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A Being is one of the three classifications used by the Ministry of Magic to catalogue the various magical Creatures that inhabit the wizarding world (the others being Beast and Spirit). The definition of a Being is "any creature that has sufficient intelligence to understand the laws of the magical community and to bear part of the responsibility in shaping those laws". The current definition was laid down by Minister for Magic Grogan Stump in 1811, and the Being Division was formed as part of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.
History
The definition of "Being" has had a long and troubled history. In the fourteenth century, Burdock Muldoon, Chief of the Wizards' Council, attempted to define Beings as any member of the magical community that walked on two legs. Muldoon invited all Beings to a summit to discuss new magical laws, and saw that his definition was unworkable. Goblins had brought with them every creature they could find with two legs, including Diricawls, Augureys, Fwoopers, Pixies, Fairies, and Trolls, and the summit descended into chaos when the Trolls started to destroy the chamber with their clubs.
Muldoon's successor, Elfrida Clagg attempted to redefine Beings as those that could speak the Human tongue. However, there were still problems at the next summit. Trolls were still classed as Beings since they could be taught the Human tongue, and Jarveys were in attendance. The Centaurs refused to take part since the Merpeople were excluded, as Mermish cannot be understood above water. Ghosts, who had not been classed as Beings under Muldoon since they glided, left in disgust at the Council's emphasis on matters of the living over matters of the dead.
In 1811, Grogan Stump laid down the new definition of a Being, to the agreement of the magical community, along with the definition of a "Beast". However, the Ghosts were still sensitive to be classed as Beings since they were dead, and a new definition, "Spirit" was created for them.
Examples
Humans (Muggles and wizards and witches) are beings, though there are extremists who campaign for the classification of Muggles as Beasts. Goblins, vampires, hags, giants, house-elves, veela, and werewolves in their human form are also given this status. It is important to note that when there is a full moon the werewolf in its transformed state would be classified as a beast and not a being.
Merpeople and centaurs were offered this status, but refused because they did not want to be grouped with creatures such as hags and vampires and are by default classified as Beasts.
Other creatures fit the qualifications that define Being (intelligent speech), such as Acromantulas, Sphinxes, Manticores, and Erklings but were not even offered Being status due to their extremely violent and even lethal tendencies. They are also classified as Beasts.
Dementors, on the other hand, are neither a Being nor a Beast, as they are non-beings.
Creatures currently specified as Beings
- Humans
- Giants
- Goblins
- Vampires
- Hags
- House elves
- Veelas
- Werewolves - only when in human form; when in wolf form they are regarded as Beasts.
- Merpeople - offered the status but refused
- Centaurs - offered the status but refused
Behind the scenes
- The final definition seems to determine that any creature with sentience can be considered a Being. This concept is noted in various science fiction universes, especially in Star Wars. However, some of the less civilised sapient species do not possess the status of beings, like Banshees or Manticores.
- In the German translation, the Being status is translated as Zauberwesen ("magical creatures"). This translation is problematic in-universe, as this classification also includes giants and even Muggles, who have no magical abilities at all. The other classifications are translated Tierwesen ("animal creatures") and Geisterwesen ("spirit creatures").
Appearances
- This subject is far too vague or ubiquitous to have a list of appearances, for it most likely appears in every release/title of the Wizarding World franchise.
