SOURCE: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling (1998)

DESCRIPTION: "Instead of roots, a small, muddy and extremely ugly baby popped out of the earth. The leaves were growing right out of his head. He had pale green, mottled skin, and was clearly bawling at the top of his lungs..." (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling)

NOTES: The Mandrake is a plant used in many potions, including the cure to being turned to stone by the Basilisk. To hear its piercing cry is death. The students at Hogwarts are transplanting immature mandrakes and the death-cry only causes hours of unconsciousness. The students wear magical ear muffs to block out all the sound. Mandrakes must be frequently repotted as they grow, going through different stages like moody teenagers with acne and even trying to move in with each other.

HISTORY: Rowling takes this creature right out of Medieval folklore. The film puppets were very cute and hideous at the same time.

Madame Sprout with Mandrakes

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