Dark Magic: Jinxes, Hexes & Curses
As we learned in the previous lesson, dark spells are ones that have the intention to cause harm or gain control over a target. As such, jinxes, hexes, and curses fall under the category of "dark magic". We will begin our lesson by discussing these categories or classes of spells. These three classes exist to denote the varying levels of dark magic; they exist in a hierarchy, with jinxes at the lowest level, and curses at the highest level. As you ascend the levels of dark spells, they become darker, stronger, more painful/powerful, longer lasting, and less reversible/less easy to defend against.
Jinxes
Jinxes are minor instances of dark magic, which generally cause more inconvenience or discomfort than pain or harm. Often their effects are also amusing. There are regular jinxes, counter-jinxes, and even a few anti-jinxes. Jinxes typically require steady eye-contact with the target in order to work properly. Below are some examples of jinxes and a short description of their effects:
Jinxes don't always have to be small and specific. A famous example of this is the jinx on the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor that Tom Riddle cast on Hogwarts. After being rejected for the coveted position twice, Riddle (then "Lord Voldemort") cast a jinx on it so that no one would be able to hold the position for more than a year. It is speculated that he may have cast this jinx for a second reason - to make future generations less prepared to defend themselves, as the constant changing in staffing would reduce the flow and quality of education for the students. Whether or not this spell should be considered a mere "jinx" or something more (e.g., hex or curse) is still being debated, but most people refer to it as a "jinx" regardless of the technicalities.
Hexes
Hexes are the middle-ground between curses and jinxes; they cause moderate suffering for the victim and are majorly inconvenient. Hexes are cast with more ill-intent than for amusement, in comparison with jinxes. However, they are not filled with nearly as much negativity as curses. Below are some examples of hexes:
Curses
Curses are the darkest, most negative versions of dark magic. They are intended to cause severe harm (even death) or to affect the target in a highly negative manner (e.g., to control them). They are the strongest, longest-lasting and least easy to heal or reverse of all dark spells. Below are some examples of curses:
We will end the lesson by talking about more complicated and advanced curses. Let's start with the infamous trio of Unforgivable Curses. These curses are the only ones that are specifically outlawed by the Ministry of Magic. They are the most powerful and malicious spells known in the Wizarding World and require horrific intent and incredible skill in order to cast them properly. The casting of these curses will result in a life sentence to the Wizarding Prison of Azkaban - unless there were extenuating circumstances, such as when Aurors are allowed to use them to take down terrible criminals (e.g., the Death Eaters), or when they are cast by someone under the Imperius Curse.
The Imperius Curse - Imperio
The Imperius Curse causes the victim to do whatever the caster wishes without question. They are in a trance-like state and under the total control of the caster (when the curse is properly cast). The victim appears entirely calm, regardless of whether they would be okay with whatever they are being forced to do. It is possible - albeit extremely difficult - to resist the Imperius Curse.
The Cruciatus Curse - Crucio
The Cruciatus Curse inflicts excruciating and long-lasting pain on the victim, effectively torturing them. In order to fully and truly succeed at casting the curse, rage or the desire for a certain victim to feel pain is often not enough. The Cruciatus Curse requires the caster to wish to cause pain merely for the sake of pain. The exact feelings and effects of the curse are unknown; it may feel the same for everyone, different for each victim, different from each caster, different for each caster-victim combination, or different for each individual spell. Harry Potter's first and only known experience of the curse was described as feeling like his head was splitting open and his bones were on fire. An infamous example of the long-term effects of the Cruciatus Curse are the fates of Alice and Frank Longbottom. The Longbottoms were tortured so excruciatingly and for such a long period of time that they were permanently admitted to St. Mungo's Hospital with insanity.
The Killing Curse - Avada Kedavra
This curse causes instant and, interestingly, painless death. The spell has a signature colour of bright green. The death the spell causes is entirely magical; there is no biological reason behind it, so Muggle coroners are unable to understand deaths caused by this spell. The Ministry, however, has become adept at recognizing when the spell has been used. The Killing Curse cannot be blocked or countered in traditional ways. It cannot travel through solid objects, however, so walls and other things can be used as temporary shields (though the spell may cause damage or possibly set fire to the object). The only two defenses from the curse are Sacrificial Protection (when someone has willingly given their life to protect a loved one) or priori incantatem. Priori incantatem is an extremely rare magical phenomenon where two wands with the same cores compete in combat. Simultaneous spell-casting (i.e., spells from both combatants meeting) triggers an effect that links the two wands with golden light; the light springs from the connecting thread to create a cage around the combatants and may even create "ghosts" or shadows of past victims, as was witnessed by Harry Potter in his priori incantatem with Lord Voldemort shortly after the latter's resurrection in the Little Hangleton Graveyard. The wand that emits the ghosts of past spells and victims is the wand that loses in a "battle-of-wills", and is referred to as the "submissive wand". The shadows of the past will present themselves in reverse-order, and if people/victims are part of these shadows, they are able to hold conversations and appear to have intact memory up until their murder.
This is a particularly interesting phenomenon. The causes of priori incantatem are unknown, likely because it is an extremely rare occurrence. I would like to link this back to our first lesson, where we discussed the importance and power of souls during the use of dark magic (and possibly all magic). One possible cause of these shadows or ghosts of victims is that dark magic, such as the killing curse, may retain or take with it a small piece or trace of the soul it attacked.
Another curse which can cause terrible damage (but is not illegal) is the fiendfyre curse. This curse creates abnormally large and hot flames which take on the forms of dangerous (and often dark) creatures or beasts that are capable of seeking out and attacking living targets; fiendfyre's one and only aim is to burn and consume everything it can. There is only a brief moment of "warning" to the victims (the light and a loud roaring sound) before fiendfyre quickly begins to consume everything around it. Fiendfyre cannot be extinguished with water, regardless of whether it is normal or enchanted. There are some spells, however, that may be able to combat or at least split the flames to allow for easier escape; however, not very much is known about these spells, and it is questionable whether the victim would have time to attempt them. Fiendfyre is notably difficult to control; in fact, most casters will lose control of the curse the moment they finish the incantation. As such, it is very common for the curse to "backfire" and kill the caster. This unfortunate truth cost Vincent Crabbe his life in 1998, when he attempted to use it to murder Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger in the Hogwarts Room of Requirement. Fiendfyre's difficulty may be the reason it is not outlawed despite it's obviously devastating effects; perhaps it is attempted (or successful) so infrequently that the Ministry does not consider it a large enough threat. Fiendfyre is one of the few things in the world that is known to be able to destroy a Horcrux.
We'll stop there for today. Please continue to your second assignment.
Jinxes
Jinxes are minor instances of dark magic, which generally cause more inconvenience or discomfort than pain or harm. Often their effects are also amusing. There are regular jinxes, counter-jinxes, and even a few anti-jinxes. Jinxes typically require steady eye-contact with the target in order to work properly. Below are some examples of jinxes and a short description of their effects:
- Anti-Disapparition Jinx - Prevents disapparition from an area for a set amount of time, effectively trapping them.
- Broom Jinx - Causes the broom to attempt to dislodge the rider by bucking, lurching, and making violent, sudden turns and swishing movements.
- Dancing Feet Jinx - Tarantallegra; Forces the target's legs to dance uncontrollably.
- Impediment Jinx - Impedimenta; Multiple effects, depending on skill, target and intention. It can slow the target for approximately 10 seconds, immobilize a target, or throw a target backward.
- Inflating Jinx - Increases the size of the target by inflating it. In 1993, Harry Potter lost control of his temper and accidently cast this jinx both wordlessly and wandlessly on his aunt Marjorie Dursley.
- Tongue-sticking Jinx - Langlock; affixes the target's tongue to the roof of their mouth. Very effective against opponents who are poor at non-verbal magic. Can also be used on ghosts and poltergeists.
- Levitating Jinx - Levicorpus; hoists the target into the air and hangs them there, upside down, by one ankle. Invented by Severus Snape.
- Revulsion Jinx - Relashio; Forces a person or object to release something it is holding, or repels an object/person
Jinxes don't always have to be small and specific. A famous example of this is the jinx on the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor that Tom Riddle cast on Hogwarts. After being rejected for the coveted position twice, Riddle (then "Lord Voldemort") cast a jinx on it so that no one would be able to hold the position for more than a year. It is speculated that he may have cast this jinx for a second reason - to make future generations less prepared to defend themselves, as the constant changing in staffing would reduce the flow and quality of education for the students. Whether or not this spell should be considered a mere "jinx" or something more (e.g., hex or curse) is still being debated, but most people refer to it as a "jinx" regardless of the technicalities.
Hexes
Hexes are the middle-ground between curses and jinxes; they cause moderate suffering for the victim and are majorly inconvenient. Hexes are cast with more ill-intent than for amusement, in comparison with jinxes. However, they are not filled with nearly as much negativity as curses. Below are some examples of hexes:
- Bat-Bogey Hex - Turns the target's bogeys into large, black bats that fly out of their nose.
- Teeth-growing Hex - Densaugeo; Causes the target's teeth to elongate at an alarming rate.
- Hurling Hex - One step up from the Broom Jinx - the bucking is stronger/more violent as the broom attempts to hurl it's rider off of it.
- Knee-Reversal Hex - Cause's the targets knees to reverse position from front of the leg to the back. Famously used by Gertie Keddle when someone came to retrieve a Quidditch ball that had fallen in her garden.
- Stinging Hex - Sometimes also called a jinx, possibly depending on the severity. Stings the victim's flesh, causing it to redden and swell.
- Tail-growing Hex - Causes the victim to grow a tail.
Curses
Curses are the darkest, most negative versions of dark magic. They are intended to cause severe harm (even death) or to affect the target in a highly negative manner (e.g., to control them). They are the strongest, longest-lasting and least easy to heal or reverse of all dark spells. Below are some examples of curses:
- Conjunctivitis Curse - Causes irritation to the target's eye, resulting in them swelling shut similar to the infection conjunctivitis (commonly known as "pink eye")
- Reductor Curse - Reducto; Blasts solid objects into pieces.
- Entrail-Expelling Curse - Causes one's entrails to be expelled from the body. Invented by Urquhart Rackharrow in the 1600s.
- Full Body-Bind Curse - Petrificus Totalus; Completely paralyzes the opponent (eyes may still be able to move and survival functions remain intact).
- Leg-Locker Curse - Locomotor Mortis; Causes the target's legs to bind together.
- Slashing Curse - Sectumsempra; Acts like an invisible sword, slashing open the skin of the target and causes severe bleeding. The slashing follows the caster's wand movements and the spell can be used long-range. It also requires a special healing spell to reverse the damage; however, if a body part has been entirely removed due to the spell, it may be impossible to heal/re-grow/re-attach. Invented by Severus Snape and recognized as one of his signature spells.
We will end the lesson by talking about more complicated and advanced curses. Let's start with the infamous trio of Unforgivable Curses. These curses are the only ones that are specifically outlawed by the Ministry of Magic. They are the most powerful and malicious spells known in the Wizarding World and require horrific intent and incredible skill in order to cast them properly. The casting of these curses will result in a life sentence to the Wizarding Prison of Azkaban - unless there were extenuating circumstances, such as when Aurors are allowed to use them to take down terrible criminals (e.g., the Death Eaters), or when they are cast by someone under the Imperius Curse.
The Imperius Curse - Imperio
The Imperius Curse causes the victim to do whatever the caster wishes without question. They are in a trance-like state and under the total control of the caster (when the curse is properly cast). The victim appears entirely calm, regardless of whether they would be okay with whatever they are being forced to do. It is possible - albeit extremely difficult - to resist the Imperius Curse.
The Cruciatus Curse - Crucio
The Cruciatus Curse inflicts excruciating and long-lasting pain on the victim, effectively torturing them. In order to fully and truly succeed at casting the curse, rage or the desire for a certain victim to feel pain is often not enough. The Cruciatus Curse requires the caster to wish to cause pain merely for the sake of pain. The exact feelings and effects of the curse are unknown; it may feel the same for everyone, different for each victim, different from each caster, different for each caster-victim combination, or different for each individual spell. Harry Potter's first and only known experience of the curse was described as feeling like his head was splitting open and his bones were on fire. An infamous example of the long-term effects of the Cruciatus Curse are the fates of Alice and Frank Longbottom. The Longbottoms were tortured so excruciatingly and for such a long period of time that they were permanently admitted to St. Mungo's Hospital with insanity.
The Killing Curse - Avada Kedavra
This curse causes instant and, interestingly, painless death. The spell has a signature colour of bright green. The death the spell causes is entirely magical; there is no biological reason behind it, so Muggle coroners are unable to understand deaths caused by this spell. The Ministry, however, has become adept at recognizing when the spell has been used. The Killing Curse cannot be blocked or countered in traditional ways. It cannot travel through solid objects, however, so walls and other things can be used as temporary shields (though the spell may cause damage or possibly set fire to the object). The only two defenses from the curse are Sacrificial Protection (when someone has willingly given their life to protect a loved one) or priori incantatem. Priori incantatem is an extremely rare magical phenomenon where two wands with the same cores compete in combat. Simultaneous spell-casting (i.e., spells from both combatants meeting) triggers an effect that links the two wands with golden light; the light springs from the connecting thread to create a cage around the combatants and may even create "ghosts" or shadows of past victims, as was witnessed by Harry Potter in his priori incantatem with Lord Voldemort shortly after the latter's resurrection in the Little Hangleton Graveyard. The wand that emits the ghosts of past spells and victims is the wand that loses in a "battle-of-wills", and is referred to as the "submissive wand". The shadows of the past will present themselves in reverse-order, and if people/victims are part of these shadows, they are able to hold conversations and appear to have intact memory up until their murder.
This is a particularly interesting phenomenon. The causes of priori incantatem are unknown, likely because it is an extremely rare occurrence. I would like to link this back to our first lesson, where we discussed the importance and power of souls during the use of dark magic (and possibly all magic). One possible cause of these shadows or ghosts of victims is that dark magic, such as the killing curse, may retain or take with it a small piece or trace of the soul it attacked.
Another curse which can cause terrible damage (but is not illegal) is the fiendfyre curse. This curse creates abnormally large and hot flames which take on the forms of dangerous (and often dark) creatures or beasts that are capable of seeking out and attacking living targets; fiendfyre's one and only aim is to burn and consume everything it can. There is only a brief moment of "warning" to the victims (the light and a loud roaring sound) before fiendfyre quickly begins to consume everything around it. Fiendfyre cannot be extinguished with water, regardless of whether it is normal or enchanted. There are some spells, however, that may be able to combat or at least split the flames to allow for easier escape; however, not very much is known about these spells, and it is questionable whether the victim would have time to attempt them. Fiendfyre is notably difficult to control; in fact, most casters will lose control of the curse the moment they finish the incantation. As such, it is very common for the curse to "backfire" and kill the caster. This unfortunate truth cost Vincent Crabbe his life in 1998, when he attempted to use it to murder Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger in the Hogwarts Room of Requirement. Fiendfyre's difficulty may be the reason it is not outlawed despite it's obviously devastating effects; perhaps it is attempted (or successful) so infrequently that the Ministry does not consider it a large enough threat. Fiendfyre is one of the few things in the world that is known to be able to destroy a Horcrux.
We'll stop there for today. Please continue to your second assignment.