Hex, Jinx, Curse, Charm & Spells

[M.Clifford]

No: HPFGUIDX 120984


> > Chancie:
> >  Does anyone know what qualifies Spells as either, a 
> > Hex Jinx, Curse, or Charm?  I can't seem to find any kind of 
> > defining  trait, except of course a Curse is bad.  But it seems 
> > pretty much up in  the air for the rest.  > > Chancie
> 

Valky:
Well, as i am constantly reminded, noone *knows* what qualifies 
spells into their likely Potterverse categories, except JKR herself.
Since you're interested, though, I would be glad to share my own 
often loathed opinion.
To start with Steve offered some good insight:

> 
> bboyminn:
> A SPELL is a broad general purpose reference that refers to 
all 'cast' magic; that is, refers to most magic other than potions. 
> CHARMS are in two categories; charm spells and charmed object. 
Charms as cast magic are made up of spells that are applied to 
objects; summoning and banishing charms, for example. Although, it 
is possible for the 'object' to be a person. Charm spells can also 
be applied to objects to give them protective properties, 
>

Now Valky:
Up to this point I entirely agree. Of course, this is the simple end 
of the scale. Then we go on to the issues of contention among HP 
fans.

bboyminn:
> A CURSE is a form of attack magic; a spell that assaults a person. 
For example, the curse of the Bat Bogeys, a Ginny Weasley specialty. 
If an otherwise benevolent spell is used to assault a person that 
applied intent is what defines it as a curse.
> A HEX I think is another word for a curse; to hex someone is to 
curse them. Hex and curse are always negative. 
>

Valky:
I concur that a curse is by nature an attack, but I disagree that 
the Bat Bogey Hex falls into this category. IMHO a curse is more 
malevolent than a hex. In most examples that I can recall to mind of 
hexes in the books, there seems to be a recurring theme of mischief 
associated with hexes, rather than maleficence which seems to be 
more often attached to the word curse. 
And I strongly disagree that an otherwise innocuous spell misused 
becomes a curse. I am sure that it is not considered right to turn 
scourgify on someones throat, and perfectly cruel, but technically, 
by definition it is not a curse. That is of course just my humble 
opinion.

So for me:

HEX - A spell that's nature is micheivous but not directly or 
permanently harmful. 

CURSE - A spell that's nature is purposefully harmful and dangerous. 
 
> bboyminn: 
> A JINX is a way of forcing bad luck onto a person. The bad luck 
may be general bad luck, or it may take on a specific intended form. 
Quirrel tries to jinx Harry's broom, that jinx forces Harry's broom 
to try and buck him off. Being bucked off your broom would certainly 
be bad luck.

Valky:
I agree with this one. I suspect that a JINX is somewhere between a 
hex and a curse in nature.
More malevolent than a hex so as to cause some harm, but technically 
less directly dangerous than a curse.
Thanks for bringing up the topic, Chancie, I am also keenly 
interested in finding out where the JKR draws the line, and I love a 
chance to get my two knuts in.
:D