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Hand of Glory

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Hand of Glory
Object information
Made

From a hanged man

Usage

Unlock any door, immobilize anyone in its light.

Owners
First appearance

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Hand of Glory is a hand which gives light only to the beholder. It was purchased by Draco Malfoy in the Borgin and Burkes store. He used it to escape from the Room of Requirement after using Peruvian Darkness Powder.

[edit] Etymology

The Hand of Glory has a lot of traditions. Generally, it was a hand taken from an executed man, usually one who was hanged (and most often a murderer or other serious felon). The hand held, or was made into, a candle, traditionally made from the same man's fat. Hands of Glory were said to have various powers, including the ability to immobilize anyone within its light, or unlock any door it came across. Traditionally, the Hand of Glory was used when a thief was breaking into a building at night: the Hand would prevent any sleeper from awakening as long as it was lit. In some dark magical ceremonies, Hands of Glory were reputed to have been used as the source of illumination.

"Hand of Glory" was probably derived from the (European) Mandrake plant, known botanically as Mandragora officinarum. "Mandragora" (in French "Mandragore") is close to the French "Main de la Gloire," which translates to "Hand of Glory." The actual Mandrake plant has a number of alkaloids, including scopolamine and mandragorine. It has been used since ancient times as an anesthetic: chewing the root can cause stupor.

[edit] Behind the scenes

The hand appears in the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, old and shrunken and lying on a cushion in Borgin and Burke's. When Harry touches it, it grabs his hand viciously until he manages to pry it off again.

[edit] Appearances

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