Animagi - The Meaning Behind the Animal
by Julie P
The many characters of the HP universe give the series a lot of depth and realism. Even the most minor character has a distinct voice and behavior. Some of the most interesting of these people are Animagi, those who can transform into an animal at will. Some examples include: James Potter, Sirius Black, Minerva McGonagall, Rita Skeeter, and Peter Pettigrew. The animals these characters turn into are not random by any means.
The first, and most obvious connection, is between Peter Pettigrew and the rat. Rats are known for being cunning and secretive. Pettigrew framed Sirius Black for the murder of thirteen Muggles and then went into hiding for several years as the Weasley’s pet. By doing all of this, Harry, in PoA, believed that his godfather was evil. It was only when Remus and Sirius forced the truth out of Pettigrew that Sirius’s name was cleared. The rat is also seen as a symbol for filth and a carrier of diseases, such as rabies. This is seen throughout the series; Pettigrew is always treated as a subhuman because of his betrayal of Lily and James Potter.
Professor McGonagall’s other form is a silver tabby cat, who we see in the opening chapter of the very first book in the series. Cats have always been known for being watchful and mysterious. In this case McGonagall had been observing the Dursley’s, Harry’s future home. She notes the Dursleys are not the best fit for Harry, which is proven many times in the succeeding books. Cats are also seen as very intelligent creatures. McGonagall is both a Transfiguration teacher and head of Gryffindor house, and she performs both jobs very well. Dumbledore trusts her enough to make her Headmistress in his absences and after his death. McGonagall is intuitive and cunning as well, a characteristic she and her Animagus form share. In OotP, McGonagall confirms Harry’s suspicions of Umbridge, who is sent to keep watch on Hogwarts. She cannot fight back openly, but she makes many underhand comments and insults to Umbridge’s intelligence.
Following this pattern, one can see the parallels JK Rowling draws between wizards/witches and their Animagus counterparts. Sirius Black is a dog, loyal and protective of those he cares about. Rita Skeeter is a beetle, a lowly bug whose only goal is to get the latest scoop for her next article. And James Potter is a huge stag. The antlers symbolize great strength, as shown by James’s protection of Harry and his wife Lily when Voldemort came for them. In Pagan culture, the stag is also associated with the moon. This directly correlates to book three, when Harry sees a Patronus-like apparition in the shape of the stag, at night. It also gives James an air of mysteriousness; Harry never really got to know his father.
The original concept of the Animagus makes the Harry Potter books that much more interesting. It’s amazing to see the amount of thought and work put into the series, when every aspect is carefully thought out and planned. This is just yet another testament to JK Rowling’s wonderful work.
The first, and most obvious connection, is between Peter Pettigrew and the rat. Rats are known for being cunning and secretive. Pettigrew framed Sirius Black for the murder of thirteen Muggles and then went into hiding for several years as the Weasley’s pet. By doing all of this, Harry, in PoA, believed that his godfather was evil. It was only when Remus and Sirius forced the truth out of Pettigrew that Sirius’s name was cleared. The rat is also seen as a symbol for filth and a carrier of diseases, such as rabies. This is seen throughout the series; Pettigrew is always treated as a subhuman because of his betrayal of Lily and James Potter.
Professor McGonagall’s other form is a silver tabby cat, who we see in the opening chapter of the very first book in the series. Cats have always been known for being watchful and mysterious. In this case McGonagall had been observing the Dursley’s, Harry’s future home. She notes the Dursleys are not the best fit for Harry, which is proven many times in the succeeding books. Cats are also seen as very intelligent creatures. McGonagall is both a Transfiguration teacher and head of Gryffindor house, and she performs both jobs very well. Dumbledore trusts her enough to make her Headmistress in his absences and after his death. McGonagall is intuitive and cunning as well, a characteristic she and her Animagus form share. In OotP, McGonagall confirms Harry’s suspicions of Umbridge, who is sent to keep watch on Hogwarts. She cannot fight back openly, but she makes many underhand comments and insults to Umbridge’s intelligence.
Following this pattern, one can see the parallels JK Rowling draws between wizards/witches and their Animagus counterparts. Sirius Black is a dog, loyal and protective of those he cares about. Rita Skeeter is a beetle, a lowly bug whose only goal is to get the latest scoop for her next article. And James Potter is a huge stag. The antlers symbolize great strength, as shown by James’s protection of Harry and his wife Lily when Voldemort came for them. In Pagan culture, the stag is also associated with the moon. This directly correlates to book three, when Harry sees a Patronus-like apparition in the shape of the stag, at night. It also gives James an air of mysteriousness; Harry never really got to know his father.
The original concept of the Animagus makes the Harry Potter books that much more interesting. It’s amazing to see the amount of thought and work put into the series, when every aspect is carefully thought out and planned. This is just yet another testament to JK Rowling’s wonderful work.
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