Jennifer's essay on Animagus

History of an Animagus

The word Animagus came from the Latin words ‘animal’ for animal and ‘magus’ for magic user. An Animagus is a witch or wizard that is able to transform themselves into becoming an animal at will. The difference in being an Animagus and simply transforming oneself into an animal depends on the person’s mental state. Transforming oneself into an animal makes the person not only look like an animal but also think like an animal. The person later, has no recollection of what he or she did as the animal. An Animagus turns into the animal but also retains its magical powers as well as retains its human mind. However this sort of magic is very difficult to master because several horrible things can go on. So as a result, becoming an Animagus is quite rare in the wizarding world.

Some rather famous Animagus of time have made themselves very known. Falco, a Greek wizard, Aesalon was the first example of a wizard becoming an Animagus. He could transform himself into a falcon. Another example of an Animagus is Cliodna. She was an Irish witch who owned three magical birds that had the ablilty to heal the sick and dying with just their songs. She was able to take the form of a bird at will. She is also on one of the current Chocolate Trading Cards. A last example of a famous Animagus is Morgan le Fey, who’s name is also Morgana. She was a witch during the King Arthur medieval period. In fact she was King Arthur’s half sister and Merlin’s, a famous wizard, enemy. She had the great skill of a healer. She too was able to turn into a bird at will.

The form that your Animagus takes is not your choice. Your Animagus animal simply takes the form of your soul or personality in life. Your Animagus form also retains your clothing that you were wearing as you transform. Each Animagus has specific distinguishing marks to their animal form. Yet as it has been stated before, being an Animagus is quite rare and each person with this ability must register to the Improper Use of Magic with their marking and animal. The penalties of not registering is quite severe and wizards tend not to go through the problem.

Sources – the Harry Potter Lexicon

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