The "snake girl" in the Fantastic Beasts series is Nagini, portrayed by actress Claudia Kim. She is a witch who carries a Maledictus blood curse, which means she is destined to permanently transform into a snake.
Discovering Nagini
Nagini's character was first explicitly revealed in the film Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. Prior to this, her identity and her unique magical condition were unknown to audiences, making her revelation a significant plot point.
The Maledictus Curse
A Maledictus is a witch or wizard born with a blood curse that is passed down through the female line. This curse causes the individual to transform into an animal at will, but with each transformation, their control over the change diminishes, eventually leading to a permanent, irreversible transformation into their animal form. For Nagini, this animal is a snake.
Here's a quick overview of Nagini's key characteristics:
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Character Name | Nagini |
| Actress | Claudia Kim |
| Nature | Maledictus (a human cursed to transform into an animal permanently) |
| Animal Form | Snake |
| First Appearance | Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald |
| Role | Performer in Circus Arcanus, friend of Credence Barebone |
Nagini's Journey in the Films
In Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, Nagini is introduced as a performer in the Circus Arcanus, where she is forced to showcase her ability to transform between human and snake form for an audience. It is here that she befriends Credence Barebone, a fellow outcast seeking to understand his own mysterious past. Nagini provides him with companionship and support as they escape the circus together.
Her tragic story highlights the suffering that can arise from powerful curses and uncontrollable magical abilities. As the series progresses, her eventual permanent transformation into a snake will set the stage for her darker future role within the Wizarding World lore.
Legacy and Connections
While her immediate role in Fantastic Beasts focuses on her Maledictus curse and her relationship with Credence, Nagini's name carries significant weight within the broader Wizarding World narrative. Her ultimate destiny involves becoming the devoted animal companion and one of the most infamous Horcruxes of Lord Voldemort. This prequel series provides a poignant origin story for a character known for her malevolent association in the Harry Potter books.
