MuggleNet’s ‘Harry Potter’ character profile ‘Dobby the House-Elf’

by · June 28, 2012

We are going to feature a new character profile from the world of Harry Potter every other week on MuggleNet. And there is no better way to kick this off then with our favorite House-Elf, Dobby, whose birthday is today, June 28th.

“Dobby is always having to punish himself for something, sir. They lets Dobby get on with it, sir. Sometimes they reminds me to do extra punishments … “

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets – Chapter 2

Birthday: June 28th

Appearance:

  • Dobby has huge, green, tennis ball-sized eyes and a long thin nose like a pencil (COS). He is quite short, like all house-elves, coming only up to Harry’s navel (GOF).

Clothing during slavery: an old pillowcase, with rips for arm- and leg-holes.

Clothing after independence: “a tea cozy for a hat, on which he had pinned a number of bright badges; a tie patterned with horseshoes over a bare chest, a pair of what looked like children’s soccer shorts, and odd socks. One was the black one Harry had removed from his own foot, the other was covered in pink and orange stripes.” (GOF). Later that year Ron gives him a maroon sweater that his mom made (GOF), and in Book 5, Dobby began wearing all the hats (2-3 ft. high), scarves and socks that Hermione knitted for the house-elves (OOTP) because the others found Hermione’s attempts to free them “insulting.”

Socks: Socks, of course, are extremely important to Dobby, symbolizing empowerment and freedom, the rewards for his service to Harry. It is no wonder that in Goblet of Fire, Dobby begins knitting socks with wool purchased with his wages. For Christmas that year he made Harry a mis-matched pair: the left sock was bright red and had a pattern of broomsticks upon it; the right sock was green with a pattern of Snitches.

SKILLS J.K. Rowling has told us that House-elves have their own kind of magic. In addition to knitting socks and painting, Dobby has performed some rather powerful charms — apparently without the need for a wand:

  • He enchanted a Bludger
  • Closed the magic portal that leads to platform 9 3/4
  • Interfered with Owl Post and stole letters
  • Knocked Lucius Malfoy down a flight of stairs
  • He also can disappear at will, even at Hogwarts where Apparition is “simply not possible.”
  • Dobby claims to be a secret keeper for Dumbledore
  • Apparated in and out of an “escape proof” cellar at the Malfoy mansion

Died: March, 1998

After rescuing the trio, Luna, Dean, and Griphook from Malfoy Manor, Bellatrix mortally wounded Dobby with a silver knife. Shortly after arriving at Shell Cottage, he died in Harry’s arms after uttering his final words, “Harry Potter”. Harry dug a grave for the elf overlooking the sea, and placed a stone over the grave with the words: “Here Lies Dobby, A Free Elf”. (DH)

DOBBY IN THE MOVIES is voiced by Toby Jones in Chamber of Secrets, and Deathly Hallows – Part 1.

What was your favorite line or feature of Dobby the House-Elf? Let us know in the comments below.