Chimaeras

• Ministry of Magic Classification: Ministry of Magic Classification XXXXX (Known wizard-killer / Impossible to train or domesticate)
• Native to: Greece
• Distinguishing Features: The head of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a dragon.
• Status: Beast

The Chimaera is a rare and exceptionally dangerous magical beast native to Greece. It is a monstrous hybrid creature possessing the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a dragon. Described as vicious and bloodthirsty, the Chimaera is one of the most feared creatures in the wizarding world, earning it the highest Ministry of Magic danger classification of XXXXX. Due to its formidable nature, it is considered impossible to train or domesticate. Furthermore, Chimaera eggs are classified as Class A Non-Tradeable Material, meaning their sale or trade is strictly forbidden by wizarding law.

Historically, the Chimaera is infamous for its ferocity, and very few witches or wizards have ever survived an encounter with one. According to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, there has been only one recorded instance of a wizard successfully slaying a Chimaera. However, the victorious wizard, exhausted and severely injured from the battle, fell from his winged horse to his death shortly afterward. The Chimaera is mentioned several times throughout Harry Potter's time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry:

• In Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger look up Chimaeras in one of Rubeus Hagrid's books while researching how to care for the baby dragon, Norbert.
• In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, identifying a Chimaera was a question on Professor Remus Lupin's third-year Defence Against the Dark Arts final examination.
• In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, a portrait at Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place depicted a wizard who was reputed to have died while slaying a Chimaera, likely the same individual mentioned in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
• In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Elphias Doge, in his obituary for Albus Dumbledore, recalls narrowly escaping Chimaeras in Greece during their youthful grand tour.

The name “Chimaera” is taken directly from Greek mythology. The Chimera (Χίμαιρα) was a monstrous, fire-breathing female creature from Lycia, Asia Minor, composed of the parts of multiple animals. Classically, it is described as having the head and body of a lion, with the head of a goat arising from its back, and a tail that ended with a snake's head. The version in the wizarding world is slightly different, featuring a dragon's tail instead of a serpent's.

• The majority of detailed information regarding the Chimaera's classification, appearance, and history comes from the supplementary textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
• In the video game adaptation of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, a Chimaera appears as a powerful boss that Harry must defeat. (video game)