The Hand of Glory is a hand which gives light only to the beholder.
Known owners
It was purchased by Draco Malfoy in Borgin and Burkes. He used it to escape from the Room of Requirement after using Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder to make it impossible for anyone to see him leave the room.
Etymology and history
The Hand of Glory is a magical instrument which appears often in mystic lore. In general, it is described as a severed and preserved human hand, with a candle implanted on it. The various powers ascribed to a Hand Of Glory include the ability to immobilize anyone who looks at it, or unlock any door it comes across. It was traditionally used by thieves, since it allowed them to see in otherwise total darkness, open locked doors, and immobilize guards. In some dark magical ceremonies, Hands of Glory were reputed to have been used as the source of illumination.
Various grisly myths surround the making of a Hand of Glory (which fits well with the reputation of Borgin & Burke's). The hand is said to be that of an executed criminal (usually by hanging); most often the criminal himself is a murderer or other serious felon. Other myths say that a hanged man's blood is necessary to the recipe, or that his body fat is used to make the candle.
The myth is probably derived from the (European) Mandrake plant (Mandragora officinarum). Etymologically, the name "Mandragora" closely resembles the French phrase "Main de la Gloire," ("Hand of Glory") The actual Mandrake plant produces a number of alkaloid toxins, including scopolamine and mandragorine, and has been used since ancient times as an anaesthetic. Chewing the root can cause stupor.
A Hand of Glory appears prominently in the climax of John Bellairs's young adult novel The House With A Clock In Its Walls.
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.
- In Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 when the hand grabs Harry's, it takes Harry's hand off of his arm and spits it out in front of Rubeus Hagrid.