Thestral
thestral01 · Harry Potter
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald / Wizarding World · Released in 2018; debuted in set 75951 Grindelwald's Escape.
Figure ID
thestral01
Theme
Harry Potter
Year Released
Released in 2018; debuted in set 75951 Grindelwald's Escape.
Rarity
Uncommon. While not exclusive to a single high-priced set, this specific mold with white printed eyes was initially limited to the 2018 wave before becoming more accessible in later variations.
Head
The head is a unique molded part for the Thestral, featuring skeletal dragon-like features, pointed ears, and a beak-like snout. The eyes are printed in white to represent their blank, staring appearance.
Torso
Non-standard minifigure torso. The body consists of a skeletal horse frame with a 1x2 stud saddle area for seating minifigures. It features molded spinal ridges and a thin, skeletal tail.
Legs
The legs are thin and skeletal, part of the single-mold lower body. The front left leg is sculpted in a slightly raised, walking pose. The hooves are cloven.
Accessories
Included in sets with carriage harnesses, but the creature itself constitutes the primary figure. Often paired with a 1x2 plate and a specialized bar/clip element for hitching to vehicles.
Color Scheme
Primary color is Pearl Dark Gray, giving it a metallic, bony sheen. The secondary color is white for the eye printing.
Printing Details
Minimal but high-impact. Only the eyes are printed (white on Pearl Dark Gray). The alignment is usually consistent due to the recessed mold of the eye sockets.
Variants
Several variants exist: a smaller 'baby' version (2022), a version with blueish eyes, and the large version seen here. Later versions (76400) have more refined printing and wing attachments.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include the thin tail and the 1x2 stud area. The Pearl Dark Gray plastic is prone to visible scratches and 'swirl' marks from the molding process. Check the leg joints for stress marks.
Estimated Value
Used: $5.00 - $8.00 USD; New (part only): $9.00 - $12.00 USD. Value is stable but lower than the winged variants.
Price (New)
Set 75951 originally retailed for $19.99 USD, which included the Thestral, a carriage, and two minifigures.
Compatible Sets
75951 Grindelwald's Escape (2018), 75965 The Rise of Voldemort (2019 - as a decorative skeletal element), 76400 Hogwarts Carriage and Thestrals (2022 variant).
Character Background
Thestrals are a breed of winged skeletal horses native to the Wizarding World. They are invisible to anyone who has not truly witnessed and accepted death. They are known for pulling the carriages at Hogwarts.
Design Notes
This figure uses a unique mold designed to capture the gaunt, skeletal look described in the books. It lacks the large bat-like wings found in set 71043 or the 2022 play-scale sets, representing a wingless or 'folded' version.
Similar Minifigures
Skeleton Horse (Castle/Fantasy Era), Baby Thestral (hp119), Winged Thestral (6351543).
Collectibility
High for Harry Potter fans. While not the most expensive figure, it is essential for 'Army Building' carriage teams or creating accurate Hogwarts scenes.
History
First introduced in 2018 as part of the Wizarding World relaunch. This mold marked a significant upgrade from the basic blocky horses of the early 2000s Harry Potter sets.
Interesting Facts
Despite having wings in the films, several LEGO sets release the character without them to fit inside specific box sizes or carriage mechanisms. This specific mold was also repurposed for decorative 'statue' use in other themes.
Display Suggestions
Ideal when hitched to a black gothic-style carriage or placed in a 'Forbidden Forest' diorama with Hagrid or Luna Lovegood minifigures.
Modification Potential
The back studs allow for easy attachment of custom-built brick wings (MOC) or saddle-bags for travel-themed dioramas.
Overall Assessment
A highly detailed and accurate representation of a specialized creature. The Pearl Dark Gray color is excellent, though the lack of wings limits its 'wow factor' compared to its more expensive counterparts.