INFORMATION

ON

VEELA

(also referred to as Vila or vela in folklore)

intro
So, I decided to write this up since theres a lack of information for Veela on the Special
Abilities Rules page. Even for Seers, there is quite a bit of information available users can
have a better understanding of playing out a Seer since there is an example of one in the
Harry Potter movies/books (not that Veela arent talked about in the books) and since we see
wizards/witches try to tap into their Inner Eye and a character actually see in the movies.
We dont see vela introduced in any other films (believe me, I tried really hard to find a
transformation or something), so I had no idea whether their transformations hurt (like
werewolves), if they could maintain their thoughts during transformation and have human
reactions/emotions (again, like a werewolf on wolfsbane) and I could not find a proper
portrayal of a vela through art. There were some pretty good sketches, but none showed their
actual anatomy. After all, it said that vela looked like harpies (but please take note that in the
behind the scenes it is said that vela are like nymphs), but not to what extent.
I didnt want to do anything rash at first and keep the information on vela canon, so I tried to
look at the next best Harry Potter themed canon novel and magical creatures (there really
only is one out there, right?) Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them. However, after
going through it I quickly began to realise that Veela couldnt be in there, since they were
Beings and not Beasts.
After reading the whole thing, it turned out that I was right, which meant that there was no
more canon information on Veela in Harry Potter. Unless Rowling slides one into the
upcoming Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them movie (which Ill be one of the fans to
tut at, although I really would like to see a transformed Veela), we probably wont be seeing
full-blooded veela Well, ever.
Left: An official poster. I think.
(found on bbc.co.uk)

Ill get to information on Full Blooded Veela later, but since the information only takes us as
far, Ill be taking information on Veela from the official page and comparing it to part veela
so that we can see as far as their abilities go.

veela
Although its said on the official page (for Harry Potter Veela) that they vela are like harpies,
looking at the etymology and the other information on the page, Id have to say that they are
closest to Nymphs, Samodiva or the Vila in Slavic folklore. All the references I make will be
quoted from Wikipedia (the official Wikipedia) or Harry Potter Wikia (the official Harry
Potter Wikipedia site). There may be some references to UnknowableWiki.
Linking Nymphs to Veela (information that could be shared/canon)

Different from other goddesses, nymphs are generally regarded as divine spirits who
animate nature, and are usually depicted as beautiful, young nubile maidens who love to
dance and sing - Wikipedia
As stated for Veela on the Harry Potter wikia, nymphs appear to be beautiful young women
who dance and sing, and in doing this emit a charm that seduces men. Although nymphs
have a stronger association with water (living in freshwater and being nature spirits),
nymphs and veela both have abilities that are nature related. Its said that nymphs animate
nature which suggests that they have some form of magic that allows them to manipulate
the nature around them.
Although they would never die of old age nor illness - Wikipedia
This is quite a difficult one to decide on, because it makes veela like the Greek Mythological
version of Vampires. The quote could also suggest that veela never age beauty-wise, setting
them apart from normal muggles. This could lead to the assumption that Fleurs mother
aged in appearance (despite still having that inherited veela beauty from her mother, a full
blooded veela) because the non-veela blood inside of her had caused her to age. This means

that maybe a full blooded veela could keep her young appearance (since nymphs and veela
appear to be young beautiful maidens, and it isnt said otherwise for older veela).
Among the Roman literate class, their sphere of influence was restricted, and they appear
almost exclusively as divinities of the watery element. Wikipedia
Nymphs have a very strong association with water and water manipulation, so it could be a
possibility that Veela could too (in/out of transformation, putting aside the fact that they can
throw fireballs).
Linking Samodiva to Veela (information that could be shared/canon)

Samodivas are believed to be very beautiful women with an affinity to fire Wikipedia
It is said that, when angered, a Samodiva would change her appearance and turn into a
monstrous bird, capable of flinging fire at her enemies. This, combined with the power of
their seductive voices, makes them somewhat similar to Harpies in Greek mythology.
Wikipedia
Sounds pretty accurate canon wise.
They are usually hostile and dangerous to people. Men who gaze upon a Samodiva fall
instantly in love (or at least in lust), and women go so far as to take their own lives at the
sight of such beauty. - Wikipedia
So, the charm works differently here I guess, since men/women who look at Samodiva
instantly start to lust after them. I like how the charm isnt gender specific, although it may
be confusing sexuality wise. I was thinking that a heterosexual woman would still like men
and not feel that way for women, although veela may be a slightly exception to that rule.
They may acknowledge that the woman is beautiful, and may or may not lust after them.
With a heterosexual veela woman and a heterosexual man, I think there the Samodiva charm
may apply. The man would instantly start lusting after her because of the charm (unless they

are experienced with resistance, like Harry Potter) and possibly in love. The same reversed.
The veela charm in this case would works like the Imperius curse.
In Bulgarian folklore, a Samodiva's close connection to the forest makes her
knowledgeable about magical herbs and cures for all illnesses. It is said that if a person
managed to eavesdrop on a gathering of Samodivas he could also gain knowledge of these
remedies. Wikipedia
I was thinking that this could easily be applied as canon in the Harry Potter universe. Since
Samodiva/Veela/Nymphs/Harpies have close affiliations with nature, like Centaurs, its
likely that they would be very knowledgeable about magical herbs and cures for illnesses or
conditions, and nature itself. They could be able to tell whether a mushroom, for example, is
poisonous.
Linking Vila to Veela (information that could be shared/canon)

The Vila are the Slavic versions of nymphs, who have power over wind, which they delight
in causing storms of high winds. - Wikipedia
This intrigued me; veela do have wings during transformation, so it would make sense if they
had an affinity with wind (magic).

They usually appear as beautiful maidens, naked or dressed in sparkling beautiful white
dresses, green skirts of leaves, and special fabulous blue robes. Wikipedia

Ah, so the dress makes sense now. The Beauxbaton girls dressed like this too, so the colour
choice and the dress style being a common theme with Vila/Veela makes some sense.
They have healing and prophetic powers and are sometimes willing to help human beings.
Wikipedia
Again, it would make sense, considering their affinity with nature.
Linking Harpies to Veela (information that could be shared/canon)

They were usually seen as the personifications of the destructive nature of wind.
Wikipedia
Its strange but understandable how the theme of wind magic is repeated from the
information on Vila.

what information from veelarelated mythology should we

consider keeping or making canon?
They never age appearance-wise (i.e. wrinkles or a change of physique because
of age) or could age in appearance similarly to vampires. (see page 2)
In their own (lets say genre) of magic, they can manipulate
plants/nature/water/fire (since they are considered pure and earthly, like
veela/nymphs are) and possibly having an affinity to animals, like Snow White.
This should be considered since veela are admired creatures in the Harry Potter
universe. If they were based upon their magical abilities (like Squibs are) then
it would make sense if people called them witches, treated them differently (like
they might with werewolves) or teach themselves so that they could resist the
charm. Also, Veela are the only creatures listed (against Squibs) to be
completely powerless magic-wise unless they transform. If they had a way of
defending themselves without transforming (since the urge to use their
transformation magic considering the only existing information available
would make them more like angry pigeons or The Hulk). And then, with all that
in consideration, it would make sense if full-blooded veela were registered like
Werewolves or Vampires might. (see page 2/3)
There is a very small part of them left when they transform, like werewolves.
They may still have emotions or have mercy on certain people during
transformation. Otherwise, a transformation would be too dangerous. If this is
denied, then it would still make a lot of sense if veela have to be registered.
(original)
They would have healing powers (maybe half from their knowledge of plants,
etc and half physical magic use). (see page 4)