Harry Potter and The Enneagram (Types 8 & 9) The Harry Potter series is full of dynamic characters with fully developed personalities… and enneagram types! This is what makes delving into the Harry Potter world so much fun! Today, we are going to spend some time talking specifically about Harry Potter and the enneagram types 8 & 9! Enneagram Type 8: Delores Umbridge The key thing to know about eights, is that they are motivated by not wanting to be controlled. This key motivation pushes them to in turn control others, if they are in a place of power and control, no one can have power and control over them. We see this hunger for power in the character of Delores Umbridge. She deeply fears showing weakness, wearing armor of pink and shields of pretensive sweetness. Unlike a type 3, who could pull off a clever façade, Umbridge fools no one with her “air of fake likeability.” Because we know their is no authenticity of goodness behind her actions, everything about her becomes sour. Umbridge is an example of an enneagram type eight that has gone way below the level of average to an unhealthy state. She is full of anger, that overflows into cruelty. The more power she gains, the more evil she becomes. This power hungry appetite cannot be filled. she becomes like an evil dictator, completely closed off to all emotions and feelings, that would otherwise steer here in a healthy direction, she moves forward to rule demanding that she is on top. In the un-healthy stage of a type eight, we see Umbridge as reckless, ruthless, suspicious, and seeking revenge. She demands that her way is the only way, and that all must follow. Her attempt to not be controlled, however, doesn’t end up working out for her. As we know, ignoring our personal health and growth will only get us in a deeper pit. Enneagram Type 8 Professor Alastor (Mad-Eye) Moody Now we can compare degrees of health within the same enneagram type. Professor Alastor Moody is also an enneagram type eight, yet he is in an average, and sometimes healthy state within his type. He is confrontational, and bold, but not cruel. Mad-Eye is self-sufficient, and a dualistic thinker, but he also know how to make a group inspired to follow him. Eights make natural leaders because they don’t mind taking charge and being in control. The difference here is earned respect (For Moody) and demanding obedience out of fear (from Umbridge). Mad-Eye shows his great leadership as he guides the Order of the Phoenix through many a turbulent time, and as an Auror he is respected, looked up to, and even awed. He understands the power of vulnerability, and has learned to put his guard down around those he trusts. Though he often dominates his environment, he also looks out for those who need his help. Most of the time he speaks his mind boldly, but at times he restrains himself, when he sees the outcome will be better if he holds back. Enneagram Type 9: Harry Potter Firstly, I don’t think any other type on the enneagram could have survived living with the Dursleys! And Harry’s humanity is always shining through in effort to be a good person, to keep things peaceful, and amicable. Time and time again, it is Harry who offers the olive branch to these people who treat him so unkindly. Secondly, a key component of enneagram type nine is their tendency to merge with others. They sort of go along with whatever the person they are with wants to do. Harry does this frequently. Hermione is often the one with all the ideas, and he just sort of agrees, trusting that she is both intelligent, and faithful. He gets placed in many scenarios, that other numbers would simply back out of, say no to, or refuse to comply. Harry is also, just a really likeable kid. Nines are known to be the easiest number to be around. They don’t bring their own baggage, never bring up conflict, and usually just support you. Harry really wants the best for his friends, and for the world. He isn’t too concerned with his own desires, or pursuing lofty dreams. Furthermore, One of the great things about the series taking place over so many years, is that we get to see Harry really grow up as a character. In the beginning, he is really fighting, as all nines do, the idea that his presence matters. He doesn’t connect with being “the chosen one… the boy who lived.” And he never likes the idea of being famous. As the series progresses, we see him blossom into the kind of leader others want to follow. Harry begins to see that he has a lot offer others, and becomes a great teacher to those who want to learn true defense against the dark arts. He faces many conflicts that previously he may have tried to avoid. Most importantly he connects with himself authentically, and faces the ultimate fear, death. Enneagram Type 9: Professor Dumbledore Dumbledore is a patient, level-headed leader, and seeks world peace for all. His mediation skills are a big part of what makes him a great type nine leader. He handles many problems with wisdom, calm, and sometimes a little humor that reflect his deep type nine ways. He is a withdrawn type, which makes him feel somewhat distant at times. Dumbledore uses his reflections about the past (where he is anchored due to his stance) to inform him about present decisions. You can literally see the weight lifted, when he releases a memory into the pensieve. Allowing a heavy thought to be taken away, gives energy back. As a body/ gut type, Dumbledore is very intuitive. He knows things going on all around him just by instinct. In a single room, he can detect the most minute feelings and actions. This triad also means, his anger is just under the surface. We rarely see it, and when we do, he didn’t even know it was coming. And he’d probably tell you that he doesn’t get angry. Thanks for reading! It was such fun taking a closer look at these Harry Potter characters to discover their enneagram types! Who is your favorite Harry Potter character? What enneagram type are they? You might also like: Harry Potter and the Enneagram Types 1 & 2 Harry Potter and the Enneagram Types 3 & 4 Why Everyone Needs the Enneagram I hope you are enjoying learning about the enneagram and that it is helping you better understand yourself and others in your life! It is always my goal to inspire growth and personal development to my readers! If you are interested in enneagram materials like the ones below, visit the shop link or click here for enneagram products! Someone needs to read this poster today! Be reminded that it’s okay… Since we talked about enneagram type nines today, I thought I would share this type nine motivation sheet. Understanding motivations really is the key to understanding the enneagram and in turn, each person. Find all the types motivation sheets like the one below in the shop! Even more enneagram digital downloads!
Beauty and the Beast and the Enneagram Beauty and the Beast has always been my favorite fairy tale story. A bookish girl who wants more out of life has to make a big moral decision, including sacrifice, vulnerability, and real transformation. The drama and the stakes are high. Which brings me to Beauty and the Beast, and the enneagram! The drama and transformation in this story lends us ample material to work with when considering the enneagram. I love seeing a character grow throughout a story. It can be a great reflection tool as well for our own growth patterns and archs. Beauty and The Beast & The Enneagram The Beast Enneagram Type 8 “you must control your temper” We meet him first as an unhealthy 8 who speaks before thinking, acts before considering consequences, and makes rash judgments. His anger is right on the surface for all to see. Then when Belle meets him, he is deeply depressed, and in his state of stress as a guarded type 5. He is withdrawn, guarded and fearful of showing any weakness. Let’s take a moment to understand this major move for the Beast. Type 8 can take on quite a lot of stress. These are powerful, confident characters. They hold their own, and protect themselves from getting hurt. It is the years of “living cursed,” that drives the beast deep into his stress mode. He isolates himself, becomes private and discouraged. The possibility of a future is nearly hopeless, which is devastating for a future oriented type 8. The night Belle arrives, things begin to change. He is forced to come out of his seclusion and back up into his core- type 8 self. When she runs away, he goes after her. He protects her and ends up saving her life. This is type eight at it’s best. Type Eight’s Connection to Type 2 Throughout the story we see the beast developing both the high side of 8 and connection to his strength number- type two. Belle has gained his trust, so he is willing to now be vulnerable with her and show her his softer side. What he fears most as an 8, is betrayal. She helps him overcome this fear by proving to be faithful and trustworthy, honest and compassionate. What a great example of the growth arch of a character. We really get to see it all with the beast because it is truly a story about transformation. By the end, he is functioning on the high side of eight and two. The clear leader, yet sensitive to the needs of others. When he literally transforms into the Prince version on himself, there is evident warmth (from type the two side) and a sense of leadership over his castle. It is clear that his employees want what is best for him and respect him. Belle Enneagram Type 5 We see right away that Belle does not fit the mold for a typical woman in society. She is intellectual, independent, and doesn’t want to marry, “just to marry.” This alone makes her complicated. She is curious, and capable, breaking expectations once again. In these ways, she represents enneagram type five very classically. Fives love nothing more than to figure things out for themselves. They are deeply independent, and don’t really need anyone. Resourcefulness is one of their super-powers. We see all of this in Belle. On the enneagram, type 5 is connected to type seven. This connection may be where Belle gets her longing for adventure and desires beyond the simple life in her quiet village. We see her love of books and seeking time alone from the beginning. She is always seeking more knowledge, and a way to escape through the stories she reads. A five’s key motivation is gaining knowledge and being capable, which she shows very clearly. Type Five’s Connection to Eight When Belle’s Father’s horse, Phillipe, shows up rider-less, she springs into action. She knows she is capable and that she alone must find her father. Her confidence is that of a fives: grounded and logical. She is dependable and does what “should” be done. Consequently, her exchange in her father’s place as prisoner is not as “martyr-like” as it may seem. It is the logical thing that should be done. Her access to type eight as her strength number allows her to stand up to the Beast, and also protect the one person in her life that she loves. We see the eight in her rise up on numerous occasions, meeting the challenge of the Beast. This really works beautifully for the dynamics of the eight and five couple. They respect each other, stand up for each other, and build enough trust to allow vulnerability where true growth happens. I hope you have enjoyed the typing of these fictional characters. Looking closely at fictional characters can help us understand ourselves and others better. Want to know more about all the enneagram types? Grab the 9 types packet now that explains an overview of each type in detail. 9 Type Overview Packet! You will love this packet! It is the most popular printable we have because… it includes ALL 9 enneagram typesdescribes each type in depthincludes everything you need for each type on one pageeasy to follow layout makes it great for teaching and groupseach number has it’s own color and relatable symbol More Enneagram Products! wahoo!
