These riddles were given by sphinxes. These riddles were normally extremely long and complicated, with profusely subtle references to the answer that most humans would almost certainly miss.[1]
Known riddles
Red Cap's Hole riddles
After being found by Bill Weasley, Jacob's sibling, and Wilfred Levi Kidd during one of Bill's curse-breaking missions in the 1989–1990 school year, the sphinx in the Red Cap's Hole gave the three students three riddles. Upon answering them all, correctly, they were able to defeat the sphinx.[2]
First riddle
Golden Body, Silver Wings…
When I'm found, the Whistle Sings!
The answer to which was a Golden Snitch.[2]
Second riddle
I have a head, but not a brain.
Am full-bodied, yet have no frame.
Many people believe I'm rich…
but I possess not a Knut to my name.
The answer to which was a rich, full-bodied glass of Butterbeer.[2]
Third riddle
Scarlet and gold, housing a creature most bold…
I hang on the hearts of brave wizards, young and old.
The answer to which was a Gryffindor house crest.[2]
Triwizard Maze
In 22 June 1995, Harry Potter faced a female sphinx in the Triwizard Maze. She offered Harry two options, answer her riddle (if he answered correctly, she would move aside, but if he gave an incorrect answer, she would attack) or walk away, he chose the former so she gave him the riddle:[3]
First think of the person who lives in disguise,
Who deals in secrets and tells naught but lies.
Next, tell me what's always the last thing to mend,
The middle of middle and end of the end?
And finally give me the sound often heard,
During the search for a hard-to-find word.
Now string them together and answer me this,
Which creature would you be unwilling to kiss?
The clue in the first two lines referred to a spy, the next clue indicated the letter 'd', and the last clue meant 'er'. String them together, and the answer is 'spyder' or 'spider'.
Harry was able to answer her riddle correctly, and thus she moved and let him pass.[3]
Appearances
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (First appearance)
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (Mentioned only)
- Pottermore
- Harry Potter (website)
- Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery
Notes and references
- ↑ Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 6, "THE RISE OF A CURSE-BREAKER" Achievement
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 31 (The Third Task)