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Centars, werewolves, giants, mermaids(people) et cetra. These are creatures that are seen regularly in the Harry Potter books, but are they really just 'other characters' to over look? Are they nothing to be noticed or should our attention be taken by them? What do you think, will they play an important part in the books, are they already, or are they only 'added bonuses?'

Especally with character like Lupin who can change into the werewolf. He is an important character to the series, but because he can change, does that make him more important, does his 'other half' have a different signifigance?

I'm new, just trying to make a new topic! 3nodding

I think it's more about the character then the species. For instance, Lupin and Hagrid are important, the king of the mermen is not. Any 'uniting' of the Wizarding World will not happen until quite a while after the end of the war, and thus after the series ends.

I think many of the mythological creatures in the HP books serve to demonstrate the prejudice within the Wizarding World. That Lupin can't get a job because he's a werewolf is the same as someone in the real world not being able to get a job because of an illness that they have (More specifically, it kind of reminds me of the discrimination against people with AIDS back when everyone was a lot more ignorant about the illness).

It's interesting how some of the groups show different kinds of responses to prejudice that groups in the real world have. For example, the Centaurs completely separate themselves from Wizards in order to preserve their own culture, whereas Goblins fight for equal rights. House-elves, on the other hand, simply accept their status in the Wizarding World, but I think they add to the theme of choice, because it is their lack of choice that makes their servitude so wrong (not just that they're serving, as Hermione seems to think).

I don't think any of the prejudice in the books is going to be gone by the end of the series, but I believe she'll show that the Wizarding World is at least headed in the right direction. Since unity is a strong theme in the books, I'm sure the Wizards are going to have to work alongside some of those groups in order to achieve peace in their world.

I agree with most of that, except the point about the house-elves. They like serveing, they like to take care of families. It's not that they don't know better, this is what they want. They shouldn't be abused, oh no, but they are perfectly happy serving Wizards. We, as humans, can't properly comprehend that, because our way of thinking is different. But we can't always assume that what is right or free to us, would be good to the House Elves, or any other race.

Except, now I have to remind myself that they don't actually exist...

It's still happening. Well, I'm pretty sure it is. Not so much here (In the UK and probably in developed countries) but I remember seeing a TV programme about aids / africa. And there was this woman, who if she told emplyers she had aids (and I think she had to do so, by law) she'd be rejected for the job. Anways [/offtopic]

I think they're all important and most of the creatures will aid the war either for good or bad... (I've read far to many fanfics that after the dementors go to Voldemort he starts calling on vapires and werewolves and it drives poor Moony insane)

Well, it probably is true that both sides are looking towards the magical creatures. Creatures could help them a lot in the time of the war. If you think about it, they do have a big purpose, but they're not really mentioned in the books. I think that in one of the books it talked about how the giants didn't really choose a side, (I think. It's been a while since I read it..) and that might become bigger in the future.

^ You like to say yes, yes indeed, don't you? ^^