This chapter explores the significance of mythical beasts in assessing the classical elements of J.K. Rowling's hugely successful series. It focuses on the semi-canonical Magical Beasts and Where to Find Them and looks at the variety of mythical material from a number of cultures, and then explores which of these mythical beasts play significant narrative roles in the novels themselves. How Classical are their representations? To what extent do the novels differ from the films in the degree of

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... lassical reference? How do the Harry Potter movies draw on earlier fantasy movies with Classical themes? How much of a Classicist was Newt Scamander? How much does the search for obscure animals and knowledge about them parallel the experience of research and engagement with the ancient world in Rowling's representations?