Death Cell
The Death Cell was a pure white room on a lower floor of Magical Congress of the United States of America which held a chair magically suspended over a square pool filled with a death potion. It was used by executioners to carry out execution of those sentenced to death.[1]
Overview[]
A memory of Tina Goldstein dancing with her family
When this sentence was carried out, executioners would use a memory extraction spell to draw out fond memories from the condemned and cast them into the potion, which would replay them like a Pensieve, causing them to become gleefully mesmerised. The condemned was then sat in the chair, which would hover over the potion, allowing them to view their happiest memories one last time. When a wand was added to the potion, either the condemned or executioner's, the potion would start rising up and the chair would begin to lower into it. The potion was highly corrosive and would burn through the chair and the condemned on it.[1]
History[]
Tina Goldstein in the Death Cell chamber
In 1926, Newt Scamander and Tina Goldstein were led here by Bernadette and her fellow executioners in order to carry out the sentence imposed by "Percival Graves". However, they were saved with the help of Queenie Goldstein, Jacob Kowalski, and a Swooping Evil from Newt's case.[1] The Swooping Evil shielded them from MACUSA workers and they escaped the Death Cell and the Magical Congress.[1]
Behind the scenes[]
- This method of execution pays homage to a number of capital punishments used throughout the history of the United States
- The lowering of a chair into water references the cucking stool, a form of usually non-lethal punishment for disorderly women in the 17th century in both Europe and the United States. It was also used to help identify witches based on the notion that witches could float with the Devil's help.
- Additionally, the use of a special chair in executions is based on the various methods employed throughout American history, including the electric chair, lethal injection, gas chamber, and firing squad.
Media[]
Tina and Newt are brought to the Death Cell (Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them)
Tina and Newt escape death by inches (Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them)
Appearances[]
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay (First appearance)
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (film)
- Pottermore
- Harry Potter (website)
- LEGO Dimensions
Notes and references[]
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