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{{Pottermore}}
 
{{Youmay|[[Firebolt]]s in general|[[Harry Potter]]'s [[Harry Potter's Firebolt broomstick|Firebolt]]}}
  
{{Youmay|[[Firebolt]]s in general|[[Harry Potter]]'s [[Harry Potter's Firebolt broomstick|Firebolt]]}}
 
{{Broomsticks infobox
  
{{Broomsticks infobox
⚫
|name=Firebolt
  
 
|image=[[File:Firebolt.jpg|250px]]
  
|image=[[File:Firebolt.jpg|250px]]
  ⚫
|name=Firebolt
 
|bgcolor1=
  
|bgcolor1=
 
|bgcolor2=
  
|bgcolor2=
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|producer=[[Randolph Spudmore]]<ref name=PM>''[[Pottermore]]'' - [http://www.pottermore.com/en/book3/chapter13/moment1/firebolt New from J. K. Rowling: The Firebolt]</ref>
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|producer=
  
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|material=[[Ash]] wood and birch twigs
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|material=[[Ebony]] wood with [[birch]] or [[hazel]] twigs<ref name=PM />
 
|made=[[1993]]
  
|made=[[1993]]
 
|usage=[[Quidditch]] playing
  
|usage=[[Quidditch]] playing
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|features=[[Braking Charm]], superb balance and precision, and hovers at reasonable mounting height when let go.
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|features=*Unbreakable [[Braking Charm]]
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*Superb balance and precision
⚫
|speed=One hundred and fifty miles per hour
  
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*Hovers at reasonable mounting height when let go
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*[[Goblin-made ironwork]] provides power, stability, and a non-slip foot grip
  ⚫
|speed=At least one hundred and fifty miles per hour
 
|price=
  
|price=
 
|owners=*[[Harry Potter]]
  
|owners=*[[Harry Potter]]
 
*[[Bulgarian National Quidditch team]]
  
*[[Bulgarian National Quidditch team]]
 
*[[Irish National Quidditch team]]
  
*[[Irish National Quidditch team]]
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|first=''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]''
  
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|latest=
  
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|last=''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]''
  
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|cause=Destroyed/lost in the [[Battle over Little Whinging]]
  
 
}}
  
}}
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{{Quote|The state-of-the-art racing broom. The Firebolt has unsurpassable balance and pinpoint precision. Aerodynamic perfection.|1994 Quidditch World Cup|Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup}}
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The '''Firebolt''' is a world-class [[broomstick]].Is handle made of polished mohogany. It was the fastest at the time of its production, and was released in [[1993]]. In time, the Firebolt broomstick was used in the Bulgarian and Irish International Quidditch Teams.
 
  +
The '''Firebolt''' is a world-class [[broomstick]]. It was the fastest at the time of its production, and was released in [[1993]]. In time the Firebolt broomstick was used by the Bulgarian and Irish International Quidditch Teams. The teams played on Firebolts during the [[1994 Quidditch World Cup]]. By [[Between 2010 and 2017|2014]], the Firebolt had been superseded by the [[Firebolt Supreme]], apparently manufactured by the same makers.<ref name="PMLudo">''[[Pottermore]]'' - [http://www.pottermore.com/en/daily-prophet/qwc2014/2014-07-02/place-your-bets New from J.K. Rowling: "''PLACE YOUR BETS WITH LUDO BAGMAN''" (''Daily Prophet'', 02 July 2014)]</ref>
   
−
==Description==
 +
== History ==
  ⚫
{{Quote|Irish International side's just put in an order for seven of these beauties! And they're favourites for the World Cup!'|The proprieter of Quality Quidditch Supplies talking to the crowd outside his shop about the Firebolt|Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban}}
−
It is capable of going from nought to one hundred and fifty miles per hour in ten seconds. The Firebolt also boasts an unbreakable [[Braking Charm]], superb balance and precision, and hovers at reasonable mounting height when let go. By [[1994]], the Firebolt was the fastest broomstick in the whole world.<ref name=PA>''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]''</ref>
  
  +
The Firebolt was first developed by [[Randolph Spudmore]] around [[1993]], at a time when brooms made by the [[Nimbus Racing Broom Company]] dominated the market. Twelve months after its release, the Firebolt was the highest-selling racing broom of that time, beating out the [[Nimbus 2000]] and [[Nimbus 2001|2001]].<ref name="PM" />
   
  ⚫
The Firebolt was used by both the [[Irish National Quidditch team|Irish]] and [[Bulgarian National Quidditch team|Bulgarian]] teams during the [[1994]] [[Quidditch World Cup]].<ref name="GF">''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]''</ref>
−
==History==
  
⚫
The Firebolt was used by both the [[Irish National Quidditch team|Irish]] and [[Bulgarian National Quidditch team|Bulgarian]] teams during the [[1994]] [[Quidditch World Cup]].<ref name=GF>''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]''</ref>
  
   
⚫
{{Quote|Irish International side's just put in an order for seven of these beauties! And they're favouirites for the World Cup!' |The proprieter of [[Quality Quidditch Supplies]] talking to the crowd outside his shop about the Firebolt|Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban}}
  
 
[[Harry Potter]] first saw a prototype Firebolt broom in the window of [[Quality Quidditch Supplies]] in the summer before his third year. He wanted one, but he already had a [[Nimbus 2000]] and had to remind himself of that to keep himself from going in and asking what the price was. It was said that he would have to empty his vault in Gringotts, should he actually purchase the Firebolt.
  
[[Harry Potter]] first saw a prototype Firebolt broom in the window of [[Quality Quidditch Supplies]] in the summer before his third year. He wanted one, but he already had a [[Nimbus 2000]] and had to remind himself of that to keep himself from going in and asking what the price was. It was said that he would have to empty his vault in Gringotts, should he actually purchase the Firebolt.
   
−
Every day that he was in [[Diagon Alley]], before his third year at Hogwarts, he made sure that he passed the window so that he could stare in awe at the amazing and magnificent broom. He received a Firebolt as an anonymous present from his godfather, [[Sirius Black]] at Christmas [[1993]], after his [[Nimbus 2000]] was destroyed by the [[Whomping Willow]] during a Quidditch match against [[Hufflepuff]] team. Miniature models were also produced as gifts.<ref name=OP>''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]''</ref> In [[1995]], Harry's Firebolt was confiscated by [[Dolores Umbridge]] as punishment. She kept it in her [[Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor's office|office]] until [[Fred and George Weasley]] destroyed her office door during their exit from Hogwarts. It was then said to have been taken to one of the [[Dungeons]] where it was guarded by a [[Troll]] at all times. Harry presumably was given back his Firebolt after Umbridge was fired. Harry was the only person in Hogwarts that owned a Firebolt. Harry lost his Firebolt in the [[Battle of the Seven Potters]].<ref name=DH>''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]''</ref>
 +
Every day that he was in [[Diagon Alley]], before his third year at Hogwarts, he made sure that he passed the window so that he could stare in awe at the amazing and magnificent broom. He received a Firebolt as an anonymous present from his godfather, [[Sirius Black]] at Christmas 1993, after his Nimbus 2000 was destroyed by the [[Whomping Willow]] during a Quidditch match against [[Hufflepuff]] team. Miniature models were also produced as gifts.<ref name="OP">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]''</ref> In [[1995]], Harry's Firebolt was confiscated by [[Dolores Umbridge]] as punishment. She kept it in her [[Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor's office|office]] until [[Fred and George Weasley]] destroyed her office door during their exit from Hogwarts. It was then said to have been taken to one of the [[Dungeons]] where it was guarded by a [[Troll]] at all times. Harry presumably was given back his Firebolt after Umbridge was fired. Harry was the only person in Hogwarts that owned a Firebolt. Harry lost his Firebolt in the [[Battle of the Seven Potters]].<ref name="DH">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]''</ref>
  +
  +
Firebolts continue to be made in small quantities in the modern day, though their development is hindered by frequent strikes and walkouts on the part of the [[goblin|goblins]] who manufacture the iron parts.<ref name="PM" />
  +
  +
==Description==
  +
It is capable of going from nought to one hundred and fifty miles per hour in ten seconds. The Firebolt also boasts an unbreakable [[Braking Charm]], superb balance and precision, and hovers at reasonable mounting height when let go. By [[1994]], the Firebolt was the fastest broomstick in the whole world.<ref name=PA>''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]''</ref> Even though the competitor [[Thunderbolt VII]] can attain speeds that rival that of the Firebolt series, many experts feel that it has sacrificed safety for speed — indeed, during the [[2014 Quidditch World Cup]], even though professional broomsticks are supposed to withstand all Bludger hits, the tail of Nigerian Seeker [[Samuel Equiano]]'s Thunderbolt was smashed off by a Bludger shot hit by Japanese Beater [[Hongo]].<ref name="PM">''[[Pottermore]]'' - [http://www.pottermore.com/en/daily-prophet/qwc2014/2014-06-10/jpn-v-nga New from J.K. Rowling: "''JAPAN VERSUS NIGERIA''" (''Daily Prophet'', 10 June 2014)]</ref>
  +
  +
The handle is made of polished [[ebony]] (once mistakenly listed as [[ash]] in a [[Quality Quidditch Supplies]] advertisement), and the twigs can be made of either [[birch]] or [[hazel]] depending on customer preference. Birch twigs offer more "oomph" when ascending, while hazel provides more precision in turning. The metal parts of the broom are [[goblin-made ironwork]], a first for a broomstick, which increases stability and power in adverse conditions and prevents slippage on the foot grips.<ref name=PM />
  +
  +
Every Firebolt includes a golden registration number.<ref name="PA11">''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]'', Chapter 11 - (''The Firebolt'')</ref>
   
 
==Behind the scenes==
  
==Behind the scenes==
 
*Because Firebolt broomsticks hover at convenient mounting height when not in use, the usefulness of the apparently undetachable bipod is questionable, except for display, such as in the window of Quality Quidditch Supplies in Diagon Alley, or as a footrest when one is on the broom but apparently, it is used as a foot-rest as it was shown in many occasions in the films that the characters half stand on the bipods and also rest their feet on them.
  
*Because Firebolt broomsticks hover at convenient mounting height when not in use, the usefulness of the apparently undetachable bipod is questionable, except for display, such as in the window of Quality Quidditch Supplies in Diagon Alley, or as a footrest when one is on the broom but apparently, it is used as a foot-rest as it was shown in many occasions in the films that the characters half stand on the bipods and also rest their feet on them.
−
*In {{HBPF}}, Ron Weasley is seen using a similar bipod to stabilize his stance while playing Keeper. This may be the intended function of the Firebolt's bipod.
 +
**In {{HBPF}}, Ron Weasley is seen using a similar bipod to stabilize his stance while playing Keeper. This may be the intended function of the Firebolt's bipod.
  +
*In ''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]'', the Firebolt's handle is stated to be made of superfine ash. ''[[Pottermore]]'', however, lists it as having an ebony handle. It is possible, however, that the person who wrote the advertisement that stated it to be ash was mistaken.
   
 
==Appearances==
  
==Appearances==
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*''[[Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup]]''
  
*''[[Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup]]''
 
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4]]''
  
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4]]''
  +
*''[[Pottermore]]''
   
 
==Notes and references==
  
==Notes and references==
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[[fr:Éclair de Feu]]
  
[[fr:Éclair de Feu]]
 
[[it:Firebolt]]
  
[[it:Firebolt]]
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[[pl:Błyskawica]]
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[[ru:Молния]]
 
[[Category:Broomsticks]]
  
[[Category:Broomsticks]]
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[[Category:Broomsticks]]
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[[Category:Christmas presents]]
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[[Category:Vehicles]]
  

Revision as of 15:21, 9 July 2015

Pottermore2 Warning!

At least some content in this article is derived from information featured in the latest update of Pottermore. As such, spoilers will be present within the article. Please take care when reading this article if you have not yet been through the latest update.

"Point me!"
This article is about Firebolts in general. You may be looking for Harry Potter's Firebolt.

"The state-of-the-art racing broom. The Firebolt has unsurpassable balance and pinpoint precision. Aerodynamic perfection."
— 1994 Quidditch World Cup[src]

The Firebolt is a world-class broomstick. It was the fastest at the time of its production, and was released in 1993. In time the Firebolt broomstick was used by the Bulgarian and Irish International Quidditch Teams. The teams played on Firebolts during the 1994 Quidditch World Cup. By 2014, the Firebolt had been superseded by the Firebolt Supreme, apparently manufactured by the same makers.[2]

History

"Irish International side's just put in an order for seven of these beauties! And they're favourites for the World Cup!'"
— The proprieter of Quality Quidditch Supplies talking to the crowd outside his shop about the Firebolt[src]

The Firebolt was first developed by Randolph Spudmore around 1993, at a time when brooms made by the Nimbus Racing Broom Company dominated the market. Twelve months after its release, the Firebolt was the highest-selling racing broom of that time, beating out the Nimbus 2000 and 2001.[1]

The Firebolt was used by both the Irish and Bulgarian teams during the 1994 Quidditch World Cup.[3]

Harry Potter first saw a prototype Firebolt broom in the window of Quality Quidditch Supplies in the summer before his third year. He wanted one, but he already had a Nimbus 2000 and had to remind himself of that to keep himself from going in and asking what the price was. It was said that he would have to empty his vault in Gringotts, should he actually purchase the Firebolt.

Every day that he was in Diagon Alley, before his third year at Hogwarts, he made sure that he passed the window so that he could stare in awe at the amazing and magnificent broom. He received a Firebolt as an anonymous present from his godfather, Sirius Black at Christmas 1993, after his Nimbus 2000 was destroyed by the Whomping Willow during a Quidditch match against Hufflepuff team. Miniature models were also produced as gifts.[4] In 1995, Harry's Firebolt was confiscated by Dolores Umbridge as punishment. She kept it in her office until Fred and George Weasley destroyed her office door during their exit from Hogwarts. It was then said to have been taken to one of the Dungeons where it was guarded by a Troll at all times. Harry presumably was given back his Firebolt after Umbridge was fired. Harry was the only person in Hogwarts that owned a Firebolt. Harry lost his Firebolt in the Battle of the Seven Potters.[5]

Firebolts continue to be made in small quantities in the modern day, though their development is hindered by frequent strikes and walkouts on the part of the goblins who manufacture the iron parts.[1]

Description

It is capable of going from nought to one hundred and fifty miles per hour in ten seconds. The Firebolt also boasts an unbreakable Braking Charm, superb balance and precision, and hovers at reasonable mounting height when let go. By 1994, the Firebolt was the fastest broomstick in the whole world.[6] Even though the competitor Thunderbolt VII can attain speeds that rival that of the Firebolt series, many experts feel that it has sacrificed safety for speed — indeed, during the 2014 Quidditch World Cup, even though professional broomsticks are supposed to withstand all Bludger hits, the tail of Nigerian Seeker Samuel Equiano's Thunderbolt was smashed off by a Bludger shot hit by Japanese Beater Hongo.[1]

The handle is made of polished ebony (once mistakenly listed as ash in a Quality Quidditch Supplies advertisement), and the twigs can be made of either birch or hazel depending on customer preference. Birch twigs offer more "oomph" when ascending, while hazel provides more precision in turning. The metal parts of the broom are goblin-made ironwork, a first for a broomstick, which increases stability and power in adverse conditions and prevents slippage on the foot grips.[1]

Every Firebolt includes a golden registration number.[7]

Behind the scenes

  • Because Firebolt broomsticks hover at convenient mounting height when not in use, the usefulness of the apparently undetachable bipod is questionable, except for display, such as in the window of Quality Quidditch Supplies in Diagon Alley, or as a footrest when one is on the broom but apparently, it is used as a foot-rest as it was shown in many occasions in the films that the characters half stand on the bipods and also rest their feet on them.
  • In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the Firebolt's handle is stated to be made of superfine ash. Pottermore, however, lists it as having an ebony handle. It is possible, however, that the person who wrote the advertisement that stated it to be ash was mistaken.

Appearances

PA C11

The Firebolt

Notes and references

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Pottermore - New from J. K. Rowling: The Firebolt Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "PM" defined multiple times with different content
  2. ↑ Pottermore - New from J.K. Rowling: "PLACE YOUR BETS WITH LUDO BAGMAN" (Daily Prophet, 02 July 2014)
  3. ↑ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
  4. ↑ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
  5. ↑ Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
  6. ↑ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
  7. ↑ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 11 - (The Firebolt)
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