Both Harry Potter and Star Trek: The Next Generation are popular series which have touched the hearts of millions, both in mainstream culture and in the nerd communities that have always welcomed science fiction and fantasy. Each of these series offers a vision of hope where heroic characters take a stand against various physical and philosophical perils. The heroes confront these threats head on, and their decisions reveal the quality of their souls.
In Harry Potter, magic users can release a physical personification of their soul, called a Patronus. These radiant silver manifestations take the form of an animal that has symbolic or emotional resonance with each character. But what if the cast of TNG revealed their own Patronuses?
Captain Picard: Eagle
As the leader of the Starship Enterprise, Picard is a fascinating character study. He is a bit arrogant and elitist, but he is a man possessed of a sharp mind, deep compassion, and indomitable will. Picard is deeply fascinated with the history of Earth (and in particular, France and other European cultures).
An eagle has long been associated with leadership, might, and rising above all challenges. Roman Legions and Napoleon's armies carried eagle standards, while the US government that helped pioneer early space flight (and whose NASA program was referenced in TNG) venerated the eagle. It makes sense that Picard would either have a golden eagle or bald eagle as his personal Patronus.
William Riker: Horse
William Riker is the first officer aboard the Enterprise, and thus serves as the second-in-command. He is loyal, steadfast, and quick to respond to any situation, carrying the emotional burdens of both his captain and crew without hesitation.
Horses have long carried the weight of human burdens on their backs, running full speed ahead when it was asked of them. They show a similar amount of discipline and resolve to Riker, able to confront great challenges without being overly aggressive.
Geordi La Forge: Cat
There are few characters quite as memorable as Geordi La Forge, the blind helmsman of the Enterprise whose prosthetic visor allows him to see across the electromagnetic spectrum. Geordi is smart and easygoing, though he can be emotionally mercurial. Overall, he is fairly laid back, even if he can be very set in his ways.
Figuring out the best Patronus for Geordi was no easy task, but it seems like a cat would be the best-suited animal for him. Cats are easygoing so long as they are allowed to nap and have their way, and can be quite playful and affectionate, but once they are upset, they will make their feelings known.
Deanna Troi: Owl
The owl is associated with wisdom, and in particular with Athena, the Greek Goddess of Wisdom. In real life, owls are in actually smart, and while they might not quite be the repositories of knowledge that appear in myths, they are certain no bird-brains. Their ability to see in the dark also offers them a sight of the world around them when shadows obscure things from others.
Deanna Troi also has the ability to see through the dark, though in her case it is the metaphorical dark surrounding people's emotions. She has telepathic abilities that let her see people's feelings. Deanna is also quite wise, often giving counsel to Picard.
Worf: Wolf
The similarity of Worf's name with the word "wolf" invites this comparison. But it really is obvious. Worf is a warrior first and foremost, exemplifying the Klingon values of bravery, stubbornness, and honor. However, he is also part of a "pack," or "crew," operating at his best as a member of the larger group. Worf will quite literally bare his teeth when the time calls for it, but he will also show restraint to preserve unity among the rest of the Enterprise's crew.
Wesley Crusher: Otter
Wesley is a polarizing figure among the fans. As a child, he was meant to appeal to children in the audience. Unfortunately, many adults were not at all pleased by this young kid, and episodes focused on Wesley often seemed to be generic coming-of-age stories rather than the more cerebral sophisticated plots that the show was known for.
Because of his excitable nature, Wesley Crusher's Patronus is likely an otter. Otters love to play. They are good problem solvers and incredibly loyal, but ultimately, they would be happy goofing off and acting childish.
Beverly Crusher: Cat
Beverly Crusher is probably the most underappreciated and overlooked character of the main cast. The Chief Medical Officer aboardship is a strong woman who frequently teases Picard and puts him off his guard. The two have a past together, and she is one of the only people who will not give in to Picard's will. She is smart, capable, and uncompromising.
Like Geordi, Beverly's Patronus is a cat, though not for the same reasons. Her playfulness is definitely part of it, as she loves to play cat-and-mouse with Picard's emotions, toying with his feelings for her. However, her intelligence, resolve, and sense of agency also give her a feline independence.
Tasha Yar: Golden Retriever
Though she was only ever in the first season of TNG, Tasha left a memorable impression on the show. She was first introduced as a strong woman gifted in combat, being the Enterprise's Chief of Security. Unfortunately, her character was written rather erratically, so that in one episode she might be serious and focused on protecting the crew, while the next she was a bit ditzy and goofy.
The only Patronus that makes sense for her is a golden retriever. These dogs are silly goofballs, but they are loyal to a fault. That said, if their loved ones are in danger, a golden retriever will not hesitate to prove their worth as a reliable guard dog.
Data: Sphinx
The android Data is difficult to find a Patronus for. Harry Potter is a series of magic and wonder while Star Trek is all about science fiction concepts - concepts like androids, which Data happens to be. He feels few emotions and is concerned with how logical situations are, driven by curiosity and intellectual excitement as much as anything else. While he can be emotionally disconnected, he is still able to adapt to situations and show he intends well.
Given Data's sci-fi nature is part of speculative fiction, it seems that the best Patronus for him comes from the other end of the genre. The sphinx is a fantasy creature interested in knowledge and riddles. It is often depicted as a guardian and keeper of secret wisdom, interacting with humans while not being one. Data loves riddles and mysteries (and is obsessed with Sherlock Holmes stories), so a sphinx seems like the perfect Patronus for him.