Radulf

Radulf was a historical wizard and the Chieftain of the MacBoon clan who lived on the Isle of Drear. He is known exclusively through wizarding folklore concerning the origins of the dangerous magical beast known as the Quintaped. According to legend, his fatal feud with Dugald, the Chieftain of the rival McClivert clan, led directly to the creation of the creatures that now inhabit the island. The entire story is documented in the textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

All known information about Radulf's life comes from the lore surrounding the Quintaped. The tale is set on the remote Isle of Drear, located off the northernmost tip of Scotland, which was home to two rival wizarding clans: the MacBoons, led by Radulf, and the McCliverts, led by Dugald. According to the most popular version of the story, Radulf and Dugald engaged in a drunken duel. Dugald emerged victorious, having apparently transformed Radulf into a fearsome, five-legged creature. In retaliation, the MacBoon clan surrounded the McClivert homes one night and performed the same Transfiguration on every member of the rival clan. However, the MacBoons soon discovered their mistake; the transfigured McCliverts were far more dangerous and deadly in their new form, and resisted all attempts to be changed back. The newly created Quintapeds proceeded to kill every last member of the MacBoon clan. This account is disputed by the McClivert family's descendants, who claim that Radulf's clan was responsible for the initial attack and that their ancestor, Dugald, was murdered in a common brawl. The truth of what happened between Radulf and Dugald remains unconfirmed, but the Isle of Drear has since been made Unplottable and is populated solely by the vicious Quintapeds.

No canonical description of Radulf's physical appearance exists. Based on his actions as described in folklore, he can be inferred to be confrontational and quick to engage in conflict, as evidenced by his participation in a “drunken duel” with his rival. As a clan chieftain, he likely possessed leadership qualities, though his leadership ultimately led to the demise of his entire clan.

Radulf was a qualified wizard, but the extent of his magical abilities is unknown. He was defeated in a duel by Dugald, who successfully transfigured him, suggesting that Dugald was either the more powerful duelist or more skilled in Transfiguration. There is no record of any specific spells Radulf could perform.

There is no mention of any specific possessions belonging to Radulf, including his wand.

• MacBoon Clan: Radulf was the Chieftain of his clan and presumably commanded their loyalty, as they sought to avenge him after his supposed Transfiguration.
• Dugald: The Chieftain of the rival McClivert clan, Dugald was Radulf's primary adversary. Their personal feud escalated into a conflict that, according to legend, resulted in the obliteration of both clans.

The name Radulf is an old Germanic name, derived from the elements rad (“counsel” or “advice”) and wulf (“wolf”). The name can be interpreted as “counsel-wolf” or “wolf-counsel,” a fitting name for a clan chieftain. It is an older form of the modern name Ralph.

Radulf is not mentioned in the seven core Harry Potter novels. All information regarding his character and story originates from the supplementary textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, written by J.K. Rowling under the pseudonym of Newt Scamander. The story serves as in-universe folklore explaining the existence of the Quintaped.