Grawp facts for kids

Grawp is a fictional character from the popular Harry Potter book series, written by J. K. Rowling. He is a very large giant and the half-brother of Hagrid, who is the friendly Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Grawp and Hagrid share the same mother, a giantess named Fridwulfa. However, they have different fathers. Hagrid's father was a wizard, while Grawp's father was a giant. Because of this, Grawp is much larger and more like a traditional giant, while Hagrid is only half-giant. Grawp often calls Hagrid by the nickname "Hagger."

Who is Grawp?

Grawp is a young giant, though still incredibly huge compared to humans. He is first introduced in the fifth book, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Hagrid secretly brings Grawp back from the mountains where giants live, hoping to teach him manners and keep him safe from other giants who were bullying him.

Grawp's Size and Strength

Giants are known for their immense size and strength, and Grawp is no exception. He is about sixteen feet tall, which is roughly five meters! Because of his size, he can be quite clumsy and accidentally cause a lot of damage. He doesn't mean to be destructive, but his movements can be very powerful.

Learning to Communicate

When Hagrid first finds Grawp, the young giant can barely speak. He only knows a few words and mostly communicates through grunts and gestures. Hagrid tries his best to teach him English words and how to behave. Over time, Grawp slowly learns more words and becomes a bit more understanding.

Grawp's Role in the Story

Grawp plays a small but important part in the later Harry Potter books.

Hidden in the Forbidden Forest

Hagrid hides Grawp in a secluded part of the Forbidden Forest near Hogwarts. He knows that if the Ministry of Magic found out about Grawp, they would likely try to capture or harm him. Hagrid often visits Grawp, bringing him food and trying to teach him.

Helping Harry and Friends

Despite his rough manners, Grawp shows loyalty to Hagrid and, by extension, to Harry Potter and his friends. In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, when Hagrid is forced to leave Hogwarts, he asks Harry, Hermione, and Ron to look after Grawp. Later, Grawp even helps them escape from Dolores Umbridge and her followers in the Forbidden Forest.

The Battle of Hogwarts

Grawp also takes part in the Battle of Hogwarts in the final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. He fights alongside the defenders of Hogwarts against Lord Voldemort's forces. His massive size and strength are a big help in the battle, even though he might not fully understand everything that is happening. He mostly follows Hagrid's lead and protects him.

Grawp's Personality

Grawp is often misunderstood because of his size and lack of social skills.

A Gentle Giant at Heart

Even though he can seem scary and wild, Grawp is actually quite innocent and childlike. He doesn't understand human customs or rules very well. He just wants to be left alone and, eventually, to be with his brother, Hagrid. He shows affection in his own way, like when he gives Hermione a bicycle bell, thinking it's a valuable gift.

Loyalty to Hagrid

Grawp's strongest bond is with Hagrid. He trusts Hagrid completely and looks up to him. Hagrid is the only one who truly understands Grawp and tries to protect him, which Grawp appreciates in his own giant way.

Images for kids

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  Mary GrandPré's illustration of Hagrid from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in the chapter "Keeper of the Keys".

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  The Monster Book of Monsters appears in Hagrid's Care of Magical Creatures class

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  Aragog, Hagrid’s pet spider

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  Buckbeak, a hippogriff

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  Fluffy, the three-headed dog

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  Egg containing Norbert in Hagrid's hut at the Harry Potter Exhibition in Paris