Did Newt Scamander Give Aragog to Hagrid?

One intriguing detail from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is the origin of Aragog, the giant spider. Aragog reveals to Harry and Ron that he came from a far land and was given to Hagrid by a traveler. This raises the question: did Newt Scamander, the renowned expert in magical creatures, give the Acromantula to the beloved gamekeeper?

Aragog's Origin and Newt's Involvement

Newt Scamander, in his famous textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, classified the Acromantula as 'XXX'. The term 'XXX' for the uninitiated means 'known wizard killers'. Given Newt's reputation and expertise as a magizoologist, one might wonder why he would leave such a potentially dangerous creature with Hagrid.

Newt's Sensibility and Altruism

Considering Newt's character, it is highly unlikely that he would have given Aragog to Hagrid. As someone who has faced the dangers of magical creatures firsthand, Newt Scamander is much too sensible to unleash such a monster on his alma mater. Instead, let's explore the possibility that Hagrid obtained Aragog from a 'traveller', a recurring theme in the series where Hagrid often receives magical creatures from mysterious individuals.

Hagrid's Unusual Acquisitions

Hagrid's reputation for acquiring unusual creatures from suspicious sources adds weight to this theory. The Hogs Head often houses visitors who might be clothed in hoods, perfect for Hagrid to meet these 'travelers'. In the Harry Potter universe, it's not uncommon for Hagrid to source magical creatures from such encounters. Remember, Hagrid once got dragon eggs from a hooded stranger in the Hogs Head and even 'Greek chappie[s]' in the Leaky Cauldron. He is known to breed creatures such as Blast-Ended Skrewts, likely through similar circumstances.

The Reliability of Newt Scamander's Role

It's important to note that while Newt is an expert and highly responsible, he should not be blamed for Hagrid's unusual acquisitions. For instance, the female Acromantula Mosag wasn't sourced by Newt; Hagrid decided to source one to keep his original male happy. Similarly, Hagrid's breeding of Blast-Ended Skrewts, while intriguing, does not primarily involve Newt's involvement.

Conclusion

Given the nature of Hagrid's character and his tendency to acquire magical creatures from mysterious sources, it is more plausible that Aragog came to Hagrid through a traveler rather than being given by Newt. Historical instances in the series support this theory, showing a pattern of Hagrid receiving magical creatures through unusual and sometimes unknown circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A: No, it is more likely that Hagrid got Aragog's egg from a traveler, consistent with his pattern of acquiring magical creatures from suspicious sources.

A: No, Newt's approach is more cautious regarding dangerous creatures, as shown in his classification of the Acromantula in his textbook.

A: While Newt is a well-respected and knowledgeable individual, he is not typically the source of Hagrid's unusual acquisitions, as evidenced by instances where Hagrid makes such acquisitions independently.

Hagrid's unique methods of obtaining magical creatures are well-documented in the Harry Potter series, and the Aragog story is no exception. The idea that Newt would give Aragog to Hagrid doesn't fit with the established character traits of Newt and the patterns of Hagrid's magical creature acquisitions.