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Mad-Eye Moody

"CONSTANT VIGILANCE!"
-- Alastor Moody, quite frequently

Mad-Eye Moody

Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody is a retired Auror, considered one of the best Dark Wizard catchers the Ministry has ever had. Moody came on staff for a year at Hogwarts, but  spent it at the bottom of a magical trunk, unbeknownst to anyone but the imposter who put him there (GF35). Moody is a member of the Order of the Phoenix. Moody’s favorite expression was “Constant vigilance!” Mad-Eye is noted for his paranoia, particularly in regard to food and drink, but also wand safety; this last may be related to his own missing leg (GF, OP3), but that is mere speculation. Moody takes command of any operation he’s associated with. He’s brusque and efficient and anticipates the moves of the Death Eaters.

Moody organized the rescue of Harry Potter from Privet Drive for the last time at the end of July, 1997, but was killed in the ensuing battle (DH4, DH5). His body was never recovered. However, Harry Potter later discovered his magical eye affixed to Dolores Umbridge’s office door at the Ministry and took it (DH13). He buried the eye under a tree in a nameless forest (DH15).

Skills

Many advanced skills as a seasoned and very dangerous Auror

Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody
Gender Male
Species / Race Wizard
Other Names Mad-Eye
Hair Grizzled dark gray
Eyes One normal, one magical: vivid blue, moves independently, can see invisible things and through solid objects, including the back of his head.
Distinguishing Features Missing leg, scarred from many battles with Dark Wizards, magical eye, large chunk missing from his nose from battle with the Death Eater Rosier.
Wand Not stored in his back pocket
School Hogwarts - Staff
Profession Auror (retired), Hogwarts Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher 1994-1995.
First Introduced Con: The Connection 1999

Commentary

Etymology

Alastor is a Greek name (Ἀλάστωρ) and means "avenger" or "nemesis"; with the implication of terrifying but just retribution. It is also one of the descriptions of the god Zeus (Wikipedia). The word also means "an avenging demon or god" (Oxford English Dictionary).

moody describes someone whose outlook or personality changes quite often, usually in a negative way. Alastor Moody certainly fits that description. The word also has an alternate meaning of 'counterfeit' or 'false' [NSOED].

Notes

Related images

Mad-Eye Moody with Polyjuice Potion.

PTSD
Dr. Lousie Freeman, guest on Episode 11 of the Mugglenet Academia podcast, suggests that Mad-Eye Moody may have been suffering from (or be a representation of someone suffering from) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (or PTSD). As noted in the etymology section above, Dr. Freeman mentioned that the name "Alastor" means "avenger" or "one who does not forget." The inability to forget or push negative thoughts about previous traumatic events from one's mind is a very common symptom of PTSD. This symptom likely plauged the ex-auror and combat specialist Mad-Eye, as he is often seen in memory to bring up past events. Further, Dr. Freeman noted that "hyper vigilance" is another common symptom experienced by PTSD sufferers. Moody's (or the imposter Barty Crouch, aka "Little Crouch") personal slogan of "constant vigilance" may relate to this aspect of PTSD. --Hufflepuffskein

 

Brendan Gleeson, who played Moody in the films, is the father of Domhnall Gleeson, who played Bill Weasley in the films (source: IMDB).

Pensieve (Comments)

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