Oda Hella

Oda Hella was a medieval Witch who lived in the 14th century. Her significance to the Wizarding World lies in her detailed diary entry from 1357, which provides one of the earliest and most vivid written accounts of a Quidditch match. This historical record, chronicled in Kennilworthy Whisp's definitive book, *Quidditch Through the Ages*, is a crucial source for understanding the early development of the sport.

Almost all that is known of Oda Hella comes from a single entry in her Diary, dated 1357. In this entry, she described attending a Quidditch match on Ilkley Moor in Yorkshire, England. Her account is exceptionally valuable to historians of the sport because it details the roles of the various players and balls used in the game at that time. Oda witnessed a match where one team was captained by a Warlock named Goodwin Kneen. She recorded that upon Kneen's wife, Gunhilda of Gorsemoor, scoring a goal, he referred to her as “Gunhilda” and instructed her to “get back to hovering near the goalhoops”. Oda's writing confirms that by this period, the position of Keeper was well-established. She also mentioned her frustration with Kneen, whom she called an “oaf,” after a Bludger flew past her head. Most importantly, Oda's account describes Kneen's attempt to catch the Golden Snidget. When he finally succeeded, he was so battered from being hit by Bludgers that his wife had to use a Gillyweed Charm on him to help him breathe by retrieving a cabbage he had swallowed. This story illustrates the violent nature of early Quidditch and the role of the Snidget before it was replaced by the Golden Snitch. Oda's detailed observations were preserved and became a cornerstone of historical Quidditch research.

No information exists regarding Oda Hella's physical appearance. Based on her writing, Oda appears to have been an observant and perhaps critical individual. She expressed clear annoyance at Goodwin Kneen's behaviour and the dangers of being a spectator at a Quidditch match, showing a somewhat cynical but candid personality.

While her specific magical proficiency is unknown, Oda was a literate Witch, a notable skill in the 14th century. Her ability to keep a detailed and descriptive Diary has proven to be her most significant contribution to Wizarding history.

• Diary: Oda's personal Diary is her only known possession. It contained her invaluable account of the 1357 Quidditch match, which was later cited extensively in *Quidditch Through the Ages*.

Oda Hella had no known familial or friendly relationships. Her diary records her as an observer of Goodwin Kneen and his wife, Gunhilda of Gorsemoor. She held a low opinion of Kneen, considering him oafish, but her writings do not suggest any personal connection beyond watching the match he played in.

• Oda: A feminine given name of Germanic origin, derived from the element od or aud, meaning “wealth,” “fortune,” or “prosperity.” It was a common name in medieval Europe.
• Hella: The origin of the surname is uncertain. It could be a variant of Helen or a name of Norse origin, related to the mythological figure Hel. Given the location of Ilkley Moor in Yorkshire, a region with a strong history of Norse settlement, this connection is plausible.

Oda Hella is not mentioned in the seven original *Harry Potter* novels. Her existence and story are established entirely within the supplementary book *Quidditch Through the Ages*, written by J.K. Rowling for the charity Comic Relief. She serves as a world-building device to give the sport of Quidditch a more detailed and authentic history within the Wizarding World.