Beast

A Beast is one of of the three classifications used by the Ministry of Magic to catalogue the various magical creatures that inhabit the wizarding world. Loosely defined, a Beast is a magical creature that does not have sufficient intelligence to understand the laws of the magical community. The current definition was laid down by Minister for Magic Grogan Stump in 1811.

However, there are exceptions. Centaurs and Merpeople both requested to be classified as Beasts, objecting to some of the other creatures they would have to share "Being" status with, such as Hags and Vampires. Acromantulas, Manticores and the Sphinx would have all qualified for Being status since they were intelligent and capable of Human speech, but since they would not get past their violent natures, they were classified as Beasts.

Appearances

 * Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them