Dybbuk

A dybbuk (plural: dybukkim) is a rare magical creature that was first documented in the writings of mages from the Middle East. They are virtually unknown in Europe.

Not much seems to be known about dybbukim, and even many of the magical theories stem from Muggle stories. They are classified as Spirits or Non-Beings because they lack a corporeal form, usually appearing as a swirling cloud of black smoke. They are known to be sensitive to salt and to light; their appearance is often accompanied by all of the candles and lamps in a room going out at once. It is speculated that they can influence emotion as a defense mechanism, much as Veela do, causing humans around them to feel fear and panic.

Knowledge of them is taught in kabbalistic defense classes at Beit Gaddol. They are susceptible to some defensive spells and can be trapped in containers made out of glass, lead, or stone. Many mages believe that they can also possess living creatures, but there are no known modern day, irrefutable examples of this.

Dybbukim are classified as extremely dangerous (Aleph level) creatures by the Jerusalem Ministry of Magic. It is recommended to contact an expert at once upon encountering one, and not to attempt to remove one oneself.

At Absit Omen

• Raizel Cohen and Bethan Ellis encounter a dybbuk that had been imprisoned inside a music box in Harbingers of Things Long Past