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{{Spoiler|HM|MA|HL}}
 
{{Creature infobox
  
{{Creature infobox
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|name=Goblin
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|image = Goblin Pottermore.png
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|name = Goblin
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|image=[[File:Goblin-pottermore.png|250px]]
  
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|skin = Light
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|bgcolor1=50404D
  
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|eyes = Black
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|bgcolor2=009966
  
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|hair = White
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|sentience=Sentient
  
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|feathers =
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|related=[[Human]]
  
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|related = *[[Dark Goblin]]
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|skin=Peach
  
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*[[Human]]
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|eyes=Black
  
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*[[Pukwudgie]]
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|hair=White
  
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|native = *[[Europe]] (originally)<ref name="PM">{{PM}}</ref>
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|feathers=
  
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*[[North America]]<ref name="FBS">{{FB|S}}</ref>
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|native=
  
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|alias=
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|alias =
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|height = 48 inches<ref name="WWHP">{{WWHP}}</ref>
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|height=
  
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|length=
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|length =
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|wingspan=
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|wingspan =
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|mortality = Mortal
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|distinction=
  
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|distinction =
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|affiliation=[[Gringotts Wizarding Bank]]
  
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|affiliation = [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank]]<ref name="PS5"/><ref name="DH26"/>
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|class=
  
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|status=[[Being]]
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|class = [[Being]]
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|status = Extant
 
}}
  
}}
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{{Quote|We are talking about a different breed of being. Dealings between wizards and goblins have been fraught for centuries ''...'' There has been fault on both sides, I would never claim that wizards have been innocent. However, there is a belief among some goblins, and those at Gringotts are perhaps most prone to it, that wizards cannot be trusted in matters of gold and treasure, that they have no respect for goblin ownership.|[[William Weasley|Bill Weasley]] talking to [[Harry Potter]] about goblins|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
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{{Quote|We are talking about a different breed of being. Dealings between wizards and goblins have been fraught for centuries ''...'' There has been fault on both sides, I would never claim that wizards have been innocent. However, there is a belief among some goblins, and those at Gringotts are perhaps most prone to it, that wizards cannot be trusted in matters of gold and treasure, that they have no respect for goblin ownership.|[[William Weasley|Bill Weasley]] on the mindset of goblins|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
  +
'''Goblins''' were a highly intelligent race of small [[magic]]al [[human]]oid [[being]]s with long fingers and feet that coexisted with the [[Wizardkind|wizarding world]]. Their diet consisted of meat, roots, and fungi. Goblins conversed in a language known as [[Gobbledegook]], and were adept metalsmiths notable for their [[silver]]work; they even minted coins for [[wizarding currency]]. Due to their skills with money and finances, they controlled the wizarding economy to a large extent and ran [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank]].<ref name="PS5"/>
   
  +
Goblins had [[Goblin magic|their own type of magic]] and could do magic [[Wandless magic|without a wand]]. They were represented by the [[Goblin Liaison Office]] of the [[Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures]] in the [[British Ministry of Magic]]. Goblins were considered to be inferior by many [[Wizardkind|wizards]], who foolishly believed that the goblins were comfortable with that arrangement.
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'''Goblins''' are a highly intelligent race of small hominids with long fingers and feet that coexist with [[Wizardkind|wizards]]. Their diet consists of meat, roots and fungi. Goblins converse in a language known as [[Gobbledegook]], and are adept metalsmiths notable for their silverwork; they even mint coins for wizarding currency. Due to their skills with money and finances, they control the wizarding economy to a large extent and run [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank]].
  
−  
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Goblins have their own type of [[magic]] and can do magic [[Wandless magic|without a wand]]. They are represented by the [[Goblin Liaison Office]] of the [[Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures]] in the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]]. Goblins are considered to be inferior by many wizards, who foolishly believe that the goblins are comfortable with that arrangement.
  
   
 
==Description==
  
==Description==
  +
===Physical appearance===
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{{Dialogue a-b|Harry Potter|Hagrid, what exactly are these things?|Rubeus Hagrid|They're goblins, Harry. Clever as they come, goblins, but not the most friendly of beasts.|Harry Potter's first experience of goblins|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)}}Goblins are short and fair-skinned, as they spend very little time outside. They have very long fingers and feet, and some have pointed beards. [[Griphook]], one of the hundreds of goblins working at Gringotts, has a bald head, pointed nose, and pointed ears. Some have dark, slanted eyes, and some goblins even wear pointed hats.
  
  +
Goblins were short and fair-skinned, as they spent very little time outside. They had very long fingers and feet, dome-shaped heads and were slightly larger than house-elves. [[Griphook]], one of the hundreds of goblins working at Gringotts, had a bald head, pointed nose, and pointed ears. Some had dark and slanted eyes. Their eyes had no whites.<ref name="DH25" /> Some goblins wore pointed hats.<ref name="PS5" />
  +
  +
===Intelligence===
  +
{{Dialogue a-b-a-b|Harry Potter|Wizards have banks?|Rubeus Hagrid|Just the one. Gringotts. Run by goblins.|Goblins?|Yeah — so yeh'd be mad ter try an' rob it, I'll tell yeh that. Never mess with goblins, Harry.|[[Harry Potter]] and [[Rubeus Hagrid]] discussing goblins|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
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[[File:Gringotts goblin played by Andy Herd.jpg|left|thumb|250px|A goblin employed at Gringotts]]
  +
Goblins were extremely clever and over the years had dealt with wizard-kind effectively. They were still subservient in the minds of most wizards, but they had established themselves as a vital part of wizarding society. The goblins ran Gringotts, the wizarding bank. Therefore, they controlled the wizarding economy to a large extent.<ref name="PS5" />
  +
  +
Goblins were extremely clever and more than able to stand up to wizards. The fact that the wizarding population treated them poorly was evidence of the severe injustice built into wizard culture. Ironically, the [[Fountain of Magical Brethren]] in the Atrium of the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] showed a goblin, along with a [[house-elf]] and a [[centaur]], gazing admiringly at a witch and wizard.<ref name="OOTP7">{{OOTP|B|7}}</ref>
  +
  +
Apart from their cleverness with money and finances, goblins were also very capable metalsmiths. Their silverwork was well known and prized ([[Sirius Black]]'s wealthy family had dishes which were 'finest fifteenth-century goblin-wrought silver, embossed with the Black family crest').<ref name="OOTP4">{{OOTP|B|4}}</ref> When [[Rubeus Hagrid]] [[Mission to the Giant colony|visited]] the [[Giant]]s, one of the presents he brought was a goblin-wrought helmet which was described as "indestructible".<ref name="OOTP20">{{OOTP|B|20}}</ref> Goblins minted the [[Wizarding currency|Galleons]], [[Wizarding currency|Sickles]], and [[Wizarding currency|Knuts]] used in the Wizarding world; each coin was stamped with a serial number identifying the goblin who cast it. They were also able to tell the difference between genuine and counterfeit, as [[Griphook]] easily discerned the [[Sword of Gryffindor]],<ref name="DH23">{{DH|B|23}}</ref> while [[Leprechaun gold]] couldn't fool them.<ref name="GOF37" />
  +
  +
It is possible that [[Half-goblin|part-goblin]] [[Filius Flitwick]] had inherited such cleverness since he was in [[Ravenclaw]]. He had also demonstrated such intelligence on many occasions, such as during the [[Battle of Hogwarts]], with his successful [[charm]]s work.
   
 
==History==
  
==History==
  +
[[Ragnuk|Ragnuk the First]] was the king of the goblins during the lifetime of [[Godric Gryffindor]]. As the king of the goblins was also their finest silversmith, he was commissioned by Gryffindor to forge a sword of pure goblin's silver, with rubies set into the hilt. By the time Ragnuk had finished the sword, he liked it so much that he sought to steal it back from Gryffindor. He sent a group of his subjects to retrieve the sword, but they were all fought off by Gryffindor. A legend persisted in the goblin community that Gryffindor had stolen the sword.<ref name="DH25">{{DH|B|25}}</ref>
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===Gringotts Wizarding Bank===
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{{Quote|Gringotts is the safest place in the world fer anything yeh want ter keep safe — 'cept maybe Hogwarts.|Gringotts' top notch security|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
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[[File:GringottsLogoDH.png|250px|right|thumb|The emblem of Gringotts Wizarding Bank, which employed goblins]]
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[[Gringott]] was a celebrated goblin who founded Gringotts Wizarding Bank in [[1474]]. For the Bank's founding and presumable management, Gringott was featured on a [[Chocolate Frog Card]].<ref name="POAG">{{POA|G}}</ref>
  +
  +
Partway down [[Diagon Alley]], near its intersection with [[Knockturn Alley]], stood an imposing snow-white marble building: [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank]]. "''Towering over the other shops''", it was the place where British witches and wizards stored their money and other valuables, in vaults miles below ground. The vaults were heavily guarded.<ref name="PS5">{{PS|B|5}}</ref><ref name="DH26">{{DH|B|26}}</ref>
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The centuries-old bank was run by goblins, and they alone knew the secrets of the twisting underground passages and the [[Thief's Downfall|enchantments]] (and creatures) in place to defend against intruders. The goblins had a code that forbade them to speak of the bank's secrets and would consider it "base treachery" to break any part of that code. [[Dragon]]s were said to guard the bank's high-security vaults — a rumour that was later confirmed as true.<ref name="DH26" />
  +
  +
It is unknown if Gringotts was the only bank in the wizarding world. [[Rubeus Hagrid]] said it was the only wizard bank,<ref name="PS5" /> but it isn't clear if he meant in [[Great Britain|Britain]], or in the wizarding world as a whole. It is known, however, that the bank at least had dealings in [[Egypt]], where [[William Weasley|Bill Weasley]] worked as a [[Curse-Breaker]] as of [[1993]].<ref name="POA1">{{POA|B|1}}</ref>
  +
 
===Rebellions===
  
===Rebellions===
 
{{Main|Goblin Rebellions}}
  
{{Main|Goblin Rebellions}}
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[[File:Urg the Unclean.jpg|thumb|right|175px|[[Urg the Unclean]], a goblin activist who lead some [[Goblin Rebellions]].]]
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[[File:Urg the Unclean.jpg|thumb|left|[[Urg the Unclean]], a goblin activist who led some [[Goblin Rebellions]]|213x213px]]
  +
Throughout the history of the wizarding world, there had been rebellions where the goblins had fought against discrimination and prejudice. They were still considered subservient in the minds of most wizards, and they were forbidden by the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry]] from carrying wands, which had led to deep-seated resentment. During the 16th century, [[Yardley Platt]] was a serial killer of goblins.<ref name="JKRS">{{JKRS}}</ref>
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Throughout the history of the Wizarding world, there have been several goblin rebellions. These rebellions were most prevalent in the 17th and 18th centuries, but even today there are subversive goblin groups who work in secret against the Ministry, according to the ''[[Daily Prophet]]''. One rebellion, in 1612, took place in the vicinity of [[Hogsmeade]]; the [[Three Broomsticks]] Inn was used as headquarters for the rebellion. The rebellions have been described as "bloody and vicious". The names of the rebels tend to run along the lines of "[[Bodrod the Bearded]]" and "[[Urg the Unclean]]", according to [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]].
  
   
  +
These rebellions were most prevalent in the 17th and 18th centuries. One rebellion, in [[1612]], took place in the vicinity of [[Hogsmeade]]; an unidentified inn was used as headquarters for the rebellion. The rebellions had been described as "bloody and vicious". The names of the rebels tended to run along the lines of "[[Bodrod the Bearded]]" and "[[Urg the Unclean]]", according to [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]].
−
The reasons for starting some of the varied Goblin Rebellions include all but one of the following (according to [[J.K.Rowling Official Site|J.K. Rowling's Official Site]]'s 3rd [[Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Test|W.O.M.B.A.T. test]], all but one of the following are true):
  
  +
According to the ''[[Daily Prophet]]'', even today there were subversive goblin groups who worked in secret against the Ministry, although the validity of these claims is uncertain.<ref name="OOTP15">{{OOTP|B|15}}</ref>
   
  +
[[File:Ranrok's Goblin Rebellion.png|thumb|250px|right|[[Goblin Rebellions|The Goblin Rebellion]] led by [[Ranrok]]]]
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*An allegation by [[Ragnuk|Ragnuk the First]] that [[Godric Gryffindor]] stole his sword
  
  +
The reasons for starting some of the varied Goblin Rebellions included all but one of the following (according to the 3rd [[Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Test|W.O.M.B.A.T. test]], all but one of the following were true): an allegation by [[Ragnuk|Ragnuk the First]] that [[Godric Gryffindor]] stole his sword; the pursuit and imprisonment of [[Ug the Unreliable]], who was peddling [[leprechaun]] gold; the accidental death of [[Nagnok]], [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank]] goblin, at the hands of an untrained [[Troll|security troll]] sent by the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]]; imprisonment of the notoriously violent [[Hodrod the Horny-Handed]], who attempted to kill three [[Wizardkind|wizards]]; the public ducking in the village pond by a gang of young wizards of goblin activist Urg the Unclean; and the Ministry of Magic [[Wand Ban|decree of 1631]] preventing [[Being|magical beings]] other than [[wizardkind|wizards and witches]] from carrying a [[wand]].<ref name="WOMBAT">[[Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Test]]</ref>
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*The pursuit and imprisonment of [[Ug the Unreliable]], who was peddling [[leprechaun]] gold
  
−
*The accidental death of [[Nagnok]], [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank]] goblin, at the hands of an untrained [[Troll|Security troll]] sent by the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]]
  
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*Imprisonment of the notoriously violent [[Hodrod the Horny-Handed]], who attempted to kill three [[wizards]]
  
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*The public ducking in the village pond by a gang of young wizards of goblin activist Urg the Unclean
  
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*The Ministry of Magic [[Wand Ban|decree of 1631]] preventing [[Being|magical beings]] other than [[Wizards|wizards and witches]] from carrying a [[wand]].
  
   
−
===Wizarding Wars===
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=== Wizarding Wars===
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The goblins suffered their share of losses during the first rise of [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] in the [[1970s]]. A [[Goblin family near Nottingham|family living near Nottingham]] had been murdered by Voldemort's followers at that time, and [[William Weasley|Bill Weasley]] has been approaching the goblins, appealing to their sense of belonging to the Wizarding community. This proved problematic, however, because a Ministry official, [[Ludovic Bagman|Ludo Bagman]], swindled a group of goblins out of a large amount of gold at the [[Quidditch World Cup]] in the summer of [[1994]], leading the goblins to distrust both sides and became neutral during the war. When the [[trio]] [[Break-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank (1998)|broke into]] the [[Lestrange Vault]] in [[1998]], Voldemort personally murdered many goblins present in the bank in fury and to eliminate witnesses of those who knew of his [[Helga Hufflepuff's Cup|cup]] [[horcrux]].
 +
The goblins suffered their share of losses during the first rise of [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] in the [[1970s]]. A [[Goblin family near Nottingham|family living near Nottingham]] had been murdered by Voldemort. [[William Weasley|Bill Weasley]] had been approaching the goblins, appealing to their sense of belonging to the wizarding community. This proved problematic, however, because a Ministry official, [[Ludovic Bagman|Ludo Bagman]], swindled a group of goblins out of a large amount of gold at the [[Quidditch World Cup]] in the summer of [[1994]],<ref name="GOF37">{{GOF|B|37}}</ref> leading the goblins to distrust both sides and become neutral during the war.<ref name="OOTP5">{{OOTP|B|5}}</ref>
   
  +
In the aftermath of the [[trio]]'s [[Break-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank (1998)|successful robbery]] of the [[Lestrange Vault]] in [[1998]], Voldemort personally [[Massacre at Malfoy Manor|murdered]] many goblins present in the bank in fury and to eliminate witnesses of those who knew of his [[Hufflepuff's Cup|cup]] [[Horcrux]].<ref name="DH27">{{DH|B|27}}</ref>
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==Intelligence==
  
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[[File:Goblin.jpg|thumb|left|258px|The [[Gringotts Head Goblin]], an employee of [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank]]]]
  
−
Goblins are extremely clever and over the years have dealt with wizard-kind effectively. They are still subservient in the minds of most wizards, but they have established themselves as a vital part of wizarding society. The goblins run Gringotts, the wizarding bank. Therefore, they control the wizarding economy to a large extent. It is unknown if Gringotts is the only bank in the wizarding world. Goblins are extremely clever and more than able to stand up to wizards. The fact that the wizarding population treats them poorly is evidence of the severe injustice built into wizard culture. Ironically, the Fountain of Magical Brethren in the Atrium of the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] shows a goblin, along with a [[house-elf]] and a [[centaur]], gazing admiringly at a witch and wizard.
  
   
  +
== Human relations==
−
Apart from their cleverness with money and finances, goblins are also very capable metalsmiths. Their silverwork is well known and prized ([[Sirius Black]]'s wealthy family had dishes which were 'finest fifteenth-century goblin-wrought silver, embossed with the Black family crest'). When [[Rubeus Hagrid]] visited the [[Giant]]s, one of the presents he brought was a goblin-wrought helmet which was described as "indestructible". Goblins actually mint the [[Wizarding currency|Galleons]], [[Wizarding currency|Sickles]], and [[Wizarding currency|Knuts]] used in the Wizarding world; each coin is stamped with a serial number identifying the goblin who cast it.
  
  +
{{Quote|Gold, filthy gold! We cannot live without it, yet I confess I deplore the necessity of consorting with our long-fingered friends.|[[Travers]]'s distaste for goblins|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
  +
[[File:Goblin jazz singer.png|left|thumb|239x239px|A female goblin singing jazz in [[The Blind Pig|The Bling Pig]] in [[1926]]]]
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Despite this troubled history, they had established themselves as a vital part of wizarding society. Being in charge of [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank|Gringotts]], they controlled the wizarding economy to a large extent. Apart from their cleverness with money and finances, goblins were also very capable metalsmiths. Their silverwork was well known and prized. [[Sirius Black]]'s wealthy family had dishes which were "''finest fifteenth-century goblin-wrought silver, embossed with the Black family crest''".<ref name="OOTP4" /> When [[Rubeus Hagrid|Hagrid]] visited the [[giant]]s, one of the presents he brought was a goblin-wrought helmet which was described as "indestructible".<ref name="OOTP20" /> At her wedding to [[William Weasley|Bill]], [[Fleur Delacour]] wore a goblin-made tiara owned by the Weasley's [[Muriel|Auntie Muriel]].<ref name="DH8">{{DH|B|8}}</ref>
   
  +
Goblins minted the [[Galleon]]s, [[Sickle]]s, and [[Wizarding currency|Knuts]] used in the wizarding world; each coin was stamped with a serial number identifying the goblin who cast it. Perhaps the most famous goblin-made artefact was the [[Sword of Gryffindor]].<ref name="DH25" />
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It is possible that [[Half-goblin|part-goblin]] [[Filius Flitwick]] has inherited such cleverness since he is in [[Ravenclaw]]. He has also demonstrated such brilliance in many occasions, such as during the [[Battle of Hogwarts]], with his successful charmswork.
  
   
  +
[[File:Gringotts Goblins.png|thumb|250px|Goblins working with wizarding currency at Gringotts]]
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==Known Goblins==
  
  +
There were rumours, almost certainly unfounded, that [[Cornelius Fudge]] was plotting ways to wrestle control of the money supply and the economy from the goblins while in office. [[Ludovic Bagman|Ludo Bagman]], got on the wrong side of a group of goblins when he swindled them out of a large amount of gold at the [[Quidditch World Cup]] in the summer of 1995.<ref name="GOF37" /> This exacerbated the anti-[[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry]] feeling, which made it difficult for [[William Weasley|Bill Weasley]] who was tasked with the job of trying to persuade the goblins to side with wizards against [[Tom Riddle|Voldemort]].<ref name="OOTP5">{{OOTP|B|5}}</ref>
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[[File:Griphook1.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Griphook]], a Gringotts employee.]]
  
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*[[Ragnuk|Ragnuk the First]]: maker of [[Godric Gryffindor's Sword]].
  
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*[[Gringott]]: Founder of [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank]].
  
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*[[Filius Flitwick's goblin ancestor]]: distant ancestor of [[Filius Flitwick]].
  
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*[[Eargit the Ugly]]: a spokes-goblin.
  
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*[[Urg the Unclean]]: an activist.
  
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*[[Ug the Unreliable]]: a con-artist.
  
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*[[Alguff the Awful]]: a commercialist.
  
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*[[Brodrig the Boss-Eyed]]: spokesgoblin at the [[Brotherhood of Goblins]].
  
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*[[Ragnok the Pigeon-Toed]]: an author and activist.
  
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*[[Ragnok]]: an associate of [[William Weasley|Bill Weasley]].
  
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*[[Bogrod]]: employee at Gringotts.
  
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*[[Griphook]]: employee at Gringotts.
  
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*[[Gornuk]]: employee at Gringotts.
  
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*[[Nagnok]]: employee at Gringotts.
  
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*[[Gringotts Head Goblin]]: employee and head at Gringotts.
  
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*[[Ludovic Bagman's goblin creditors]]: some goblins that put [[Ludovic Bagman|Bagman]] under pressure because he could not pay the money.
  
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*[[Unidentified goblin associate of Oswald Beamish]]: a goblin that was an associate of [[Oswald Beamish|Beamish]].
  
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*[[Unidentified goblin killed by Voldemort]]: former employee at Gringotts.
  
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*[[Unidentified goblin philosopher]]: a philosopher goblin.
  
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*[[Unidentified Gringotts Bank teller]]: a goblin that was counting the cash-money.
  
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*[[Unidentified goblin stockbroker]]: a goblin that works at the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]].
  
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*[[Unidentified Gringotts Bank goblin guard]]: a goblin that guarded the silver doors at Gringotts.
  
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*[[Unidentified Gringotts spokesgoblin]]: a goblin that tells about serious events.
  
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*[[Portrait of a goblin|Goblin who had himself pictured in portraits]]: a famous goblin.
  
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*[[Tall goblin]]: employee at Gringotts.
  
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*[[Magic goblin]]: employee at Gringotts.
  
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*[[Clever goblin]]: employee at Gringotts.
  
   
  +
[[File:Harry-potter-gringotts 320.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Several Goblins of [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank|Gringotts]]]]
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===Known Part-Goblins===
  
  +
When the [[Death Eaters]] started rising in power, people feared the goblins would have joined Voldemort, as did other oppressed such as [[Werewolf|werewolves]] and [[giant]]s. However, this did not happen, as Voldemort even murdered a [[Goblin family near Nottingham]], leading to them standing at a neutral point.<ref name="OOTP5" /> Death Eater Travers even made it clear he disliked the goblins as a whole, and only tolerated them for their ability to maintain the wizarding currency in check.<ref name="DH27" />
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*[[Filius Flitwick]]: [[Charms Master]] in [[Charms (class)|Charms class]] at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]].
  
   
  +
Goblins could use magic without the aid of a [[wand]], although they were insulted by the refusal of wizards to allow them to use wands. In turn, goblins concealed the secrets of their magic from wizards. Their weaponry and armour were nearly indestructible when created and had their kinds of magical properties.
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==Human relations==
  
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[[File:Goblin potions market.jpg|thumb|right|175px|[[Unidentified goblin stockbroker|A goblin stockbroker]], who lost a lot of Galleons in [[August]] of [[1995]].]]
  
−
{{Quote|Gold, filthy gold! We cannot live without it, yet I confess I deplore the necessity of consorting with our long-fingered friends.|[[Travers]], a [[Death Eaters|Death Eater]], on his distate of goblins|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
  
   
  +
===Wizard jobs at Gringotts===
−
Throughout wizarding history there has been a dispute between wizards and goblins due to errors on both sides. Goblins can be bloodthirsty and cruel towards wizards and consider them to be arrogant while many wizards consider goblins inferior. Goblins have in the past, resenting the fact that they occupy positions as second-class citizens, resorted to violence in the form of rebellions and riots.
  
  +
[[File:BillWeasleyOffice.png|250px|thumb|right|[[William Weasley|Bill Weasley]] worked at Gringotts Wizarding Bank as a [[Curse-Breaker]]]]
  +
There seemed to be several jobs available at Gringotts for wizards, in addition to those positions held by goblins, though they were largely behind-the-scenes. [[William Weasley|Bill Weasley]] took a job as a [[Curse-Breaker]], hunting treasure in [[Egypt]] after his graduation from [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]]. The job was described in a pamphlet available to Hogwarts students.<ref name="OOTP29">{{OOTP|B|29}}</ref>
   
  +
When he wanted to do work for the [[Order of the Phoenix]], Bill transferred to a desk job in England to be near home. That same year, [[Fleur Delacour]] took a job at Gringotts as well, to improve her English, though she only worked part-time. There also seemed to be a full-time security force that was comprised of wizards, and that rushed to the scene when the Lestranges vault was broken into. They also employed Dragon Feeders, a job with a high mortality rate, at 7 Galleons per week.<ref name="DH26" />
−
Goblins can use magic without the aid of a [[wand]], although they are insulted by the refusal of wizards to allow them to use wands. In turn, goblins conceal the secrets of their own magic from wizards. Their weaponry and armour are nearly indestructible when created and have a very particular property.
  
   
 
==Goblin values==
  
==Goblin values==
  +
{{Quote|To a goblin, the rightful and true master of any object is the maker, not the purchaser. All goblin-made objects are, in goblin eyes, rightfully theirs.|Explanation of goblin notions of payment and ownership|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
−
[[File:Griphook.png|thumb|left|248px|[[Griphook]] holding the [[Godric Gryffindor's sword|Sword of Godric Gryffindor]], a goblin-made object which he believes rightfully belongs to the makers, not the buyers.]]
  
  +
[[File:Griphook dh.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Griphook]], a goblin who believed the [[Sword of Gryffindor]] belonged to its goblin makers]]
−
{{Dialogue a-b-a|Bill|You don't understand, Harry, nobody could understand unless they have lived with goblins. To a goblin, the rightful and true master of any object is the maker, not the purchaser. All goblin-made objects are, in goblin eyes, rightfully theirs.|Harry|But if it was bought --|-- then they would consider it rented by the one who had paid the money. They have, however, great difficulty with the idea of goblin-made objects passing from wizard to wizard. You saw [[Griphook]]'s face when the tiara passed under his eyes. He disapproves. I believe he thinks, as do the fiercest of his kind, that it ought to have been returned to the goblins once the original purchaser died. They consider our habit of keeping goblin-made objects, passing them from wizard to wizard without further payment, little more than theft.|[[William Weasley|Bill Weasley]] explaining goblin notions of payment and ownership|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
  
  +
Overall, goblins' idea of payment and repayment were not the same as humans. Goblins disliked theft but used a different definition of the word. By goblin standards, the maker of an item, not the purchaser, was the rightful owner; the item was required to be returned to its maker after the death of the purchaser. Goblins believed that the wizard paying for a goblin-made artefact was merely renting it, not owning it. Thus it would, in their eyes, be of absolute necessity for each new owner to pay the maker individually to possess the item to reset the cycle of ownership. Goblins considered the passing of an item from one wizard or witch to another without further payment to its maker "''little more than theft''", as [[William Weasley|Bill Weasley]] put it.<ref name="DH25">{{DH|B|25}}</ref>
   
  +
Goblins also held the debt to extremes, as they hunted down Ludo Bagman after he lost a bet with them, and even though they took everything of value from him after he cheated them with [[leprechaun gold]], they still hounded him due to it being not enough to cover his debt.<ref name="GOF37" /> When Bagman ran out on his final loss against the goblins, they refused to side with the [[human]]s due to this cheat.
−
Overall, goblins' idea of payment and repayment are not the same as humans. Goblins dislike theft, but use a different definition of the word. By goblin standards, the maker of an item, not the purchaser is the rightful owner; the purchaser is required to return the item to its maker upon his or her death. Goblins believe that the wizard paying for a goblin-made artefact is merely renting it, not owning it. Goblins consider the passing of an item from one wizard or witch to another without further payment to its maker "little more than theft", as [[William Weasley|Bill Weasley]] puts it.
  
   
  +
==Known goblins==
−
Goblins also hold debt to extremes, as they hunted down Ludo Bagman after he lost a bet with them, and even though they took everything of value from him after he cheated them with [[Leprechaun gold]], they still hounded him due to it being not enough to cover his debt. When Bagman ran out on his final loss against the goblins, they refused to side with the [[human]]s due to this cheat.
  
  +
{| class="wikitable" border="1" width="100%"
  +
|-
  +
! scope="col" |Goblin(s)
  +
! scope="col" |Notes
  +
|-
  +
|[[Alguff the Awful]]
  +
|A goblin known for being particularly foul-smelling, who attempted to sell vials of his sweat for [[Dungbomb]] production.<ref name="POAG">{{POA|G}}</ref>
  +
|-
  +
|[[Belgruff the Bludgeoner]]
  +
|Originally a peaceful member of the goblin rights movement, but was corrupted by power and became militant after associating with Ranrok.<ref name="HL">{{HL}}</ref>
  +
|-
  +
|[[Bogrod]]
  +
|An employee at Gringotts.<ref name="DH26" />
  +
|-
  +
|[[Bodrig the Boss-Eyed]]
  +
|Spokesgoblin at the [[Brotherhood of Goblins]].
  +
|-
  +
|[[Burgock]]
  +
|An employee at Gringotts.<ref name="HM6TDT1">{{HM|6|THE DRAGON'S TREASURE|1}}</ref>
  +
|-
  +
|[[Clever goblin]]
  +
|An employee at Gringotts.
  +
|-
  +
|[[Eargit the Ugly]]
  +
|The goblin representative at the [[14th century]] of the [[Wizard's Council]].<ref name="POAG" />
  +
|-
  +
|[[Filius Flitwick's goblin ancestor]]
  +
|A distant ancestor of [[Filius Flitwick]].
  +
|-
  +
|[[Goblin killed by Sebastian Sallow]]
  +
|[[Sebastian Sallow]] used the [[Imperius Curse]] to force this goblin to [[Death|fatally]] stab himself with his own sword in order to protect his [[Anne Sallow|sister]].<ref name="HL"/>
  +
|-
  +
|[[Gnarlak]]
  +
|American goblin, owner of the speakeasy, [[The Blind Pig]].
  +
|-
  +
|[[Gornuk]]
  +
|An employee at Gringotts.
  +
|-
  +
|[[Gringott]]
  +
|Founder of [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank]].
  +
|-
  +
|[[Gringotts Guard]]
  +
|A security guard who worked in the oldest sections of the bank.<ref name="HL"/>
  +
|-
  +
|[[Gringotts Head Goblin]]
  +
|Employee and head at Gringotts.
  +
|-
  +
|[[Griphook]]
  +
|An employee at Gringotts.<ref name="PS5" />
  +
|-
  +
|[[Grodbik]]
  +
|A young trusted guard of Ranrok, said to be outspoken.<ref name="HL"/>
  +
|-
  +
|[[Lodgok]]
  +
|A metal trader and younger brother of [[goblin supremacy]] extremist, Ranrok. He was disillusioned with Ranrok's mission and defected after meeting [[Miriam Fig|a kind witch]].<ref name="HL"/>
  +
|-
  +
|[[Loyalist Assassin]]s
  +
|A battalion of [[Ranrok's Loyalists]] who used corrupted [[ancient magic]] to grant themselves immense speed.<ref name="HL"/>
  +
|-
  +
|[[Loyalist Commander]]s
  +
|A battalion of [[Ranrok's Loyalists]] who wielded hammers with impressive skill and were capable of using ancient magic during [[duel]]s.<ref name="HL"/>
  +
|-
  +
|[[Loyalist Ranger]]s
  +
|A battalion of [[Ranrok's Loyalists]] who duelled using [[crossbow]]s imbued with ancient magic.<ref name="HL"/>
  +
|-
  +
|[[Loyalist Sentinel]]s
  +
|A battalion of [[Ranrok's Loyalists]] who specialised in offensive and defensive [[goblin magic]] and were capable of going toe-to-toe with the most powerful [[Wizardkind|witches and wizards]]. <ref name="HL"/>
  +
|-
  +
|[[Loyalist Warrior]]s
  +
|A battalion of [[Ranrok's Loyalists]] who wielded heavy goblin weaponry.<ref name="HL"/>
  +
|-
  +
|[[Ludovic Bagman's goblin creditors]]
  +
|Some goblins that put [[Ludovic Bagman|Bagman]] under pressure because he could not pay the money.<ref name="GOF37" />
  +
|-
  +
|[[Magic goblin]]
  +
|An employee at Gringotts.
  +
|-
  +
|[[Nagnok]]
  +
|An employee at Gringotts.
  +
|-
  +
|[[Odbert]]
  +
|An employee at Gringotts.<ref name="HM6TDT1" />
  +
|-
  +
|[[Ogbert the Odd]]
  +
|Joined Ranrok after an encounter with a security dragon at [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank|Gringotts Bank]].<ref name="HL"/>
  +
|-
  +
|[[Pergit]]
  +
|One of [[Ranrok's Loyalists]] who was rumoured to be attacking travellers in the [[Lower Hogsfield]] area and retreating to [[Korrow Ruins]].<ref>{{HL}} - Lower Hogsfield rumour</ref>
  +
|-
  +
|A goblin [[Portrait of a goblin|who had himself pictured in portraits]]
  +
|A famous goblin.
  +
|-
  +
|[[Ragnok]]
  +
| An associate of [[William Weasley|Bill Weasley]].<ref name="OOTP5" />
  +
|-
  +
|[[Ragnok the Pigeon-Toed]]
  +
|An author and activist.<ref name="DP">{{DP}}: [[1 June]], [[1999]], page 1</ref>
  +
|-
  +
|[[Ragnuk|Ragnuk the First]]
  +
|The maker of the [[Sword of Gryffindor]].<ref name="PM-sword">{{WW|the-sword-of-gryffindor}}</ref>
  +
|-
  +
|[[Ranrok]]
  +
|A goblin who led an anti-wizard [[Ranrok's goblin rebellion|rebellion]] in the [[19th century]], with the help of [[Dark wizard]]s.<ref name="HL">{{HL}}</ref>
  +
|-
  +
|[[Red]]
  +
|A bellboy for the [[Magical Congress of the United States of America]].
  +
|-
  +
|[[Ricbert]]
  +
|A goblin that worked at Gringotts in the position of Chief Bank Teller.<ref name="DHF2">{{DH|F2}}</ref>
  +
|-
  +
|[[Tall goblin]]
  +
|An employee at Gringotts.
  +
|-
  +
|[[Unidentified goblin associate of Oswald Beamish]]
  +
|A goblin that was an associate of [[Oswald Beamish|Beamish]].
  +
|-
  +
|[[Unidentified goblin killed by Voldemort]]
  +
|A former employee at Gringotts.
  +
|-
  +
|[[Unidentified goblin philosopher]]
  +
|A philosopher goblin.
  +
|-
  +
|[[Unidentified Gringotts Bank goblin guard]]
  +
| A goblin that guarded the silver doors at Gringotts.
  +
|-
  +
|[[Unidentified Gringotts spokesgoblin]]
  +
|A goblin that spoke about serious events publicly.
  +
|-
  +
|[[Unidentified goblin stockbroker]]
  +
|A goblin that worked at the [[British Ministry of Magic]].
  +
|-
  +
|[[Ug the Unreliable]]
  +
| A con artist, known for organising the fraudulent [[Demiguise Derby]].<ref name="POAG" />
  +
|-
  +
|[[Urg the Unclean]]
  +
|An activist.<ref name="POAG" />
  +
|-
  +
|[[Urgruff the Unwary]]
  +
|A goblin who made a perfect [[dragon egg]] [[Urgruff's Golden Egg|replica]].<ref name="HM6ACB">{{HM|6|Adventures in Curse-Breaking |SQ}}</ref>
  +
|-
  +
|[[Goblin jazz singer]]
  +
|A female goblin who performed as a singer in the [[The Blind Pig]] in the [[1920s]].<ref name="FBS">{{FB|S}}</ref>
  +
|}
   
−
==Behind the Scenes==
 +
===Known part-goblins===
  +
*[[Filius Flitwick]]: [[Charms Master]] at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]].
−
*According to [[Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Test|W.O.M.B.A.T.]], it is possible that goblins fear sunlight, which may explain why [[Human]]s guarded the outside doors of [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank|Gringotts]].
  
  +
−
*At Gringotts, goblins appear to have a lounge, where they can relax and dance. It is located in [[Vault 712]].
  
  +
==Behind the scenes ==
−
*Goblins are known to have not agreed with the Statute of Secrecy summit decisions of 1692.
  
  +
*The {{wplink|goblin}} is an evil, mischievous creature from [[Europe]]an mythology. Though they are described inconsistently in the myths of different countries, common traits include short stature, the magical ability of some form, and a love of money.
  +
**The Goblins being good metalsmiths seems to be based on the dwarves of Nordic mythology.
  +
* According to [[Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Test|W.O.M.B.A.T.]], it is possible that goblins fear sunlight, which may explain why [[Human]]s guarded the outside doors of [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank|Gringotts]].
  +
* At Gringotts, goblins appear to have a lounge, where they can relax and dance. It is located in [[Vault 712]].
  +
*Goblins are known to have not agreed with the Statute of Secrecy summit decisions of [[1692]].
 
*Former Minister of Magic [[Cornelius Fudge]] was nicknamed "Goblin-Crusher" by the tabloid magazine ''[[The Quibbler]]'' due to debatable claims that Fudge kills goblins in ways that may seem ridiculous, such as cooking them in pies.
  
*Former Minister of Magic [[Cornelius Fudge]] was nicknamed "Goblin-Crusher" by the tabloid magazine ''[[The Quibbler]]'' due to debatable claims that Fudge kills goblins in ways that may seem ridiculous, such as cooking them in pies.
−
*In ''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4]]'' the goblin that asked Hagrid for Harry's keys appeared to have been taking notes. However, when the goblin went to fetch Griphook, Hagrid caught a glimpse of the paper, revealing it to have simply been a child's drawing of a house.
 +
*In {{LEGO|Y1}} the goblin that asked Hagrid for Harry's keys appeared to have been taking notes. However, when the goblin went to fetch Griphook, Hagrid caught a glimpse of the paper, revealing it to have simply been a child's drawing of a house.
  +
*Oddly, only [[goblin jazz singer|one female goblin]] has ever appeared in any Wizarding World media.
−
*Given that there were never any female goblins featured in Harry Potter, it is possible that goblins have stereotypical sexist beliefs that women should do domestic labour, and female goblins therefore do domestic chores for their working husbands.
  
−
*Goblin ideas of ownership are similar to the theory of [[Wikipedia:Georgism|Georgism]].
 +
*Goblin's ideas of ownership are similar to the theory of {{W|Georgism}}.
  +
*Goblins have the power to do magic. However, in {{LEGO|Y1}}, they only come with a key.
−
*Rowling perhaps used the fact that the goblins were a vital part of Wizarding life, controlling their only bank, no matter how wizards see goblins as an inferior race, inspired by the prejudice of Nazi against Jews (hitherto anti-Semitism) and Adolf Hitler's theory of Jews coverting world domination by controlling banks all over the world. This is supported by the fact that some wizards, like Hermione Granger, see this prejudice in a negative way.
  
  +
*In {{DH|FA2}}, many of the Gringotts goblins were portrayed by members of Willow Management, an agency founded in part by [[Warwick Davis]], specialising in representing actors under 5 feet tall.
−
*Goblins have the power to do magic. However, in ''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4]]'', they only come with a key.
  
  +
*Goblin culture seems to not include surnames.
−
*In'' [[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2]]'', many of the Gringotts goblins were portrayed by members of Willow Management, an agency founded in part by [[Warwick Davis]], specializing in representing actors under 5 feet tall.
  
  +
*In the first film, Rubeus Hagrid referred to goblins as beasts, although they are classified as beings. However, he may simply have been speaking metaphorically.
  +
*Some commentators have alleged that [[J. K. Rowling]]'s depiction of goblins in the [[Harry Potter universe]] resemble anti-Semitic caricatures, particularly due to their appearance and behaviour,<ref name="forbes">[https://www.forbes.com/sites/danidiplacido/2022/01/05/the-harry-potter-anti-semitism-controversy-explained/?sh=6ff84d426776 The "Harry Potter" Anti-Semitism Controversy, Explained]</ref> but others have strongly dismissed this notion.<ref name="times-of-israel">[https://www.timesofisrael.com/jewish-groups-defend-j-k-rowling-over-claim-harry-potter-goblins-antisemitic/ Jewish groups defend J.K. Rowling over claim "Harry Potter" goblins antisemitic]</ref>
   
 
==Appearances==
  
==Appearances==
−
{{Imagecat|Images of Goblins}}
 +
{{Imagecat|Images of goblins}}
  +
*{{PS}} {{1st}}
−
*''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'' {{1st}}
  
  +
*{{PS|F}}
−
*''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)]]''
  
  +
*{{PS|G}}
−
*''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game)]]''
  
  +
*{{COS}}
−
*''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]''
  
  +
*{{COS|G}}
−
*''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)]]''
  
−
*''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]'' {{Mention}}
 +
*{{POA}} {{Mention}}
  +
*{{POA|F}}
−
*''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]''
  
  +
*{{POA|G}} {{FWC}}
−
*''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]''
  
  +
*{{GOF}}
−
*''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)]]''
  
  +
*{{OOTP}}
−
*''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]''
  
  +
*{{OOTP|F}}
−
*''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)]]''
  
  +
*{{HBP}}
−
*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]''
  
  +
*{{HBP|F}}
−
*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1]]''
  
  +
*{{DH}}
−
*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (video game)]]''
  
  +
*{{DH|F1}}
−
*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2]]''
  
  +
*{{DH|G1}}
−
*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (video game)]]''
  
  +
*{{DH|F2}}
−
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Building the Magical World]]''
  
  +
*{{DH|G2}}
−
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Characters of the Magical World]]''
  
  +
*{{CC}} {{Mention}}
−
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4]]''
  
  +
*{{CC|P}} {{Mention}}
−
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7]]''
  
  +
*{{FB|S}}
−
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter|Harry Potter LEGO Sets]]''
  
  +
*{{FB|F}}
−
*''[[Harry Potter Trading Card Game]]''
  
  +
*{{COG|S}} {{Mention}}
−
*''[[Pottermore]]''
  
  +
*{{DP}} {{Mention}}
  +
*{{JKRS}} {{Mention}}
  +
*{{PM}}
  +
*{{WW}}
  +
*{{HPV|CH}}
  +
*{{HPV|CR}}
  +
*{{WWHP}}
  +
*{{TCG}}
  +
*{{LEGO}}
  +
*{{LEGO|B}}
  +
*{{LEGO|C}}
  +
*{{LEGO|C2}}
  +
*{{LEGO|Y1}}
  +
*{{LEGO|Y2}}
  +
*{{LEGO|D}}
  +
*{{HM}}
  +
*{{WU}}
  +
*{{MA}}
  +
*{{HPWA}}
   
  +
==Notes and references==
  +
{{Reflist}}
 
{{Diagon Alley}}
  
{{Diagon Alley}}
  +
[[de:Kobold]]
−  
−
[[fr:Gobelin]]
 +
[[es:Duende]]
−
[[it:Folletto]]
 +
[[fr:Gobelin]]
−
[[ru:Гоблин]]
 +
[[it:Folletto]]
−
[[Category:Beings]]
 +
[[pl:Gobliny]]
  +
[[pt:Duende]]
  +
[[ru:Гоблин]]
  +
[[ja:小鬼]]
  +
[[Category:Creatures from Europe]]
  +
[[Category:Creatures from North America]]
  +
[[Category:Folio Bruti entries]]
  +
[[Category:Foundables]]
 
[[Category:Goblins]]
  
[[Category:Goblins]]
  +
[[Category:Muggle-known creatures]]

Latest revision as of 06:41, 4 March 2024

Hand pointing right transparent Warning!

At least some content in this article is derived from information featured in: Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery & Harry Potter: Magic Awakened & Hogwarts Legacy.
As such, spoilers will be present within the article.

"We are talking about a different breed of being. Dealings between wizards and goblins have been fraught for centuries ... There has been fault on both sides, I would never claim that wizards have been innocent. However, there is a belief among some goblins, and those at Gringotts are perhaps most prone to it, that wizards cannot be trusted in matters of gold and treasure, that they have no respect for goblin ownership."
— Bill Weasley on the mindset of goblins[src]

Goblins were a highly intelligent race of small magical humanoid beings with long fingers and feet that coexisted with the wizarding world. Their diet consisted of meat, roots, and fungi. Goblins conversed in a language known as Gobbledegook, and were adept metalsmiths notable for their silverwork; they even minted coins for wizarding currency. Due to their skills with money and finances, they controlled the wizarding economy to a large extent and ran Gringotts Wizarding Bank.[4]

Goblins had their own type of magic and could do magic without a wand. They were represented by the Goblin Liaison Office of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures in the British Ministry of Magic. Goblins were considered to be inferior by many wizards, who foolishly believed that the goblins were comfortable with that arrangement.

Description

Physical appearance

Goblins were short and fair-skinned, as they spent very little time outside. They had very long fingers and feet, dome-shaped heads and were slightly larger than house-elves. Griphook, one of the hundreds of goblins working at Gringotts, had a bald head, pointed nose, and pointed ears. Some had dark and slanted eyes. Their eyes had no whites.[6] Some goblins wore pointed hats.[4]

Intelligence

Harry Potter: "Wizards have banks?"
Rubeus Hagrid: "Just the one. Gringotts. Run by goblins."
Harry Potter: "Goblins?"
Rubeus Hagrid: "Yeah — so yeh'd be mad ter try an' rob it, I'll tell yeh that. Never mess with goblins, Harry."
— Harry Potter and Rubeus Hagrid discussing goblins[src]
Gringotts goblin played by Andy Herd

A goblin employed at Gringotts

Goblins were extremely clever and over the years had dealt with wizard-kind effectively. They were still subservient in the minds of most wizards, but they had established themselves as a vital part of wizarding society. The goblins ran Gringotts, the wizarding bank. Therefore, they controlled the wizarding economy to a large extent.[4]

Goblins were extremely clever and more than able to stand up to wizards. The fact that the wizarding population treated them poorly was evidence of the severe injustice built into wizard culture. Ironically, the Fountain of Magical Brethren in the Atrium of the Ministry of Magic showed a goblin, along with a house-elf and a centaur, gazing admiringly at a witch and wizard.[7]

Apart from their cleverness with money and finances, goblins were also very capable metalsmiths. Their silverwork was well known and prized (Sirius Black's wealthy family had dishes which were 'finest fifteenth-century goblin-wrought silver, embossed with the Black family crest').[8] When Rubeus Hagrid visited the Giants, one of the presents he brought was a goblin-wrought helmet which was described as "indestructible".[9] Goblins minted the Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts used in the Wizarding world; each coin was stamped with a serial number identifying the goblin who cast it. They were also able to tell the difference between genuine and counterfeit, as Griphook easily discerned the Sword of Gryffindor,[10] while Leprechaun gold couldn't fool them.[11]

It is possible that part-goblin Filius Flitwick had inherited such cleverness since he was in Ravenclaw. He had also demonstrated such intelligence on many occasions, such as during the Battle of Hogwarts, with his successful charms work.

History

Ragnuk the First was the king of the goblins during the lifetime of Godric Gryffindor. As the king of the goblins was also their finest silversmith, he was commissioned by Gryffindor to forge a sword of pure goblin's silver, with rubies set into the hilt. By the time Ragnuk had finished the sword, he liked it so much that he sought to steal it back from Gryffindor. He sent a group of his subjects to retrieve the sword, but they were all fought off by Gryffindor. A legend persisted in the goblin community that Gryffindor had stolen the sword.[6]

Gringotts Wizarding Bank

"Gringotts is the safest place in the world fer anything yeh want ter keep safe — 'cept maybe Hogwarts."
— Gringotts' top notch security[src]
GringottsLogoDH

The emblem of Gringotts Wizarding Bank, which employed goblins

Gringott was a celebrated goblin who founded Gringotts Wizarding Bank in 1474. For the Bank's founding and presumable management, Gringott was featured on a Chocolate Frog Card.[12]

Partway down Diagon Alley, near its intersection with Knockturn Alley, stood an imposing snow-white marble building: Gringotts Wizarding Bank. "Towering over the other shops", it was the place where British witches and wizards stored their money and other valuables, in vaults miles below ground. The vaults were heavily guarded.[4][5]

The centuries-old bank was run by goblins, and they alone knew the secrets of the twisting underground passages and the enchantments (and creatures) in place to defend against intruders. The goblins had a code that forbade them to speak of the bank's secrets and would consider it "base treachery" to break any part of that code. Dragons were said to guard the bank's high-security vaults — a rumour that was later confirmed as true.[5]

It is unknown if Gringotts was the only bank in the wizarding world. Rubeus Hagrid said it was the only wizard bank,[4] but it isn't clear if he meant in Britain, or in the wizarding world as a whole. It is known, however, that the bank at least had dealings in Egypt, where Bill Weasley worked as a Curse-Breaker as of 1993.[13]

Rebellions

Main article: Goblin Rebellions
Urg the Unclean

Urg the Unclean, a goblin activist who led some Goblin Rebellions

Throughout the history of the wizarding world, there had been rebellions where the goblins had fought against discrimination and prejudice. They were still considered subservient in the minds of most wizards, and they were forbidden by the Ministry from carrying wands, which had led to deep-seated resentment. During the 16th century, Yardley Platt was a serial killer of goblins.[14]

These rebellions were most prevalent in the 17th and 18th centuries. One rebellion, in 1612, took place in the vicinity of Hogsmeade; an unidentified inn was used as headquarters for the rebellion. The rebellions had been described as "bloody and vicious". The names of the rebels tended to run along the lines of "Bodrod the Bearded" and "Urg the Unclean", according to Ron Weasley. According to the Daily Prophet, even today there were subversive goblin groups who worked in secret against the Ministry, although the validity of these claims is uncertain.[15]

Ranrok's Goblin Rebellion

The Goblin Rebellion led by Ranrok

The reasons for starting some of the varied Goblin Rebellions included all but one of the following (according to the 3rd W.O.M.B.A.T. test, all but one of the following were true): an allegation by Ragnuk the First that Godric Gryffindor stole his sword; the pursuit and imprisonment of Ug the Unreliable, who was peddling leprechaun gold; the accidental death of Nagnok, Gringotts Wizarding Bank goblin, at the hands of an untrained security troll sent by the Ministry of Magic; imprisonment of the notoriously violent Hodrod the Horny-Handed, who attempted to kill three wizards; the public ducking in the village pond by a gang of young wizards of goblin activist Urg the Unclean; and the Ministry of Magic decree of 1631 preventing magical beings other than wizards and witches from carrying a wand.[16]

Wizarding Wars

The goblins suffered their share of losses during the first rise of Lord Voldemort in the 1970s. A family living near Nottingham had been murdered by Voldemort. Bill Weasley had been approaching the goblins, appealing to their sense of belonging to the wizarding community. This proved problematic, however, because a Ministry official, Ludo Bagman, swindled a group of goblins out of a large amount of gold at the Quidditch World Cup in the summer of 1994,[11] leading the goblins to distrust both sides and become neutral during the war.[17]

In the aftermath of the trio's successful robbery of the Lestrange Vault in 1998, Voldemort personally murdered many goblins present in the bank in fury and to eliminate witnesses of those who knew of his cup Horcrux.[18]

Human relations

"Gold, filthy gold! We cannot live without it, yet I confess I deplore the necessity of consorting with our long-fingered friends."
— Travers's distaste for goblins[src]
Goblin jazz singer

A female goblin singing jazz in The Bling Pig in 1926

Despite this troubled history, they had established themselves as a vital part of wizarding society. Being in charge of Gringotts, they controlled the wizarding economy to a large extent. Apart from their cleverness with money and finances, goblins were also very capable metalsmiths. Their silverwork was well known and prized. Sirius Black's wealthy family had dishes which were "finest fifteenth-century goblin-wrought silver, embossed with the Black family crest".[8] When Hagrid visited the giants, one of the presents he brought was a goblin-wrought helmet which was described as "indestructible".[9] At her wedding to Bill, Fleur Delacour wore a goblin-made tiara owned by the Weasley's Auntie Muriel.[19]

Goblins minted the Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts used in the wizarding world; each coin was stamped with a serial number identifying the goblin who cast it. Perhaps the most famous goblin-made artefact was the Sword of Gryffindor.[6]

Gringotts Goblins

Goblins working with wizarding currency at Gringotts

There were rumours, almost certainly unfounded, that Cornelius Fudge was plotting ways to wrestle control of the money supply and the economy from the goblins while in office. Ludo Bagman, got on the wrong side of a group of goblins when he swindled them out of a large amount of gold at the Quidditch World Cup in the summer of 1995.[11] This exacerbated the anti-Ministry feeling, which made it difficult for Bill Weasley who was tasked with the job of trying to persuade the goblins to side with wizards against Voldemort.[17]

Harry-potter-gringotts 320

Several Goblins of Gringotts

When the Death Eaters started rising in power, people feared the goblins would have joined Voldemort, as did other oppressed such as werewolves and giants. However, this did not happen, as Voldemort even murdered a Goblin family near Nottingham, leading to them standing at a neutral point.[17] Death Eater Travers even made it clear he disliked the goblins as a whole, and only tolerated them for their ability to maintain the wizarding currency in check.[18]

Goblins could use magic without the aid of a wand, although they were insulted by the refusal of wizards to allow them to use wands. In turn, goblins concealed the secrets of their magic from wizards. Their weaponry and armour were nearly indestructible when created and had their kinds of magical properties.

Wizard jobs at Gringotts

BillWeasleyOffice

Bill Weasley worked at Gringotts Wizarding Bank as a Curse-Breaker

There seemed to be several jobs available at Gringotts for wizards, in addition to those positions held by goblins, though they were largely behind-the-scenes. Bill Weasley took a job as a Curse-Breaker, hunting treasure in Egypt after his graduation from Hogwarts. The job was described in a pamphlet available to Hogwarts students.[20]

When he wanted to do work for the Order of the Phoenix, Bill transferred to a desk job in England to be near home. That same year, Fleur Delacour took a job at Gringotts as well, to improve her English, though she only worked part-time. There also seemed to be a full-time security force that was comprised of wizards, and that rushed to the scene when the Lestranges vault was broken into. They also employed Dragon Feeders, a job with a high mortality rate, at 7 Galleons per week.[5]

Goblin values

"To a goblin, the rightful and true master of any object is the maker, not the purchaser. All goblin-made objects are, in goblin eyes, rightfully theirs."
— Explanation of goblin notions of payment and ownership[src]
Griphook dh

Griphook, a goblin who believed the Sword of Gryffindor belonged to its goblin makers

Overall, goblins' idea of payment and repayment were not the same as humans. Goblins disliked theft but used a different definition of the word. By goblin standards, the maker of an item, not the purchaser, was the rightful owner; the item was required to be returned to its maker after the death of the purchaser. Goblins believed that the wizard paying for a goblin-made artefact was merely renting it, not owning it. Thus it would, in their eyes, be of absolute necessity for each new owner to pay the maker individually to possess the item to reset the cycle of ownership. Goblins considered the passing of an item from one wizard or witch to another without further payment to its maker "little more than theft", as Bill Weasley put it.[6]

Goblins also held the debt to extremes, as they hunted down Ludo Bagman after he lost a bet with them, and even though they took everything of value from him after he cheated them with leprechaun gold, they still hounded him due to it being not enough to cover his debt.[11] When Bagman ran out on his final loss against the goblins, they refused to side with the humans due to this cheat.

Known goblins

Goblin(s) Notes
Alguff the Awful A goblin known for being particularly foul-smelling, who attempted to sell vials of his sweat for Dungbomb production.[12]
Belgruff the Bludgeoner Originally a peaceful member of the goblin rights movement, but was corrupted by power and became militant after associating with Ranrok.[21]
Bogrod An employee at Gringotts.[5]
Bodrig the Boss-Eyed Spokesgoblin at the Brotherhood of Goblins.
Burgock An employee at Gringotts.[22]
Clever goblin An employee at Gringotts.
Eargit the Ugly The goblin representative at the 14th century of the Wizard's Council.[12]
Filius Flitwick's goblin ancestor A distant ancestor of Filius Flitwick.
Goblin killed by Sebastian Sallow Sebastian Sallow used the Imperius Curse to force this goblin to fatally stab himself with his own sword in order to protect his sister.[21]
Gnarlak American goblin, owner of the speakeasy, The Blind Pig.
Gornuk An employee at Gringotts.
Gringott Founder of Gringotts Wizarding Bank.
Gringotts Guard A security guard who worked in the oldest sections of the bank.[21]
Gringotts Head Goblin Employee and head at Gringotts.
Griphook An employee at Gringotts.[4]
Grodbik A young trusted guard of Ranrok, said to be outspoken.[21]
Lodgok A metal trader and younger brother of goblin supremacy extremist, Ranrok. He was disillusioned with Ranrok's mission and defected after meeting a kind witch.[21]
Loyalist Assassins A battalion of Ranrok's Loyalists who used corrupted ancient magic to grant themselves immense speed.[21]
Loyalist Commanders A battalion of Ranrok's Loyalists who wielded hammers with impressive skill and were capable of using ancient magic during duels.[21]
Loyalist Rangers A battalion of Ranrok's Loyalists who duelled using crossbows imbued with ancient magic.[21]
Loyalist Sentinels A battalion of Ranrok's Loyalists who specialised in offensive and defensive goblin magic and were capable of going toe-to-toe with the most powerful witches and wizards. [21]
Loyalist Warriors A battalion of Ranrok's Loyalists who wielded heavy goblin weaponry.[21]
Ludovic Bagman's goblin creditors Some goblins that put Bagman under pressure because he could not pay the money.[11]
Magic goblin An employee at Gringotts.
Nagnok An employee at Gringotts.
Odbert An employee at Gringotts.[22]
Ogbert the Odd Joined Ranrok after an encounter with a security dragon at Gringotts Bank.[21]
Pergit One of Ranrok's Loyalists who was rumoured to be attacking travellers in the Lower Hogsfield area and retreating to Korrow Ruins.[23]
A goblin who had himself pictured in portraits A famous goblin.
Ragnok An associate of Bill Weasley.[17]
Ragnok the Pigeon-Toed An author and activist.[24]
Ragnuk the First The maker of the Sword of Gryffindor.[25]
Ranrok A goblin who led an anti-wizard rebellion in the 19th century, with the help of Dark wizards.[21]
Red A bellboy for the Magical Congress of the United States of America.
Ricbert A goblin that worked at Gringotts in the position of Chief Bank Teller.[26]
Tall goblin An employee at Gringotts.
Unidentified goblin associate of Oswald Beamish A goblin that was an associate of Beamish.
Unidentified goblin killed by Voldemort A former employee at Gringotts.
Unidentified goblin philosopher A philosopher goblin.
Unidentified Gringotts Bank goblin guard A goblin that guarded the silver doors at Gringotts.
Unidentified Gringotts spokesgoblin A goblin that spoke about serious events publicly.
Unidentified goblin stockbroker A goblin that worked at the British Ministry of Magic.
Ug the Unreliable A con artist, known for organising the fraudulent Demiguise Derby.[12]
Urg the Unclean An activist.[12]
Urgruff the Unwary A goblin who made a perfect dragon egg replica.[27]
Goblin jazz singer A female goblin who performed as a singer in the The Blind Pig in the 1920s.[2]

Known part-goblins

Behind the scenes

  • The goblin is an evil, mischievous creature from European mythology. Though they are described inconsistently in the myths of different countries, common traits include short stature, the magical ability of some form, and a love of money.
    • The Goblins being good metalsmiths seems to be based on the dwarves of Nordic mythology.
  • According to W.O.M.B.A.T., it is possible that goblins fear sunlight, which may explain why Humans guarded the outside doors of Gringotts.
  • At Gringotts, goblins appear to have a lounge, where they can relax and dance. It is located in Vault 712.
  • Goblins are known to have not agreed with the Statute of Secrecy summit decisions of 1692.
  • Former Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge was nicknamed "Goblin-Crusher" by the tabloid magazine The Quibbler due to debatable claims that Fudge kills goblins in ways that may seem ridiculous, such as cooking them in pies.
  • In LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 the goblin that asked Hagrid for Harry's keys appeared to have been taking notes. However, when the goblin went to fetch Griphook, Hagrid caught a glimpse of the paper, revealing it to have simply been a child's drawing of a house.
  • Oddly, only one female goblin has ever appeared in any Wizarding World media.
  • Goblin's ideas of ownership are similar to the theory of Georgism.
  • Goblins have the power to do magic. However, in LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4, they only come with a key.
  • In the second part of the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, many of the Gringotts goblins were portrayed by members of Willow Management, an agency founded in part by Warwick Davis, specialising in representing actors under 5 feet tall.
  • Goblin culture seems to not include surnames.
  • In the first film, Rubeus Hagrid referred to goblins as beasts, although they are classified as beings. However, he may simply have been speaking metaphorically.
  • Some commentators have alleged that J. K. Rowling's depiction of goblins in the Harry Potter universe resemble anti-Semitic caricatures, particularly due to their appearance and behaviour,[28] but others have strongly dismissed this notion.[29]

Appearances

Wiki
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Notes and references

  1. ↑ Pottermore
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay
  3. ↑ The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 5 (Diagon Alley)
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 26 (Gringotts)
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 25 (Shell Cottage)
  7. ↑ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 7 (The Ministry of Magic)
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 4 (Number Twelve Grimmauld Place)
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 20 (Hagrid's Tale)
  10. ↑ Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 23 (Malfoy Manor)
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 37 (The Beginning)
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)
  13. ↑ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 1 (Owl Post)
  14. ↑ J. K. Rowling's official site
  15. ↑ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 15 (The Hogwarts High Inquisitor)
  16. ↑ Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Test
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 5 (The Order of the Phoenix)
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 27 (The Final Hiding Place)
  19. ↑ Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 8 (The Wedding)
  20. ↑ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 29 (Careers Advice)
  21. ↑ 21.00 21.01 21.02 21.03 21.04 21.05 21.06 21.07 21.08 21.09 21.10 21.11 Hogwarts Legacy
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 6, "THE DRAGON'S TREASURE" Achievement - Part 1, Side Quest "Adventures in Curse-Breaking"
  23. ↑ Hogwarts Legacy - Lower Hogsfield rumour
  24. ↑ Daily Prophet Newsletters: 1 June, 1999, page 1
  25. ↑ Writing by J. K. Rowling: "The Sword of Gryffindor" at Wizarding World
  26. ↑ Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
  27. ↑ Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 6, Side Quest "Adventures in Curse-Breaking "
  28. ↑ The "Harry Potter" Anti-Semitism Controversy, Explained
  29. ↑ Jewish groups defend J.K. Rowling over claim "Harry Potter" goblins antisemitic
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