The Obscurial in Newt Scamander's Briefcase: Fact or Fiction?

One of the most intriguing aspects of J.K. Rowling's Fantastic Beasts series, particularly in The Crimes of Grindelwald, is the mysterious figure contained within Newt Scamander's briefcase. Known as the Obscurial, many questions and speculations surround its origins and identity. One such question often raised is, 'Is the Obscurial in Newt Scamander’s briefcase Ariana Dumbledore?' Let's dive deep into the facts and explore what the film and screenplay reveal.

Understanding the Obscurial Phenomenon

In the magical world as depicted in the Fantastic Beasts series, the Obscurial is a term used to describe a particularly dangerous manifestation of magical power. When a witch or wizard internalizes their innate magical abilities due to fear, oppression, or extreme emotional trauma, their magic can manifest in a destructive, dark form known as the Obscurial. This parasitic magical force is highly dangerous and, if left unchecked, can become a threat to the entire magical community.

Who Was in Newt Scamander's Briefcase?

Mr. Scamander, in the movie and the screenplay, clearly states that the Obscurus in his briefcase was connected to an eight-year-old girl from Sudan. This young girl was imprisoned and tortured to death by her fellow villagers for showing signs of witchcraft. The Obscurus in Newt's briefcase is precisely that parasitic magical force that was separated from its Obscurial host before she met her tragic end. Newt was not present when this young Sudanese girl was killed, indicating the separation took place prior to her death.

Contrasting the Obscurial with Ariana Dumbledore

A question that often arises is whether Ariana Dumbledore, a tragic figure in the Harry Potter series, fits the description of an Obscurial. The answer, according to the film, is a definite no. Ariana was not the Obscurial in Newt Scamander's briefcase. She was a young girl who suffered greatly and tragically because of her magical abilities, but she did not manifest an Obscurus within Newt's briefcase. Rather, Ariana was deeply affected by the magical blast that killed her brother and father, resulting in her own internalized magical trauma.

Specific Details from the Screenplay and Film

According to the screenplay and the Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald film, the Obscurus in Newt's briefcase was not Ariana Dumbledore. Newt reveals that the Obscurus was originally connected to an eight-year-old girl from Sudan. This young girl was subjected to immense fear and oppression, leading to the manifestation of an Obscurus. The Obscurai magic was so overwhelming that it killed the girl, and Newt was able to separate the Obscurus from it.

Conclusion

While the Fantastic Beasts series offers rich and intriguing lore, it's important to separate factual elements from confusions and speculations. The Obscurial in Newt Scamander's briefcase was an 8-year-old Sudanese girl who sadly did not survive the powerful and destructive Obscurus force. Newt played a crucial role in separating the parasitic magic for the greater good of the magical community. Ariana Dumbledore, on the other hand, had her own unique and heartbreaking story, but she did not become an Obscurial in the process.