Centaurs are creatures that reside in the forest and excel in the fields of astronomy and astrology. They tend to stay away from humans, wizards and muggles alike, because of their incessant destruction of the forest. The Ministry has labeled them as beasts and refuse to give them respect, further strengthening their distaste for humans.

They have the head and torso of a human and the body of a horse. Their colour varies; and they are very intelligent creatures and demand the respect of those in their presence.

Firenze came to Harry's aid during his first year, and was brought in by Dumbledore to be the Divination teacher in difficult times at Hogwarts in Harry's fifth year. His acceptance of the post caused his fellow centaurs to cast him out of their society.