Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ======Scarab Beetles====== =====Object Information===== * **Type:** [[Magical Creature]], [[Potion Ingredient]] * **Owners:** [[Ron Weasley]] (possessed a jar) * **Maker:** N/A (Natural creature) =====Description and Appearance===== The physical appearance of magical [[Scarab beetles]] is not described in detail in the novels. In their only significant appearance, they are seen as a collection of "dead [[Scarab beetles]]" inside a jar. It is likely they are dried for preservation and use in [[Potions]]. Based on their real-world counterparts, scarab beetles are typically stout-bodied insects, often with distinctive, metallic colours. Whether the magical variety shares these characteristics is unknown. They are considered a standard [[Potion Ingredient]] and are presumably sold at establishments like the [[Apothecary]] in [[Diagon Alley]], similar to [[Beetle eyes]]. =====Magical Properties and Usage===== The primary known use of [[Scarab beetles]] is as a [[Potion Ingredient]]. This is confirmed when [[Draco Malfoy]] observes a jar of them on [[Ron Weasley]]'s desk and identifies them as such. Malfoy's taunt, //"Trying to make a bit of money on the side, are you? Selling potion ingredients?"//, implies that the beetles possess monetary value and are a tradeable commodity within the wizarding world. While the specific potions that require [[Scarab beetles]] are not mentioned in the original novels, their function as an ingredient is unambiguous. =====History===== The most notable appearance of [[Scarab beetles]] occurs during a [[Divination]] class at [[Hogwarts]] in 1993. [[Ron Weasley]] had a jar of dead beetles on his desk, which became the subject of ridicule from [[Draco Malfoy]]. Malfoy used the beetles as a pretext to mock the Weasley family's financial situation, accusing Ron of trying to sell them for extra money. Dead [[Scarab beetles]] were also observed on the ground by [[Arthur Weasley]] at the [[Quidditch World Cup]] campsite following the riot instigated by [[Death Eater]]s in 1994. It is unclear if these were magical beetles or simply mundane insects caught in the chaos. =====Role in the Story===== [[Scarab beetles]] serve as a minor world-building element, adding detail to the practice of [[Potions]] and the wizarding economy. Their main narrative function is to act as a catalyst for a character interaction between Ron and Malfoy. The scene highlights Malfoy's ongoing animosity towards Ron and [[Harry Potter]], as well as his prejudice concerning the Weasleys' lack of wealth. The beetles themselves are not central to any major plot point but contribute to the authentic and detailed atmosphere of the magical world. =====Behind the Scenes===== * In various video game adaptations, such as //Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets//, [[Scarab beetles]] are a collectible ingredient that the player can find and use to brew potions (video game). * According to Pottermore, [[Scarab beetles]] are used as an ingredient in the [[Wit-Sharpening Potion]] and the [[Strengthening Solution]] (Pottermore). * In ancient Egyptian mythology, the scarab beetle was a powerful symbol representing the sun, creation, and rebirth. J.K. Rowling frequently draws on real-world mythology and symbolism for her magical creatures and ingredients, and the scarab's association with transformation fits well within the context of [[Potions]].
