Magical Magic Creature Spotlight: Kappa

[sweettalkeress.livejournal.com]

Alright, this creature is the shizznit for anyone out there who knows or cares anything about Japanese culture.

Kappa

MOM Classification: XXXX

The Kappa is a water-dwelling creature from Japan. The closest description the book gives us (sorry, “often said to look like”—what, you expect us to believe that the author hasn’t actually seen one? What years of research and globetrotting to get up-close and personal with all the adorable little magical animals?) is that of a monkey with scales instead of fur, and a hollow on top of its head which has water in it. If the Kappa is tricked into bowing this water spills out, thus weakening the Kappa. It is also noted that the Kappa feeds on human blood, but it won’t harm someone if it is tossed a cucumber with the person’s name on it. Actually, in Japanese mythology Kappa were evidently assumed to do everything from pulling pranks to raping women (depending on the myth), the former of which brings to mind Rowling’s depiction of the Imp. Riiiight. What Rowling does not mention is the tendency of Kappa to keep their promises owing to their sense of honor.

Kappa has also provided the basis for many lovable anime characters, such as in video games.

Incidentally, when the book mentions that Kappa are Japanese, Harry’s added some notes: “Snape hasn’t read this either.” I do remember a scene in which Snape makes the claim that Kappa are from Mongolia; my question is, why wouldn’t Snape know where Kappa are from? Because Snape is supposed to be very smart. My guess is that either Rowling didn’t know at the time that Kappa were a Japanese thing, or else she wanted to make Snape look bad to make Harry feel more justified in hating him, in however illogical a context.

Those scales? All done by hand, all in MS Paint. You're welcome!

Comments

[malic-ba.livejournal.com]

This. A Muggle with any interest in the subject of magical creatures would know where a Kappa was from. The idea that Severus, not only a Dark Arts specialist (allegedly) but someone who's just been studying the curriculum to plan his lessons, might not know is laughable. Sarcasm definitely works for me.

And it seems a ridiculous way of trying to make Severus look bad anyway. Not only would Harry have no reason to look down on someone for getting a question like this wrong (given his own record), he places no value on 'book learning' or lessons at all! The idea that he would notice or care about the mistake, if there had actually been one, is just stupid.

Is this Rowling's lamest bit of character assassination? There is plenty to choose from, I know ...