The Series’s Most Powerful French Characters
In light of the recent tragedy in Paris, which is not to diminish the numerous other conflicts around the world, we thought we would take the time to look back on four particularly outstanding characters from the series who happen to be French. While this in no way alleviates any of the remorse or pain those affected currently feel, we thought it would at least serve as a reminder that even in fiction la force française est légendaire.
1.Fleur Delacour
Being one-quarter Veela, she is literally a descendant of semi-magical humanoids or what we interpret as the magical equivalent of gods. That alone earns her street cred for life. Added to this, she was one of four finalists for arguably the deadliest wizarding competition, successfully maneuvered a tumultuous relationship with Molly Weasley, and lent her dueling skills to the Battle of Hogwarts. Most of all, she demonstrated exceptional love when she stuck by Bill Weasley after his life-altering encounter with Fenrir Greyback. She added to the elite group of powerful female leads throughout the series and proved brawn can come wrapped in beauty.
2. Olympe Maxime
Olympe Maxime, more commonly referred to as Madam Maxime, was the Headmistress of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic in southern France. As a half-giantess, she is physically indomitable. And her wicked sense of humor makes her even more of a force. She manages to have her cake, eat it too, and charmingly help herself to yours while she’s at it. Hagrid? Check. Insider information on the Triwizard Tournament? Check. Style? Check and check. Her presence assured us that McGonagall was not an oddity and that powerful witches can and often do rise to the top of the wizard-dominated field of academia.
3. Nicolas Flamel
Nicolas Flamel probably has the most star power and name recognition on this list, and with good reason. He pretty much found one of the few ways in all of history to stave off death. A fellow Beauxbaton, he mastered alchemy to produce the Philosopher’s Stone and accidentally created an opening for Voldemort to return in the process. More than his ingenuity and cleverness, Flamel demonstrated utmost selflessness when he agreed to destroy the very thing he devoted his life to creating. In doing so, he sacrificed his own longevity for the sake of others.
4. Vincent Duc de Trefle-Picques
Debuting in Pottermore, Vincent Duc de Trefle-Picques lived during the time of the French Revolution. As a nobleman he faced the possibility of death and thus orchestrated one of the cleverest offensive strategies we’ve read to date. Short on time, he opted to cast a Concealment Charm on his neck to give the allusion of having been already decapitated. While we’re not sure how long he had to keep this up, the level of originality demonstrated his strong will to survive and forced us to think if simply having the French equivalent of many Galleons was justification for him being pursued.
Truly, Dumbledore put it best when he said,
Though we may come from different places, and speak in different tongues, our hearts beat as one.
