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

[oryx_leucoryx]

Or Severus knew about a secret kappa-relocation project ;)

[sionna-raven.livejournal.com]

else she wanted to make Snape look bad to make Harry feel more justified in hating him, in however illogical a context.

She actually did. She said so in an interview.

Anyway either relocation or sarcasm makes more sense. Funnily in the 70s and early 80s one could easily find Kappa in Mongolia. Japanese fantasy TV series have been filmed there. I found out, when I googled for an explanation years ago. Aren't t those TV production the perfect cover for a relocation project by the Japanese Ministry of Magic?
I guess I was a bit obsessive to even look for an explanation ;).

[granatapfelrot.livejournal.com]

I really don't get it. If Rowling wanted her hero so desperately to look good, then why not write him like a nice, decent boy? Did she think this personification of a self-absorbed emo sulk was more realistic, or something?
Scenes like this make her seem like some fanbrat validating her Mary Sue through character-bashing. Any professional author should be above this. It's rather pathetic and bad writing, imo.
P.S.: Your artwork is adorable, sweettalkeress, like always.

[sunnyskywalker]

I'm now really tempted to go back to the kappa chapters of The Orphan's Tales and see if there's a chance that the mountain the kappa relocated to in that story could be in Mongolia. Maybe Snape has been there to consult their lizards!