The Pegasus

A Pegasus, known more broadly in the wizarding world as a winged horse, is a type of magical Beast that closely resembles a mundane horse but possesses a large pair of wings, granting it the ability of flight. These creatures are found worldwide, with several distinct breeds having been identified. Due to their conspicuous nature, ownership is heavily regulated by the Ministry of Magic to prevent Muggles from discovering their existence. While the term “Pegasus” is common in Muggle mythology and widely understood, magical texts and conversations more frequently use the general term “winged horse” or refer to a specific breed, such as the Abraxan or Thestral.

• Ministry of Magic Classification: XX - XXXX (This classification varies significantly depending on the breed. For example, the docile Granian is XX, while the powerful Abraxan is XXXX, requiring expert handling.) (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them)
• Native Range: Worldwide (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them)
• Status: Beast

A winged horse's fundamental appearance is that of a horse with wings. However, their size, colouring, temperament, and physical characteristics vary dramatically across the different breeds. Due to the high risk of Muggle sightings, owners are legally required by the International Statute of Secrecy to cast a Disillusionment Charm on their winged horses regularly. Known breeds include:

• Abraxan: A breed of giant, immensely powerful palomino winged horses. They are noted to be the size of elephants and drink only single-malt whisky. A dozen of these creatures were used to pull the flying carriage of the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic.
• Aethonan: A popular breed in Britain and Ireland, the Aethonan is described as being chestnut in colour. (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them)
• Granian: A grey winged horse known for being particularly fast. (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them)
• Thestral: A skeletal, black-fleshed breed with leathery, bat-like wings. They are considered a type of winged horse and are notable for being invisible to anyone who has not witnessed and accepted death. They are carnivorous and are known to be very clever.

Winged horses have been utilized by wizards and witches for centuries as a mode of transport. Their most prominent appearance in recent history occurred in 1994, when the delegation from Beauxbatons Academy of Magic arrived at Hogwarts for the Triwizard Tournament. Their enormous, powder-blue carriage was pulled through the air by a team of twelve Abraxans, which were tended to by Headmistress Olympe Maxime. The Thestral breed has a long history with Hogwarts, where a tamed herd lives in the Forbidden Forest. They are used to pull the school carriages that transport students from the Hogsmeade Station to the castle at the beginning and end of each school year. In 1996, members of Dumbledore's Army flew on these Thestrals to the Ministry of Magic in London, and they were used again during the Battle of the Seven Potters in 1997 by members of the Order of the Phoenix.

The name Pegasus originates directly from Greek mythology. Pegasus (Πήγασος, Pégasos) was a divine winged stallion, typically depicted as pure white. In myth, he was sired by Poseidon and foaled by the Gorgon Medusa. The name has since become a generic term in the Muggle world for any horse possessing wings.

• The specific term “Pegasus” is not used in the seven original Harry Potter novels. The canonical books use the general descriptor “winged horse” or refer to specific breeds like the Abraxan and Thestral.
• In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the Abraxans are depicted as massive, white-feathered winged horses with glowing eyes, fitting their powerful description in the novel. (film)
• In the video game Hogwarts Legacy, winged mounts are a form of transportation available to the player, including the Thestral and the Onyx Hippogriff. (video game)