SOURCE: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J. K. Rowling (2000).

DESCRIPTION: "The merfolk had greyish skins and long, wild, dark green hair. Their eyes were yellow, as were their broken teeth, and they wore thick ropes of pebbles around their necks. They leered at Harry as he swam past; one or two of them emerged from their cabes to watch him better, their powerful, silver fishtails beating the water, spears clutched in their hands." (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J. K. Rowling)

NOTES: The merfolk live in a village of caves at the bottom of the black lake near Hogwarts Castle. The older males are seven-foot long and carry spears. The tribe of merfolk are led by a chieftainess named Murcus. Though fierce in appearance, the merfolk behave quite civilized. They do not use magic but understand the power of a wand. The merfolk keep grindylows as pets in their village.

HISTORY: The merfolk in the book seem far more interesting and civilized than the creatures in the movie which are more like a cross between the grindylows and the merfolk.

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