Calcifer
Calcifer is a fire demon from Howl's Moving Castle. He serves as the magical power source for the titular walking fortress, acting as a key figure and a memorable mascot who sustains the household alongside the wizard Howl.
Overview
Calcifer is a fire demon from Howl's Moving Castle. He serves as the magical power source for the titular walking fortress, acting as a key figure and a memorable mascot who sustains the household alongside the wizard Howl.
Appearance
Calcifer appears as a crackling, teardrop-shaped orange and red flame. He features expressive eyes and a large, wide mouth.
Personality
Despite describing himself as a terrifying demon, Calcifer is easily susceptible to flattery and manipulation. Though he regularly complains and puts up a grumpy facade, he ultimately cares for the inhabitants of the castle.
Abilities
Calcifer supplies immense magical power to move Howl's castle. By consuming human organic matter, such as consuming Sophie Hatter's braided hair, his strength increases tremendously. However, he is extremely vulnerable to water and shrinks when removed from his hearth.
Background
In the past, Calcifer entered into a magical pact with a young Howl, receiving Howl's heart in exchange for granting him magical energy. Bound to the hearth of the moving castle, he lived alongside Howl and Markl, sharing a life-and-death bond with the wizard.
Relationships
He shares a bound fate with the wizard Howl, whose heart he holds. He resides with Howl's apprentice Markl and Sophie Hatter, the latter of whom often handles him for cooking and grants him power by feeding him her hair.
Trivia
The character originates from Diana Wynne Jones's fantasy novel Howl's Moving Castle.