Gulping Gargoyles

Hagrid commences to inform Harry about his past and his role in the defeat of a dark wizard known as Lord Voldemort. Due to this gruesome history most wizards and witches are rendered unable to say the name of Voldemort, Hagrid being one of them. He tries to explain this reaction to Harry: “‘Gulpin gargoyles, Harry, people are still scared. Blimey, this is difficult.[…]’”[1] Once again he uses an exclamation of shock while he is dropping the word ending of the first word. The personification of a gargoyle is not uncommon in the wizarding world. Gargoyles are often able to speak and move and could, therefore, easily gulp.

The exclamation gulping gargoyles mirrors the reaction of people in frightening situations. While gargoyles are supposed to spout water, wizards and witches are supposed to say the name of Lord Voldemort. However, instead of spouting it the gargoyle gulps the water which will no longer come out. In the book people are often described the same way: “’[…]His name was …’ Hagrid gulped, but no words came out.”[2] After gulping something down a person has to gasp for air. This situation is also often depicted in the novel, for example when Ron and Harry meet on their train to Hogwarts. Harry has no fear of saying the name and mentions it in front of Ron who then gasps.[3] Gulping gargoyles is therefore a very accurate description of the situation Hagrid is in.

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[1] Rowling, J. K. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. London: Bloomsbury, 1997, p.45.

[2] ibid.

[3] ibid., p.75.