Wampus cat

The Wampus cat was a magical cat native to the United States.^[2] It is one of the four house symbols of Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Description

Somewhat resembling the mundane mountain lion or cougar in size and appearance, the Wampus Cat is native to the Appalachian Mountains. It can walk on its hind legs, outrun arrows, and its yellow eyes are reputed to have the power of both hypnosis and Legilimency.^[1] The Wampus cat is fast, strong, and almost impossible to kill.^[3]

The Cherokee have most extensively studied the Wampus Cat, with whom they share their native region, and only they have ever succeeded in procuring Wampus Cat hair for use as a wand core.^[1]

History

Isolt and the Pukwudgie William took trips to observe these creatures and watched newborn Wampus kittens playing. One of the four houses of Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, founded in the 17th century, was named after the Wampus cat.^[4] This name of the house was decided by Webster Boot. Isolt Sayre and James Steward also used the hair for some of their wands.

In 1832, wizard Abel Treetops of Cincinnati claimed to have patented a method of taming Wampus Cats for use as guards over wizarding houses. Treetops was exposed as a fraud when MACUSA raided his home and found him putting Engorgement Charms on Kneazles.^[1]

The famous wandmaker Johannes Jonker used the hair of this species as a wand core in the early 20th century.^[2]

Behind the scenes

• The Wampus cat is a creature that features in the folklore of various indigenous peoples of the southeastern United States.^[5]

Appearances

• Pottermore (Mentioned only)
• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (film) (Mentioned only)
• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2017 edition)
• The Case of Beasts: Explore the Film Wizardry of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (Mentioned only)

See also

• Wampus House at Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Notes and references