The Fat Friar might not be the most exciting ghost in Hogwarts.
But if you take a closer look at his backstory…
You’ll quickly learn just how much of a badass he can be.
And if we’re talking relatability…
He’s actually a lot more human than meets the eye.
Continue reading to discover:
- How the Fat Friar died.
- Why the Fat Friar was a lot cooler than you remember.
- What happened to the Fat Friar when dark wizards took control of Hogwarts.
- And so much more…
About Fat Friar
| Born | 10th Century |
| Purity | Ghost |
| House | Hufflepuff |
| Character Traits | Forgiving, Kind, Brave |
| Patronus | Unknown |
| Wand | Unknown |
| Zodiac Sign | Unknown |
Fat Friar background
The Fat Friar was born a very long time ago during the 10th century.
In fact, he attended Hogwarts during the Founder’s time. When the wizarding school was first created.
He was sorted into the Hufflepuff house. And was able to learn from Helga Hufflepuff herself.
The compassionate and understanding Founder of Hufflepuff House.
Unfortunately, we don’t know much about his life.
Because we only meet him much later, when the Fat Friar was already a ghost.
Fat Friar occupation
After graduating from Hogwarts…
The Fat Friar dedicated his life to religion.
And devoted every waking hour to helping people.
After passing away sometime before 1985.
The Fat Friar came back from the dead as a ghost.
And he returned to Hogwarts…
Becoming the Hufflepuff’s resident phantom that wandered its halls.
He enjoyed helping students whenever he could.
And the Fat Friar even welcomed new pupils by saying:
“Hope to see you in Hufflepuff! My old house, you know.”
Fat Friar character
Like any other ghost, The Fat Friar glowed white and was transparent.
He had short brown hair.
And he wore robes like a monk.
On top of that, as his name suggests…
The Fat Friar was very fat.
And he was much shorter than all the other ghosts too.
Plus, if you want to get a good look at the Hufflepuff ghost…
This movie clip from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is always a delight to watch:
More facts about Fat Friar
#1: Kindness has its downsides
Being kind’s a good trait.
In fact, even research agrees.
Because a simple story about helping others can reduce stress…
Not to mention reinforce positive feelings in real life.
But in the Fat Friar’s case…
He was a bit too kind for his own good.
You see, he used magic to help everyone.
Like curing people of the pox.
And even pulling a rabbit or two out of the communion cup…
Just to make people smile.
But the other members of the clergy grew suspicious.
And because of the Fat Friar’s recklessness…
The senior churchmen had him murdered for witchcraft.
Of course, I’m not telling you to avoid acts of kindness.
But if the Fat Friar had been more careful…
He could’ve done more good when he was still alive.
#2: The biggest foodie you’ll find
Although we don’t actually have solid evidence on the Fat Friar’s eating habits…
His large appearance was a dead giveaway that he loved eating a lot.
As a result, it’s not a surprise why the Fat Friar wore the badger crest with pride.
Because being a foodie’s one of Hufflepuff’s best traits.
In fact, you’d often find the ghost carrying a mug with him everywhere…
Which could only mean he enjoyed his fair share of drinking too.
But the final nail in the coffin of Fat Friar’s love for food?
Well, his name’s actually a pun.
It rhymes a bit too conveniently with ‘Fat Fryer’.
The kitchen equipment that’s responsible for all kinds of fast food…
Like french fries and fried chicken.
However, research does show that too much fast food consumption can be a really bad thing.
Because they’re high in calories…
Not to mention a shortcut to gaining an unhealthy amount of weight.
So following in the Fat Friar’s footsteps might not be the best idea.
#3: Always gave everyone 2nd chances
Fat Friar was a very forgiving person.
And even after becoming a ghost and haunting the halls of Hogwarts…
He always gave everyone a 2nd chance.
For example, do you remember Peeves?
Well, he’s a poltergeist.
And a very mischievous phantom too.
He’d get in a lot of trouble.
Like throwing around food in the Hogwarts kitchen.
Or even playing pranks on students…
Such as dropping an entire container of ink on Katie Bell‘s head.
But how did Fat Friar respond?
Well, he could never get mad at Peeves.
So he always gave the poltergeist a second chance.
Which isn’t really that smart of a decision…
Because Peeves just went on his merry way to cause more trouble.
Fortunately, the Bloody Baron had enough of all the second chances.
And the Slytherin Ghost made sure Peeves wouldn’t make a mess of the next Start-of-Term Feast…
So all the Hogwarts students could enjoy the start of a new year without worrying about pranks.
#4: A lot braver than you think
The Fat Friar might not look like the bravest of ghosts.
But don’t let his looks fool you…
Because he’s not afraid of acts of courage when they matter most.
For example, when the evil Lord Voldemort took control of the Ministry…
Alecto and Amycus Carrow became the 2 new professors at Hogwarts.
And the Carrows went out of their way to give students the worst punishments possible…
Leaving young witches and wizards covered in scars and bruises.
But did the Fat Friar go into hiding out of fear?
No, he did his best to protect the Hogwarts students.
And to go up against the Dark Lord even in the afterlife…
Well, you can’t ask for anyone braver than that.
#5: Not your average wizard
Sure, the Fat Friar’s name isn’t going on the top-ranked wizards in Harry Potter anytime soon.
But if we’re talking about his skills alone…
He could put plenty of modern wizards to shame.
You see, the Fat Friar was a talented healer.
And it takes years of practice to cure someone with a touch of their wand…
Let alone for an illness as serious as pox during a time when health services weren’t at their best.
On top of that, the rabbit trick was actually advanced Transfiguration magic. A branch of spells that could change the appearance of an object.
And you don’t get that good without great skill.