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.
