hollowed out like an old tree trunk. According to legend, she might lure men into the forest to be her lover or husband. If treated well, she could bring great luck, but if betrayed, she could be vengeful.