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?

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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!

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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!