Thestrals: To be Feared?
written by Fern Frondfeather
Thestrals are often misunderstood creatures that have become unnaturally rare in the wizarding world at present, this is due in part to the misconceptions surrounding them. I plan to educate in the hope that some of you will come away with a better understanding of these magnificent creatures.
Last Updated
05/31/21
Chapters
4
Reads
763
Chapter 2: Appearance
Chapter 2
Of course, their appearance to those who can see them does not help with the stereotypes they possess. Black-as-the-night skin thats thin and translucent, clinging to their jagged bones. Their wings are large and featherless, with skin stretched across their frame much like a bats. Despite having the anatomy of a winged horse you could be mistaken for confusing them with a dragon-horse hybrid, especially when focusing on their head. Their skulls were often be mistaken for juvenile dragons. It would remain that way until a witch or wizard who had not yet seen death would become adamant that there was no skull in front of them.
Thestrals are completely hairless besides their silky black mane and tail, and their skin in smooth. This often makes riding difficult and a rather unpleasant experience during long distance flights. Being so dark and somewhat menacing in appearance. I myself will admit I was taken aback when I first laid eyes on their demonic frame. You would think they were bred to be the steeds of Dementors. Yet, when I first gazed into the milky eyes of Thestral, I sensed its understanding, understanding of my loss. We had buried my mother on our land by the Abraxan stables, It was the morning after that I discovered my mother had one other winged horse she cared for. The ghostly beast was laying by my her grave, gently preening at the flowers placed there before it met my gaze and softly stood to meet me. I discovered from my dad afterwards that his name is Ossis, and that my mother had known him since she was very young. He has been my close companion ever since.
To compare, let's note the Abraxan. These winged horses are rather large, and heavily built. Fully fleshed out unlike the Thestral, with pale – often blonde fur and long light manes to match. Many of you may know of the breed through Madam Maxime's excellent breeding regime that puts my own Abraxan stables to shame! The unruly beasts have piercing, intelligent and gleaming red eyes, that many note seem to challenge your soul when they meet your gaze. and whilst Thestrals are undoubtedly very intelligent, their eyes do not care to display it. Despite their high coherency their eyes our listless, cloudy and white, and they do not appear to have pupils. This makes them very difficult to read, making it hard to note their intelligence at first glance, it would be like staring into a pair of dead eyes.
Thestrals are completely hairless besides their silky black mane and tail, and their skin in smooth. This often makes riding difficult and a rather unpleasant experience during long distance flights. Being so dark and somewhat menacing in appearance. I myself will admit I was taken aback when I first laid eyes on their demonic frame. You would think they were bred to be the steeds of Dementors. Yet, when I first gazed into the milky eyes of Thestral, I sensed its understanding, understanding of my loss. We had buried my mother on our land by the Abraxan stables, It was the morning after that I discovered my mother had one other winged horse she cared for. The ghostly beast was laying by my her grave, gently preening at the flowers placed there before it met my gaze and softly stood to meet me. I discovered from my dad afterwards that his name is Ossis, and that my mother had known him since she was very young. He has been my close companion ever since.
To compare, let's note the Abraxan. These winged horses are rather large, and heavily built. Fully fleshed out unlike the Thestral, with pale – often blonde fur and long light manes to match. Many of you may know of the breed through Madam Maxime's excellent breeding regime that puts my own Abraxan stables to shame! The unruly beasts have piercing, intelligent and gleaming red eyes, that many note seem to challenge your soul when they meet your gaze. and whilst Thestrals are undoubtedly very intelligent, their eyes do not care to display it. Despite their high coherency their eyes our listless, cloudy and white, and they do not appear to have pupils. This makes them very difficult to read, making it hard to note their intelligence at first glance, it would be like staring into a pair of dead eyes.
