- "The Hinkypunk is a little one-legged creature and looks as if it is made of smoke. It carries a lantern with which it lures travellers into bogs."
- —Folio Bruti[src]
A Hinkypunk is a diminutive, one-legged creature with the appearance of wispy blue, grey or white smoke.[1] It has a proclivity for luring travellers off of their paths at night, into treacherous bogs or wetlands under the guise of a helpful, lamp-bearing being.[1] They are impish varmints who revel in inconveniencing magical folk and non-magical folk alike. They can propel fireballs far from their lamps, causing serious damage.[2] They also sporadically emit hollering and grunting noises.[2]
History[]
Hinkypunks were part of Professor Remus Lupin's third year Defence Against the Dark Arts schedule in the 1993–1994 school year.[3] The class was scheduled to begin study of the creatures on 5 November, 1993; however, Professor Lupin was absent due to his illness and Professor Snape took the class instead.[3] Professor Snape took the opportunity to lecture the class about werewolves rather than continuing with the appointed curriculum.[3]
Study on them therefore began the following Monday when Professor Lupin returned.[1] The class found the creature rather frail and harmless-looking, although Professor Lupin warned them of how the Hinkypunk would lure travellers ahead with its lantern, although exactly what would happen thereafter was left ambiguous, as the creature then made a loud squelching noise against the glass.[1]
Hinkypunks were later included in the third year exams for Defense Against the Dark Arts in June of 1994, the second-to-last exam.[4] Professor Lupin had created an obstacle course in the sun, and included an artificial bog, into which a Hinkypunk was placed.[4] Students then had to ignore the misleading instructions given by the creature, which Ronald Weasley failed at[4] despite having battled six in September of that year.[2]
Physical description[]
The Hinkypunk is short and stout in appearance, with no apparent eyes, ears, mouth or nose.[2] Their translucent and cloudy form gives the impression that they are comprised entirely of wispy white smoke.[1] They have maggoty body shapes, with two protruding arms and one thick, supporting leg, the latter feature of which causing their characteristic hobble.
Defence[]
One can avoid confrontation with the Hinkypunk by simply moving out of their throwing range.[1] However, if one is close enough to a Hinkypunk, the creature will throw flame from its lantern, and therefore destruction is advised. The following method is recommended[2]:
- Trap the Hinkypunk in a corner or approach it in a tight space.
- Perform the Lumos Duo Charm onto the Hinkypunk in question until it solidifies.
- While the Hinkypunk is still solid and dazed, blinded by the wandlight, attack it with the Knockback Jinx three to five times, thereby causing it to disappear in a puff of white smoke.
Behind the scenes[]
- 'Hinkypunk' is the name for a will-o'-the-wisp in southwestern England.
- No information is given on Hinkypunks in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newton Scamander; it is therefore possible that they are spirits rather than beasts.[5]
- They are, however, included in the Folio Bruti among dementors, charmed skeletons and jinxed armour.[2]
Appearances[]
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (First appearance)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film) (Mentioned only)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game) (Mentioned only)
Notes and references[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - Chapter 10 (The Marauder's Map)
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - Chapter 9 (Grim Defeat)
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - Chapter 16 (Professor Trelawney's Prediction)
- ↑ Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (real)