- "From Red Caps they moved on to Kappas, creepy water-dwellers that looked like scaly monkeys, with webbed hands itching to strangle unwitting waders in their ponds."
- —The D.A.D.A. curriculum, including Kappas.[src]
The Kappa is a Japanese water demon.[1] They are infamous for sneaking up on intruding humans and strangling them to death.
History[]
Professor Remus Lupin introduced his third year class to Kappas in 1993; this was the third creature they studied.[1]
The next year, Professor Moody briefly mentioned Kappas on the list Professor Lupin left him of creatures the class, fourth years at that time, had already studied.[3]
Diet[]
Kappas feed on the blood of humans, strangling anyone unlucky enough to wade into their ponds or rivers.[2]
Defence[]
One can protect themself from a Kappa can appease the creature by throwing a cucumber inscribed with that person's name; however, if they can trick it into bowing, the water in its head will spill out, weakening it greatly.[1]
Habitat[]
They live in shallow water, mainly in Japan, though when substituting for Professor Lupin in 1993, Professor Snape asserted that they were more commonly found in Mongolia.[1]
Physical appearance[]
The Kappa resembles a green, scale-covered monkey with webbed hands and a water-filled depression atop its head.[1] The water in this hollow is the source of the creature's strength.[2]
Appearances[]
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (First appearance)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Mentioned only)
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (real)
Notes and references[]
