The Harry Potter saga has delivered many surprises. Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and Harry Potter had numerous interactions with elves, trolls, goblins, ghosts, and other magical creatures. The mysterious characters introduced by J.K. Rowling in her works are numerous. The author blends Greek mythology with Scottish and Irish folklore in her works. That’s why you’ll encounter selkies, merrows, and mermaids in her various literary works or in the Harry Potter films. Although these magical aquatic beings share several similarities, it’s important to note that they don’t have identical natures. It’s essential to put things into context in order to better understand the story, which primarily unfolds at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and in the water. See how to swim like a mermaid.
Although there are selkies in the Harry Potter film, there are mermaids! According to J.K. Rowling’s magical world, mermaids, selkies, and merrows are water beings, half-human, half-fish creatures. The most commonly used term to describe this creature in the real world has overtaken other myths in this category, causing frequent confusion. Even in the story, characters refer to the “mermaids of the Black Lake“, so the distinction is not clear.

The Harry Potter Saga is Full of Aquatic Animals
Here’s how to distinguish them:
The Selkies
Selkies are primarily found in saltwater and freshwater in Scotland, although they can also be found in freshwater. In the series The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, you may have seen the famous colony that takes care of the hostages. There are selkies in the Black Lake at the foot of Hogwarts, the famous wizarding school. The presence of squid in these magical waters suggests that the selkie colony may have survived in the deep waters. Due to their location, this would explain the unpleasant appearance of these creatures.
Although there are selkies in the Harry Potter film, there are no mermaids! According to J.K. Rowling’s magical world, mermaids, selkies, and merrows are water beings, half-human, half-fish creatures. The most commonly used term for this creature in the real world has overtaken other myths of this category, causing frequent confusion. Even in the story, characters talk about the “mermaids of the Black Lake“, so the distinction is not clear.

The Mermaids
Mermaids are more beautiful than selkies, and they perfectly match the description provided by sailors and fishermen. They have a unique fin that fits exactly with the human torso. You’ve probably seen one of these creatures on the windows of the Prefects’ bathrooms at Hogwarts, which have stained glass. The story takes place in the fourth part of the series.
The Merrows
There are no details on the mermaids featured in the Harry Potter film. However, it is certain that they are less attractive than mermaids. According to a Scottish legend, merrows are a species less appealing than mermaids. Merrows live in deep water, near the coasts or shipwrecks. While they share the same characteristics as mermaids (fish tail and human torso), the females are almost as beautiful as mermaids. The males, on the other hand, are much uglier and more frightening.

The Aquatic Creatures of the Harry Potter Series
The aquatic creatures in the Harry Potter universe are mysterious because little is known about them. Additionally, it is difficult to establish communication with these beings, as few wizards speak the aquatic language. Therefore, it is complicated to gather information about their way of life. Wizards tend to avoid interacting with aquatic creatures and prefer to live in their own communities, making communication with them, as seen in Harry Potter in-game, particularly difficult.
The leader of each aquatic colony resides in a dwelling made from seaweed and bricks. These creatures are also highly organized, cultivating all sorts of aquatic plants. They possess powerful pride and intelligence, along with an excellent sense of organization.
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Behavior and Habitats
Despite the limited knowledge we have about them, water beings are mysterious creatures from sagas. It is difficult to communicate with them (few wizards can speak their language). They prefer to stay among themselves, and each colony is ruled by a “Merchieftainess” (leader). They create habitats from stones and seaweed, living in groups of varying sizes. These are intelligent and organized creatures who cultivate and domesticate plants and animals. For example, it is believed that the selkies have tamed Strangulots to keep as pets, use seahorses as mounts, and employ Verlieus as weapons.
Wizards consider water beings to be XXXX (dangerous/require specialized knowledge/controlled by an experienced wizard). Although selkies are known to use spears and weapons, they are not aggressive. This classification was created to remind wizards how important it is to respect water beings, who are considered to be civilizations in their own right. Finally, mermaids, selkies, and merrows can live in both fresh and saltwater, and all have a strong fondness for music.