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. ======Sword of Gryffindor====== =====Object Information===== * **Type:** [[Goblin]]-Made Weapon, [[Horcrux]] Destroyer * **Owners:** [[Godric Gryffindor]], [[Albus Dumbledore]], [[Harry Potter]] * **Maker:** [[Ragnuk the First]], King of the [[Goblins]] =====Description and Appearance===== The [[Sword of Gryffindor]] is a magnificent, silver sword crafted by [[goblins]]. The hilt is set with large, egg-sized rubies, and the name **[[Godric Gryffindor]]** is engraved just beneath it. As a product of master [[goblin]] craftsmanship, it is impervious to dirt and rust, never requiring cleaning and always maintaining a brilliant shine. =====Magical Properties and Usage===== The sword possesses several powerful and unique magical properties that make it one of the most significant artifacts in the wizarding world. * **Goblin-Made Silver:** Like all [[goblin]]-made metalwork, the sword imbibes only that which makes it stronger. This inherent quality allowed it to absorb [[Basilisk]] venom, a substance of immense magical power and destructiveness. * **Appearing to True Gryffindors:** The sword has a unique connection to the [[Sorting Hat]]. It will present itself from within the hat to any worthy member of [[Gryffindor]] house who shows true courage and is in great need. * **[[Horcrux]] Destruction:** After [[Harry Potter]] used it to kill the [[Basilisk]] in the [[Chamber of Secrets]], the blade became imbued with [[Basilisk]] venom. Since the venom is one of the few substances capable of destroying a [[Horcrux]], the sword gained this ability as well. It was used to destroy three of [[Lord Voldemort]]'s [[Horcrux]]es: [[Marvolo Gaunt's Ring]], [[Salazar Slytherin's Locket]], and [[Nagini]]. * **Exceptional Durability:** Being [[goblin]]-made, the sword is extraordinarily strong and resilient, able to withstand forces that would destroy lesser objects. =====History===== The sword was commissioned by [[Godric Gryffindor]] from [[Ragnuk the First]], the finest of the [[goblin]] silversmiths. According to the [[goblin]] [[Griphook]], after completing the sword, [[Ragnuk the First]] coveted it so much that he pretended Gryffindor had stolen it and sent minions to take it back. Gryffindor defeated them with his [[wand]] and sent them back with a warning, establishing the wizarding version of the story: that Gryffindor had paid for the sword fairly and the [[goblin]] king had tried to steal it from him. This event became a cornerstone of the long-standing mistrust between [[wizards]] and [[goblins]]. For centuries, the sword's location was unknown, until it presented itself to [[Harry Potter]] from the [[Sorting Hat]] during his confrontation with the [[Basilisk]] in the [[Chamber of Secrets]]. After Harry killed the serpent, the sword was returned to the Headmaster's office at [[Hogwarts]], where [[Albus Dumbledore]] kept it in a glass case. Dumbledore later used the sword to destroy [[Marvolo Gaunt's Ring]], a [[Horcrux]]. In his will, Dumbledore bequeathed the sword to Harry. However, the [[Ministry of Magic]], under [[Rufus Scrimgeour]], contested this, arguing it was a historical artifact and not Dumbledore's to give away. In reality, Dumbledore had hidden the true sword and arranged for a copy to be placed first in the [[Hogwarts]] display case and later in [[Bellatrix Lestrange]]'s vault at [[Gringotts]]. Following Dumbledore's posthumous instructions, [[Severus Snape]] delivered the real sword to Harry. He used his doe [[Patronus]] to lead Harry to a frozen forest pool where he had hidden it. [[Ron Weasley]] retrieved the sword from the icy water and used it to destroy [[Salazar Slytherin's Locket]]. The trio later lost the sword to [[Griphook]] as payment for his help in breaking into [[Gringotts]]. The [[goblin]] absconded with it during the ensuing chaos. The sword's final heroic act came during the [[Battle of Hogwarts]]. When all seemed lost, it once again appeared from the [[Sorting Hat]], this time for [[Neville Longbottom]], who used it to decapitate [[Nagini]], destroying the final [[Horcrux]] and making [[Lord Voldemort]] mortal. =====Role in the Story===== The [[Sword of Gryffindor]] is a pivotal object in the series, serving as both a powerful symbol and a crucial plot device. It represents the ultimate qualities of [[Gryffindor]] house—courage, chivalry, and determination in the face of evil. Its ability to present itself to a "true [[Gryffindor]]" affirms the worthiness of both [[Harry Potter]] and [[Neville Longbottom]] at critical moments. More practically, it becomes one of the primary weapons in the fight against [[Lord Voldemort]]. After being imbued with [[Basilisk]] venom, it is one of the very few tools available to destroy [[Horcrux]]es, making it indispensable to the trio's quest. The sword's controversial history also serves to highlight the deep-seated prejudice and conflict between the wizarding and [[goblin]] communities. =====Behind the Scenes===== J.K. Rowling has stated that the sword's ability to appear from the [[Sorting Hat]] is her version of the legend of Excalibur, the mythical sword that could only be pulled from the stone by the true king, Arthur. In the same way, the [[Sword of Gryffindor]] can only be summoned by a true and worthy [[Gryffindor]]. (J.K. Rowling interview)
