Patronuses of Classic Literary Characters

Pottermore, the popular Harry Potter fan site where Potterheads can read exclusive content from J.K. Rowling herself, recently unveiled its official Patronus quiz. Need a refresher? The Patronus Charm is considered one of the most difficult defensive spells in the magical world. When used effectively, the witch or wizard will conjure an apparition in the form of an animal, which serves as a spirit guide and protection against Dementors. Now you can find out if you have an otter Patronus, like Hermione Granger, or perhaps something entirely new. Pretty awesome, right? We decided to have a little fun and assign some of our favorite classic literary characters their own spirt guides. Expecto Patronum!

 

Character: Jay Gatsby

Book: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Patronus: Albatross

Despite flying across great distances, the albatross eventually returns to its home. Through his immense wealth and success, Mr. Gatsby has had the opportunity to travel all over the world. However, like an albatross, Jay continually returns to his memories of Daisy. His extreme idealism and obsession for her fuels him to build a mega-mansion to await her return.

 

Character: Elizabeth Bennett

Book: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Patronus: Cat

Elizabeth could not be more different from most women of her time. Witty and fiercely independent, she rejects Mr. Collin’s proposal of marriage. Additionally, her stubbornness nearly blinds her from getting to know Mr. Darcy for the person he truly is. From her personality to her “expressive eyes,” Elizabeth is all cat.

 

Character: Dr. John H. Watson

Book: Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Patronus: Bloodhound

Watson serves as Sherlock Holmes’s trusted side-kick, using his logic and skill to help crack cases. Much like a bloodhound dog, Watson’s loyalty and honorable nature make him the best companion and crime-solving detective.

 

Character: Galadriel

Book: The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

Patronus: Swan

Elegant and regal, Galadriel stands as the greatest of the elven women. Her power of foresight allows her to predict the future and she can even read the minds of others. She possesses the ring of Adamant, or “the ring of water.” Her beauty and temperament make her the ideal swan.

 

Character: Holden Caulfield

Book: The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Patronus: Common Shrew

Like most teenagers, Holden is incredibly anxious. His paranoia and constant desire to be liked makes him so high strung that he ends up in a mental ward. Similarly, when preparing to attack its prey, the skittish common shrew can at times become so stressed and worked up that it drops dead. 

 

Character: Miss Havisham

Book: Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

Patronus: Alligator

There is not a story more depressing than Miss Havisham’s. Abandoned at the altar on her wedding day, Miss Havisham spends years secluded in her musky, rotting home. Even her appearance suffers, as she withers away to a grotesque nothingness. Similar in how an alligator ferociously protects her young, Miss Havisham keeps her daughter, Estella, on a very tight leash.

 

Character: Peter Pan

Book: Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

Patronus: Chimpanzee

Peter Pan serves as the captain to a pack of raggedy Lost Boys who never want to grow up. Although he is adventurous, Peter’s arrogance can sometimes get him into trouble with the pirates on the island. Playful and mischievous, he is very similar to a chimpanzee in nature. 

 

Character: Scout Finch

Book: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Patronus: Mustang Horse

Constantly criticized for not being lady-like, Scout is easily one of the feistiest and most spirited characters in this list. She  does not think twice about asking questions (regardless of their appropriateness) and challenging others. Her intelligence and fearlessness make her the perfect mustang.