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{{Spoiler|HM|PAS|MA}}
{{Youmay|[[Firebolt]]s in general|[[Harry Potter]]'s [[Harry Potter's Firebolt broomstick|Firebolt]]}}
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{{Youmay|[[Firebolt]]s in general|[[Harry Potter]]'s [[Harry Potter's Firebolt|Firebolt]]}}
 
{{Broomsticks infobox
 
{{Broomsticks infobox
|image=[[File:Firebolt.jpg|250px]]
+
|image=Firebolt.jpg
 
|name=Firebolt
 
|name=Firebolt
 
|bgcolor1=
 
|bgcolor1=
 
|bgcolor2=
 
|bgcolor2=
  +
|producer=[[Randolph Spudmore]]<ref name="PM">{{WW|firebolt}}</ref>
|producer=
 
|material=[[Ash]] wood and birch twigs
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|material=[[Ebony]] wood with [[birch]] or [[hazel]] twigs;<ref name=PM /> [[Ash]] handle.
 
|made=[[1993]]
 
|made=[[1993]]
 
|usage=[[Quidditch]] playing
 
|usage=[[Quidditch]] playing
|features=[[Braking Charm]], superb balance and precision, and hovers at reasonable mounting height when let go.
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|features=*Unbreakable [[Braking Charm]]
  +
*Superb balance and precision
  +
*Hovers at reasonable mounting height when let go
  +
*[[Goblin-made ironwork]] provides power, stability, and a non-slip foot grip
 
|speed=At least one hundred and fifty miles per hour
 
|speed=At least one hundred and fifty miles per hour
 
|price=
 
|price=
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*[[Irish National Quidditch team]]
 
*[[Irish National Quidditch team]]
 
}}
 
}}
  +
{{Quote|This state-of-the-art racing broom sports a streamlined superfine handle of [[ash]], treated with a diamond-hard polish and hand-numbered with its own registration number. Each individually selected [[birch]] twig in the broomtail has been honed to aerodynamic perfection, giving the Firebolt unsurpassable balance and pinpoint precision. The firebolt has an acceleration of 150 miles an hour in ten seconds and incorporates an unbreakable [[Braking Charm]]. Price on request.|Advert at [[Quality Quidditch Supplies]]|Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban}}
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 in the Bulgarian and Irish International Quidditch Teams.
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The '''Firebolt''' was 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 National Quidditch team|Bulgarian]] and [[Irish National Quidditch team]]s. 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.<ref name="PMLudo">{{PM}} - [[PLACE YOUR BETS WITH LUDO BAGMAN]] (Archived)</ref>
  +
  +
The Firebolt was a costly broom and [[Harry Potter]] was one of the first to own one. It continued to be made in relatively small quantities, partly because the [[goblin]] workers involved in the patented ironwork were prone to strikes and walkouts at the smallest provocation.
   
 
==Description==
 
==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>
+
The Firebolt was capable of going from nought to one hundred and fifty miles per hour in ten seconds. This broomstick also boasted an unbreakable [[Braking Charm]], superb balance and precision, and hovered at reasonable mounting height when let go. By [[1994]], the Firebolt was the fastest broomstick in the whole world.<ref name="PA">{{POA}}</ref>
  +
  +
The handle was made of polished [[ebony]] (once mistakenly listed as [[ash]] in a [[Quality Quidditch Supplies]] advertisement), and the twigs could be made of either [[birch]] or [[hazel]] depending on customer preference. Birch twigs offered more "oomph" when ascending, while hazel provided more precision in turning. The metal parts of the broom were [[goblin-made ironwork]], a first for a broomstick, which increased stability and power in adverse conditions and prevented slippage on the foot grips.<ref name="PM" />
  +
  +
Every Firebolt included a golden registration number.<ref name="PA11">{{POA|B|11}}</ref>
  +
  +
Even though the competitor [[Thunderbolt VII]] could attain speeds that rivalled that of the Firebolt series, many experts felt that it had sacrificed safety for speed — indeed, during the [[2014 Quidditch World Cup]], even though professional broomsticks were 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 [[Masaki Hongo]].<ref name="Jpn v Nga">{{PM}} - [http://www.pottermore.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/jpn-v-nga New from J.K. Rowling: "''JAPAN VERSUS NIGERIA''" (''Daily Prophet'', 10 June 2014)]</ref>
   
 
==History==
 
==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|Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban}}
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>
 
  +
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">{{GOF}}</ref>[[File:HBP Harry Playing Quidditch™.png|270px|thumb|left|Harry Potter riding his Firebolt wearing his Quidditch gear]][[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 [[Harry Potter's Nimbus 2000|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 [[Vault 687|his vault]] in [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank|Gringotts]], should he actually purchase the Firebolt.
{{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}}
 
[[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 [[Harry Potter's Firebolt|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 [[Gryffindor vs Hufflepuff Quidditch match (1993)|Quidditch match]] against [[Hufflepuff]] team. Miniature models were also produced as gifts.<ref name="OP">{{OOTP}}</ref> In [[1995]], Harry's Firebolt was confiscated by [[Dolores Umbridge]] as punishment.
  +
  +
Umbridge kept it in her [[Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher'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 [[Security 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, until losing it in the [[Battle of the Seven Potters]].<ref name="DH">{{DH}}</ref>
  +
  +
Firebolts continued to be made in small quantities in the modern day, though their development was hindered by frequent strikes and walkouts on the part of the [[goblin]]s who manufactured the iron parts.<ref name="PM" />
  +
  +
==Known owners==
  +
{| class="article-table"
  +
!Owners
  +
!Date obtained
  +
!Date broken
  +
|-
  +
|Harry Potter
  +
|[[25 December]] [[1993]]
  +
|[[27 July]] [[1997]]
  +
|}
  +
[[File:Harry potter balai firebolt 175 7.jpg|alt=|thumb|264x264px|A Firebolt broomstick]]
   
 
==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. One possibility is that it may be used as a foot-rest when one is on the broom; this was shown in many occasions in the films where 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.
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**In {{HBP|FA}}, Ron Weasley is seen using a similar bipod to stabilise his stance while playing Keeper. This may be the intended function of the Firebolt's bipod.
  +
*In {{POA}}, the Firebolt's handle is stated to be made of superfine ash. {{PM}}, 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, or that Firebolts were made with both woods.
  +
*The Firebolt is mentioned in {{HM}} during the first [[Flying (class)|Flying Class]]. This is anachronistic, as the game is set during the [[1980s]].
   
 
==Appearances==
 
==Appearances==
  +
*{{POA}} {{1st}}
[[File:PA_C11.jpg|thumb|right|The Firebolt]]
 
  +
*{{POA|F}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]'' {{1st}}
 
  +
*{{POA|G}} {{C|GBA version only}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)]]''
 
  +
*{{GOF}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)]]'' {{Comment|GBA version only}}
 
  +
*{{GOF|F}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]''
 
  +
*{{GOF|G}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)]]''
 
  +
*{{OOTP}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (video game)]]''
 
  +
*{{OOTP|F}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]''
 
  +
*{{HBP}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)]]''
 
  +
*{{HBP|F}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]''
 
  +
*{{HBP|G}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)]]''
 
  +
*{{DH}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (video game)]]''
 
  +
*{{DH|F1}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]''
 
  +
*{{DH|F2}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1]]''
 
  +
*{{HPPU}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2]]''
 
  +
*{{WWHP}}
*''[[Harry Potter: A Pop-Up Book]]''
 
  +
*{{QWC}}
*''[[The Wizarding World of Harry Potter]]''
 
  +
*{{LEGO|Y1}}
*''[[Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup]]''
 
  +
*{{PM}}
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4]]''
 
  +
*{{WW}}
  +
*{{HPV|CH}}
  +
*{{HM}} {{C|Non-canon mention}}
  +
*{{WU}}
  +
*{{PAS}}
  +
*{{MA}} {{Spell card}}
   
 
==Notes and references==
 
==Notes and references==
 
{{Reflist}}
 
{{Reflist}}
  +
[[ca:Raigdefoc]]
 
  +
[[de:Feuerblitz]]
  +
[[es:Saeta de Fuego]]
  +
[[et:Piksenool]]
  +
[[fi:Tulisalama]]
 
[[fr:Éclair de Feu]]
 
[[fr:Éclair de Feu]]
 
[[it:Firebolt]]
 
[[it:Firebolt]]
  +
[[nl:Vuurflits]]
  +
[[pl:Błyskawica]]
  +
[[pt-br:Firebolt]]
  +
[[ru:Молния]]
  +
[[zh:火弩箭]]
 
[[Category:Broomsticks]]
 
[[Category:Broomsticks]]
  +
[[Category:Christmas presents]]

Latest revision as of 06:57, 16 March 2024

"This state-of-the-art racing broom sports a streamlined superfine handle of ash, treated with a diamond-hard polish and hand-numbered with its own registration number. Each individually selected birch twig in the broomtail has been honed to aerodynamic perfection, giving the Firebolt unsurpassable balance and pinpoint precision. The firebolt has an acceleration of 150 miles an hour in ten seconds and incorporates an unbreakable Braking Charm. Price on request."
— Advert at Quality Quidditch Supplies[src]

The Firebolt was 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 National 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]

The Firebolt was a costly broom and Harry Potter was one of the first to own one. It continued to be made in relatively small quantities, partly because the goblin workers involved in the patented ironwork were prone to strikes and walkouts at the smallest provocation.

Description

The Firebolt was capable of going from nought to one hundred and fifty miles per hour in ten seconds. This broomstick also boasted an unbreakable Braking Charm, superb balance and precision, and hovered at reasonable mounting height when let go. By 1994, the Firebolt was the fastest broomstick in the whole world.[3]

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

Every Firebolt included a golden registration number.[4]

Even though the competitor Thunderbolt VII could attain speeds that rivalled that of the Firebolt series, many experts felt that it had sacrificed safety for speed — indeed, during the 2014 Quidditch World Cup, even though professional broomsticks were 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 Masaki Hongo.[5]

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[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.[6]

HBP Harry Playing Quidditch™

Harry Potter riding his Firebolt wearing his Quidditch gear

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.[7] In 1995, Harry's Firebolt was confiscated by Dolores Umbridge as punishment.

Umbridge 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 Security 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, until losing it in the Battle of the Seven Potters.[8]

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

Known owners

Owners Date obtained Date broken
Harry Potter 25 December 1993 27 July 1997
Harry potter balai firebolt 175 7

A Firebolt broomstick

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. One possibility is that it may be used as a foot-rest when one is on the broom; this was shown in many occasions in the films where 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, or that Firebolts were made with both woods.
  • The Firebolt is mentioned in Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery during the first Flying Class. This is anachronistic, as the game is set during the 1980s.

Appearances

Notes and references