Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ======Wand Core====== =====Object Information===== * **Type:** Magical Substance, Essential [[Wand]] Component * **Source:** Typically sourced from a powerful magical [[creature]] or, more rarely, a magical plant. * **Function:** Serves as the primary channel for a witch or wizard's [[magic]] through a [[wand]]. * **Notable Wandmakers:** [[Garrick Ollivander]], [[Mykew Gregorovitch]] =====Description and Properties===== A wand core is a magical substance placed within the wooden casing of a [[wand]]. According to the renowned [[wandmaker]] [[Garrick Ollivander]], the core is the element that truly produces the [[magic]], though the [[wood]] type significantly modifies its expression. The combination of [[wood]] and core, along with the wand's length and flexibility, determines its overall characteristics. The core is a key factor in the principle that "the [[wand chooses the wizard]]", as its nature must be compatible with the user's own personality and magical potential. Mr. [[Ollivander]]'s practice revolutionized British [[wandmaking]] by insisting on using only one of three powerful and high-quality substances, which he dubbed the "Supreme Cores." * **[[Dragon heartstring]]**: The most powerful of the three Supreme Cores, these wands tend to produce the most flamboyant [[spells]]. They learn more quickly than other types but can be temperamental and are the easiest to turn to the [[Dark Arts]]. They form strong bonds with their current owner but are not necessarily the most loyal. Witches and wizards with [[dragon heartstring]] wands include [[Hermione Granger]], [[Bellatrix Lestrange]], [[Lucius Malfoy]], [[Viktor Krum]], and [[Peter Pettigrew]]. * **[[Unicorn hair]]**: Produces the most consistent and reliable [[magic]], being the least subject to blockages or fluctuations. Wands with this core are the most difficult to turn to the [[Dark Arts]] and are the most faithful to their first owner. A significant disadvantage is that they may "die" if mishandled, requiring the hair to be replaced. Notable owners include [[Ron Weasley]] (his second wand), [[Cedric Diggory]], [[Neville Longbottom]] (his second wand), and [[Draco Malfoy]]. * **[[Phoenix feather]]**: The rarest core type. [[Phoenix feather]] wands are capable of the greatest range of [[magic]], though they may take longer than other types to reveal this. They show the most initiative, sometimes acting of their own accord, a quality many witches and wizards dislike. They are the most selective in choosing an owner and are notoriously hard to tame and personalize. [[Harry Potter]] and [[Lord Voldemort]] both possessed wands with a [[phoenix feather]] core. Other cores are known to exist, though [[Ollivander]] considered them inferior or difficult to work with. * **[[Veela hair]]**: A substance known to be temperamental, resulting in wands that are powerful but difficult to master. [[Fleur Delacour]]'s wand contained a hair from the head of her [[Veela]] grandmother. * **[[Thestral tail hair]]**: An extremely potent but unstable substance. It is considered a difficult core to master and can only be handled by a witch or wizard capable of facing death. The only known [[wand]] to contain this core is the legendary [[Elder Wand]]. =====History===== The use of magical cores in [[wandmaking]] is an ancient practice. The Ollivander family, established in 382 B.C., has a long history of studying and implementing various core materials. Before [[Garrick Ollivander]], it was common for customers to provide their own magical substance, which the wandmaker would then encase in a chosen [[wood]]. Ollivander's father, for instance, worked with what Garrick considered substandard cores, such as [[Kneazle]] whiskers or Dittany stalks. [[Garrick Ollivander]]'s great ambition was to perfect the art by sourcing the finest cores himself—the "Supreme Cores"—and matching them intricately with the ideal [[wood]]. His methods proved so superior that they became the standard for quality wands in [[Britain]]. =====Role in the Story===== The concept of the wand core is central to the entire saga, most notably through the "twin cores" of [[Harry Potter]]'s and [[Lord Voldemort]]'s wands. * **Twin Cores and [[Priori Incantatem]]**: Harry's and Voldemort's wands both contain a single tail feather from the same [[phoenix]], [[Fawkes]]. This unique connection means the wands cannot properly fight each other. When forced to do so in the [[Little Hangleton]] graveyard, they trigger the rare magical effect of [[Priori Incantatem]], revealing echoes of the last [[spells]] one of the wands performed. This connection saves Harry's life. * **The Battle of the Seven Potters**: During the flight from [[Number Four, Privet Drive]], Harry's [[wand]] acts of its own accord, recognizing [[Lord Voldemort]] and unleashing a golden fire spell against him. This is explained as a result of the deep magical bond and shared core, which was "drenched" in the power of their previous encounter. * **The [[Elder Wand]]**: The nature of the [[Elder Wand]] is partly defined by its unique and powerful [[Thestral tail hair]] core. This esoteric substance reinforces the wand's connection to [[death]] and its status as one of the [[Deathly Hallows]]. =====Behind the Scenes===== * J.K. Rowling has written extensively about [[Wandlore]], wand woods, and wand cores on the //Pottermore// (now //Wizarding World//) website. * According to //Pottermore//, American [[wandmaking]] at [[Ilvermorny]] traditionally used cores from native magical creatures: Thunderbird tail feather, Wampus cat hair, Horned Serpent horn, and Rougarou hair. (Pottermore) * In the video game //Hogwarts Legacy//, one of the three wand core options the player can choose is [[Dragon heartstring]], [[Unicorn hair]], or [[Phoenix feather]]. (video game) * J.K. Rowling revealed in an interview that if she were a student at [[Hogwarts]], her wand would contain a [[phoenix feather]] core. (J.K. Rowling interview)
