The Evolution of Magical Creatures in LEGO Harry Potter
The summer 2024 LEGO Harry Potter wave was marked by many magical creatures, highlighting the evolution of LEGO design. These plastic creatures have new molds and scales, and the details of their appearance were taken to a new level. Are you ready to study the dangerous and unpredictable Magizoology on Hogwarts grounds? It will be an unforgettable lesson!
Aragog: Giant of the Forbidden Forest
The giant Acromantula named Aragog is one of the most mysterious creatures living in the heart of the dark Forbidden Forest. This old friend of Rubeus Hagrid has many visualizations in LEGO sets, each of which can tell different stories.
The first version appeared in 4727 Aragog in the Dark Forest. This scary monster looks impressive even with the simplest level of details, in contrast with the second spider from 4738 Hagrid’s Hut, which looks more like a 3D computer model than a brick-built creature.
"So is this the terrible giant monster we were looking for?!"
And here is the real Acromantula in all its dark glory! The spider from 76434 Aragog in the Forbidden Forest is the winner in all possible categories: impressive size, creepy aesthetics, and richness of the insect-looking parts! The new, printed eyes give a deep, threatening glare to the visitors of the lair. This design achieves a realism not yet seen before in LEGO spiders. However, the old models don’t have to be replaced. They can be used as a colony of Aragog’s children, just like in the books and movies.
A Mountain Troll! In the Dungeon!
Despite the scary appearance of this terrifying troll, its LEGO analogs are absolutely brilliant and have much more interesting variations than Aragog and his spiders. The first creature from the 4712 Troll on the Loose is the most recognizable version. This relatively small LEGO figure accurately recreates all the details of his body and clothes.
A fun surprise awaits those who're sure that there are only two LEGO trolls! This funny version below is a model from the “Build Your Own Adventure” book which can be recreated from its photo reference.
"Harry, do you think this guy drank too much Butterbeer?”
The new amazing troll has already been our star guest in our Hogwarts Halloween article. He’s bigger and stronger than his cinematic version and can play a role in many photos. We can illustrate the Philosopher’s Stone, guarded by a big mountain troll in the underground chambers of Hogwarts. One more case of using trolls as guards is the third school year. This was when they were pacing the corridor in front of the Fat Lady’s portrait in order not to let Sirius Black attack her.
Mandrakes Come in Many Shapes and Sizes
The new massive mandrake upscales this magical plant beyond the traditional minifigure size. In comparison, the minifigure-compatible mandrakes are tiny and vary in color so we can use them all in one Hogwarts lesson—playing with different scales and situations. The green plants come from 5378 Hogwarts Castle, and the brown mandrakes can be found in the Harry Potter collectible minifigures line.
Can you find 76433 Mandrake in the photo above?
Buckbeak the Hippogriff
One of the most popular creatures in LEGO Wizarding World is the hippogriff, Buckbeak. Starting with its first version of Buckbeak from 4750 Draco’s Encounter, we can admire the gorgeous sculpt of his body. The wings and the head are carved like a pattern on a stony statue.
The gray Hippogriff from 75947 Hagrid's Hut: Buckbeak’s Rescue is the first figure to get printed feathers and eyes. His glance is emotional enough for dynamic scenes like Harry’s flight during Hagrid's lesson.
The white version works well to capture the night flight in the moonlight when Sirius Black and Buckbeak escape execution.
And here is the real giant of the line! This brick-built Buckbeak set 76427 is more decorative and looks perfect in an outdoor environment or on a shelf display.
Though this Buckbeak shows the greatest evolution in our post, all the small versions can still serve for many photo ideas because of the difference of scale: for example, they can be used for the book scene, when Hagrid used Hippogriffs for his first lesson.
The new LEGO magical creatures from LEGO Harry Potter can inspire many new scenes and adventures for Harry and his friends in the Wizarding World. And just like we grow up, so are the magical creatures. Who knows what they will evolve into next!?
DISCLAIMER: These sets were provided to BrickNerd by LEGO. Any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.
What do you think of the new magical creatures? Let us know in the comments below!
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