Humans

Humans are the dominant sentient species on Earth within the Wizarding World. They are biologically uniform but are fundamentally divided into two major sub-groups based on the presence or absence of magical ability: the magical population, known as Wizards and Witches, and the non-magical population, known as Muggles. While they share a common ancestry, these two groups exist largely in separation, with the magical community hidden from the non-magical majority, leading to distinct cultures, societies, and life experiences.

Physically, humans in the Wizarding World are identical to their real-world counterparts. The primary biological distinction is the innate ability to perform Magic, which appears to be a genetic trait. Wizards and Witches are capable of interbreeding not only with Muggles but also with other humanoid magical creatures, such as Giants and Veela. The offspring of such unions are known as Half-breeds, with notable examples being Rubeus Hagrid (Half-giant) and Fleur Delacour (Part-Veela). A significant difference between magical and non-magical humans is lifespan. While Muggles have a typical human lifespan, wizards and witches can live for much longer. Figures such as Albus Dumbledore, who lived to be 115, and his contemporary Elphias Doge demonstrate that a much-extended lifespan is common in the magical community.

The human population is primarily categorized by magical ability.

• Wizards and Witches: These are humans born with the innate ability to wield Magic. This ability is generally hereditary but can also manifest in children born to non-magical parents; these individuals are known as Muggle-borns. Wizards and witches have established a global, clandestine society with their own governments (e.g., the Ministry of Magic), laws, economy, and educational institutions like Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
• Muggles: The term for non-magical humans. They constitute the overwhelming majority of the human population and are generally unaware of the existence of the Wizarding World. This ignorance is maintained by the magical community's strict enforcement of the International Statute of Secrecy. While most Muggles are oblivious, some, like the Dursley family or the Grangers, are aware of magic due to family connections. The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom is also officially informed of the magical world's existence.
• Squibs: A Squib is a non-magical person born to at least one magical parent. This condition is rare and often a source of shame or disappointment within magical families. Squibs cannot perform Magic or see Dementors, but they are part of the Wizarding World and can perceive things hidden from Muggles, such as Hogwarts Castle. Notable Squibs include Argus Filch, the caretaker at Hogwarts, and Arabella Figg, a member of the Order of the Phoenix.

The relationship between wizards and Muggles is defined by secrecy and a history of mutual mistrust. Historically, persecution of the magical community by Muggles, such as the witch hunts, led to the establishment of the International Statute of Secrecy in 1689. This law mandated that the Wizarding World conceal itself entirely from Muggles to prevent further conflict and persecution. Within the magical community, attitudes toward Muggles vary widely. Some, like Arthur Weasley, hold a benign fascination with them. However, a deep-seated prejudice exists among certain factions, particularly Pure-blood supremacists like the Malfoy family and Lord Voldemort. This ideology considers Muggles and Muggle-born witches and wizards to be inferior, a belief that fueled both Wizarding Wars. The Ministry of Magic has several departments dedicated to managing interactions and preventing Muggles from discovering magic, such as the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office and the Obliviator Headquarters.

J.K. Rowling uses the divisions within the human population—primarily between Pure-bloods, Half-bloods, Muggle-borns, and Muggles—as a central allegory for racism and bigotry. The struggle for equality and the fight against prejudice based on ancestry is a core theme throughout the series. The term “Muggle” was created by J.K. Rowling for the series. It became so well-known that in 2003, it was added to the Oxford English Dictionary, defined as “a person who is not conversant with a particular activity or skill.” (Real-world fact).