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{{Quote|Subtle laws govern wand ownership, but the conquered wand will usually bend its will to its new master.|Mr. Ollivander|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}} |
{{Quote|Subtle laws govern wand ownership, but the conquered wand will usually bend its will to its new master.|Mr. Ollivander|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}} |
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| − | Ownership of [[wand]]s is governed by '''subtle laws''' which are not fully understood, even by those well-versed in [[ |
+ | Ownership of [[wand]]s is governed by '''subtle laws''' which are not fully understood, even by those well-versed in [[wandlore]]. |
==Allegiance== |
==Allegiance== |
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| − | {{Quote|You still don't get it, [[Tom |
+ | {{Quote|You still don't get it, [[Tom Riddle|Riddle]], do you? Possessing the wand isn't enough! Holding it, using it, doesn't really make it yours. Didn't you listen to Ollivander? ''The wand chooses the wizard''...|Harry Potter on wand ownership|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}} |
| − | The most prominent rule that governs wandlore is that the wand ''chooses'' the wizard that it will work for. A wand choosing to work for a wizard is said to have given them its allegiance. When a wand has chosen its holder ( |
+ | The most prominent rule that governs wandlore is that the wand ''chooses'' the wizard that it will work for. A wand choosing to work for a wizard is said to have given them its allegiance. When a wand has chosen its holder (e.g. when the holder has ''truly mastered'' that wand), they can be assured the best results with it. |
Wands can be acquired in one of three general ways: by selecting a newly created wand (usually made by another), by winning a wand or by inheriting one. Each one of these relates to this law in a different way. |
Wands can be acquired in one of three general ways: by selecting a newly created wand (usually made by another), by winning a wand or by inheriting one. Each one of these relates to this law in a different way. |
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| ⚫ | |||
{{Quote|The wand chooses the wizard. That much has always been clear to those of us who have studied wandlore... If you are any wizard at all you will be able to channel your magic through almost any instrument. The best results, however, must always come where there is the strongest affinity between wizard and wand. These connections are complex. An initial attraction, and then a mutual quest for experience, the wand learning from the wizard, the wizard from the wand.|Mr. Ollivander|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}} |
{{Quote|The wand chooses the wizard. That much has always been clear to those of us who have studied wandlore... If you are any wizard at all you will be able to channel your magic through almost any instrument. The best results, however, must always come where there is the strongest affinity between wizard and wand. These connections are complex. An initial attraction, and then a mutual quest for experience, the wand learning from the wizard, the wizard from the wand.|Mr. Ollivander|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}} |
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Normally, a witch or wizard's first wand will be a newly created or "virgin" wand, obtained from an established wandmaker such as [[Ollivander's]] and they will usually have to test a number of potential virgin wands before they find the one that will give its allegiance to (or "choose") them. The precise reasons for which particular wands choose particular wizards is not clear, but certain wands seem to have a natural affinity for certain wizards or witches. It is most likely (given the similarities between known wizards/witches and their wands) that the wizards/witches with the most similar personalities to their prospective wands will have the highest affinities for them and so be most likely to be chosen by them. In other words, the more similar the holder is to the wand the more likely they are to be chosen by it. |
Normally, a witch or wizard's first wand will be a newly created or "virgin" wand, obtained from an established wandmaker such as [[Ollivander's]] and they will usually have to test a number of potential virgin wands before they find the one that will give its allegiance to (or "choose") them. The precise reasons for which particular wands choose particular wizards is not clear, but certain wands seem to have a natural affinity for certain wizards or witches. It is most likely (given the similarities between known wizards/witches and their wands) that the wizards/witches with the most similar personalities to their prospective wands will have the highest affinities for them and so be most likely to be chosen by them. In other words, the more similar the holder is to the wand the more likely they are to be chosen by it. |
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| − | === |
+ | ===Change of allegiance=== |
{{Quote|I overpowered Draco weeks ago. I took this wand from him... Does the wand in your hand know its last master was Disarmed? Because if it does... I am the true master of the [[Elder Wand]].|Harry Potter describing how he won both of Draco Malfoy's wands.|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}} |
{{Quote|I overpowered Draco weeks ago. I took this wand from him... Does the wand in your hand know its last master was Disarmed? Because if it does... I am the true master of the [[Elder Wand]].|Harry Potter describing how he won both of Draco Malfoy's wands.|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}} |
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[[File:Hermionegrangerwand.jpg|thumb|right|230px|[[Hermione Granger's wand]].]] |
[[File:Hermionegrangerwand.jpg|thumb|right|230px|[[Hermione Granger's wand]].]] |
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| − | One can also procure a wand by "winning" it from its master. Of course, it is always possible to simply steal/borrow another witch or wizard's wand and obtain fair results with it but its ''allegiance'' will only bend towards the new master when it is won. The holder of a wand whose allegiance has not been won may be noticeable to them as [[Hermione Granger]] was uncomfortable using [[Bellatrix Lestrange |
+ | One can also procure a wand by "winning" it from its master. Of course, it is always possible to simply steal/borrow another witch or wizard's wand and obtain fair results with it but its ''allegiance'' will only bend towards the new master when it is won. The holder of a wand whose allegiance has not been won may be noticeable to them as [[Hermione Granger]] was uncomfortable using [[Bellatrix Lestrange's wand]]<ref name="DH">{{DH}}</ref>. |
To win a wand, one must overpower and hence defeat its master in some way (e.g. by disarming or murdering them). However, it should be noted that wands develop an affinity to their owners that they will not give up easily. For example, wands will not be won in practice [[duel]]s as the perceived levity of the situation will prevent the wand from abandoning its defeated master. Even when won, wands will often still retain some fealty to the original owner. The only exception to this is the [[Elder Wand]], which is "completely unsentimental" and will only be loyal to strength. In other words, when won, it switches its allegiance entirely.<ref name="Pottercast">[http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/2007/1224-pottercast-anelli.html PotterCast Interviews J.K. Rowling, part two]</ref> |
To win a wand, one must overpower and hence defeat its master in some way (e.g. by disarming or murdering them). However, it should be noted that wands develop an affinity to their owners that they will not give up easily. For example, wands will not be won in practice [[duel]]s as the perceived levity of the situation will prevent the wand from abandoning its defeated master. Even when won, wands will often still retain some fealty to the original owner. The only exception to this is the [[Elder Wand]], which is "completely unsentimental" and will only be loyal to strength. In other words, when won, it switches its allegiance entirely.<ref name="Pottercast">[http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/2007/1224-pottercast-anelli.html PotterCast Interviews J.K. Rowling, part two]</ref> |
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It should be noted that ''all'' wands owned by a defeated wizard will revert to the victor, even if they were not used or even on their person during combat, such as when Harry Potter simultaneously became the master of both [[Draco Malfoy's wand]] and the Elder wand when he defeated Draco (who was the master of both yet possessed only one of them at the time). |
It should be noted that ''all'' wands owned by a defeated wizard will revert to the victor, even if they were not used or even on their person during combat, such as when Harry Potter simultaneously became the master of both [[Draco Malfoy's wand]] and the Elder wand when he defeated Draco (who was the master of both yet possessed only one of them at the time). |
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| + | ===Inheritance=== |
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| ⚫ | In some families, wands may be inherited, such as [[Neville Longbottom]] using his [[Frank Longbottom|father]]'s [[Neville Longbottom's first wand|wand]] and [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]] using his brother [[Charlie Weasley|Charlie]]'s [[Ronald Weasley's first wand|old wand]]. Whilst it might seem questionable as to whether or not wands can truly be mastered via this method of attainment, it is known that wands obtained in this way (e.g. one's with a familial connection) work a little better than wands chosen at random<ref>[http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/2007/0730-bloomsbury-chat.html/ Bloomsbury Webchat with JK]</ref> and so this may indeed be the best way to obtain a wand. |
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| − | === |
+ | ===Exceptions=== |
| ⚫ | However, even if a wand ''does'' "choose" a wizard, even if it is won or inherited by them (or some combination of the three) it is in '''no way''' a guarantee that the wand will be totally mastered. Every wand has a different personality according to its exact nature (wood, core, rigidity etc.) that it will act with and hence often sport extra conditions that one is required to fulfill before the wand will give the holder its full power and support. |
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| ⚫ | In some families, wands may be inherited, such as [[Neville Longbottom]] using his [[Frank Longbottom|father]]'s [[Neville Longbottom's first wand|wand]] and [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]] using his brother [[Charlie Weasley|Charlie]]'s [[Ronald Weasley's first wand|old wand]]. Whilst it might seem questionable as to whether or not wands can truly be mastered via this method of attainment, it is known that wands obtained in this way ( |
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| − | ==='''Exceptions'''=== |
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| ⚫ | However, even if a wand ''does'' "choose" a wizard, even if it is won or inherited by them (or some combination of the three) it is in '''no way''' a guarantee that the wand will be totally mastered. Every wand has a different personality according to its exact nature (wood, core, rigidity etc.) that it will act with and hence often sport extra conditions that one is required to |
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A good example is thestral hair wands - these wands cannot simply be "mastered" by winning them. Thestral tail hair is a potent yet mysterious substance that will only "choose" a wizard that is capable of facing death. In other words, only [[Masters of Death]] can wield the full powers of such a wand.<ref>[http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/extrastuff_view.cfm?id=25 JK on Thestral tail hair]</ref> Similarly, [[blackthorn]] wands require that they go through some difficult hardship wth the holder before they can be truly mastered. |
A good example is thestral hair wands - these wands cannot simply be "mastered" by winning them. Thestral tail hair is a potent yet mysterious substance that will only "choose" a wizard that is capable of facing death. In other words, only [[Masters of Death]] can wield the full powers of such a wand.<ref>[http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/extrastuff_view.cfm?id=25 JK on Thestral tail hair]</ref> Similarly, [[blackthorn]] wands require that they go through some difficult hardship wth the holder before they can be truly mastered. |
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When the cores of two wands derive from the same source, they are referred to as "brothers". This has a number of profound effects. |
When the cores of two wands derive from the same source, they are referred to as "brothers". This has a number of profound effects. |
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| − | Firstly, brother wands cannot be forced to duel against one another. Should two such wands ever come in the way of one another, a rare connection is formed called |
+ | Firstly, brother wands cannot be forced to duel against one another. Should two such wands ever come in the way of one another, a rare connection is formed, called ''[[Priori Incantatem]]''. When the connection is formed, the wands battle to merge a golden orb into the other's shaft; the one that succeeds to force the orb in the other is the winning wand. Because of its rarity, most wizards never learn that such a connection is possible. |
| − | After two brother wands connect through means of ''Priori Incantatem'', both wands come to know one another and may react towards the other's presence without the consent of their owners, or the winning wand only reacts towards the losing wand<ref name="GOF">{{GOF}}</ref>. Also, under special conditions it is possible for one wand to |
+ | After two brother wands connect through means of ''Priori Incantatem'', both wands come to know one another and may react towards the other's presence without the consent of their owners, or the winning wand only reacts towards the losing wand<ref name="GOF">{{GOF}}</ref>. Also, under special conditions it is possible for one wand to recognise its brother's master, even when a different wand is used by them. For example, during the [[Battle over Little Whinging]], Harry's wand recognised Voldemort and spurted "golden flames" at him, even though Voldemort was using [[Lucius Malfoy's wand]] at the time.<ref name="DH"/> |
==Behind the scenes== |
==Behind the scenes== |
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Revision as of 05:40, 31 August 2011
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"Are you a wizard, or what?"
The title of this article is conjectural. Although it is based on canonical information, the actual name is a conjecture and may be supplanted at any time by additional information released from canonical sources. If this occurs, please move this page to the appropriate title. |
- "Subtle laws govern wand ownership, but the conquered wand will usually bend its will to its new master."
- — Mr. Ollivander[src]
Ownership of wands is governed by subtle laws which are not fully understood, even by those well-versed in wandlore.
Allegiance
The most prominent rule that governs wandlore is that the wand chooses the wizard that it will work for. A wand choosing to work for a wizard is said to have given them its allegiance. When a wand has chosen its holder (e.g. when the holder has truly mastered that wand), they can be assured the best results with it.
Wands can be acquired in one of three general ways: by selecting a newly created wand (usually made by another), by winning a wand or by inheriting one. Each one of these relates to this law in a different way.
Initial selection
- "The wand chooses the wizard. That much has always been clear to those of us who have studied wandlore... If you are any wizard at all you will be able to channel your magic through almost any instrument. The best results, however, must always come where there is the strongest affinity between wizard and wand. These connections are complex. An initial attraction, and then a mutual quest for experience, the wand learning from the wizard, the wizard from the wand."
- — Mr. Ollivander[src]
Normally, a witch or wizard's first wand will be a newly created or "virgin" wand, obtained from an established wandmaker such as Ollivander's and they will usually have to test a number of potential virgin wands before they find the one that will give its allegiance to (or "choose") them. The precise reasons for which particular wands choose particular wizards is not clear, but certain wands seem to have a natural affinity for certain wizards or witches. It is most likely (given the similarities between known wizards/witches and their wands) that the wizards/witches with the most similar personalities to their prospective wands will have the highest affinities for them and so be most likely to be chosen by them. In other words, the more similar the holder is to the wand the more likely they are to be chosen by it.
Change of allegiance
- "I overpowered Draco weeks ago. I took this wand from him... Does the wand in your hand know its last master was Disarmed? Because if it does... I am the true master of the Elder Wand."
- — Harry Potter describing how he won both of Draco Malfoy's wands.[src]
One can also procure a wand by "winning" it from its master. Of course, it is always possible to simply steal/borrow another witch or wizard's wand and obtain fair results with it but its allegiance will only bend towards the new master when it is won. The holder of a wand whose allegiance has not been won may be noticeable to them as Hermione Granger was uncomfortable using Bellatrix Lestrange's wand[1].
To win a wand, one must overpower and hence defeat its master in some way (e.g. by disarming or murdering them). However, it should be noted that wands develop an affinity to their owners that they will not give up easily. For example, wands will not be won in practice duels as the perceived levity of the situation will prevent the wand from abandoning its defeated master. Even when won, wands will often still retain some fealty to the original owner. The only exception to this is the Elder Wand, which is "completely unsentimental" and will only be loyal to strength. In other words, when won, it switches its allegiance entirely.[2]
It should be noted that all wands owned by a defeated wizard will revert to the victor, even if they were not used or even on their person during combat, such as when Harry Potter simultaneously became the master of both Draco Malfoy's wand and the Elder wand when he defeated Draco (who was the master of both yet possessed only one of them at the time).
Inheritance
In some families, wands may be inherited, such as Neville Longbottom using his father's wand and Ron Weasley using his brother Charlie's old wand. Whilst it might seem questionable as to whether or not wands can truly be mastered via this method of attainment, it is known that wands obtained in this way (e.g. one's with a familial connection) work a little better than wands chosen at random[3] and so this may indeed be the best way to obtain a wand.
Exceptions
However, even if a wand does "choose" a wizard, even if it is won or inherited by them (or some combination of the three) it is in no way a guarantee that the wand will be totally mastered. Every wand has a different personality according to its exact nature (wood, core, rigidity etc.) that it will act with and hence often sport extra conditions that one is required to fulfill before the wand will give the holder its full power and support.
A good example is thestral hair wands - these wands cannot simply be "mastered" by winning them. Thestral tail hair is a potent yet mysterious substance that will only "choose" a wizard that is capable of facing death. In other words, only Masters of Death can wield the full powers of such a wand.[4] Similarly, blackthorn wands require that they go through some difficult hardship wth the holder before they can be truly mastered.
Wand relation
Priori Incantatem between Harry Potter and Voldemort in 1995.
When the cores of two wands derive from the same source, they are referred to as "brothers". This has a number of profound effects.
Firstly, brother wands cannot be forced to duel against one another. Should two such wands ever come in the way of one another, a rare connection is formed, called Priori Incantatem. When the connection is formed, the wands battle to merge a golden orb into the other's shaft; the one that succeeds to force the orb in the other is the winning wand. Because of its rarity, most wizards never learn that such a connection is possible.
After two brother wands connect through means of Priori Incantatem, both wands come to know one another and may react towards the other's presence without the consent of their owners, or the winning wand only reacts towards the losing wand[5]. Also, under special conditions it is possible for one wand to recognise its brother's master, even when a different wand is used by them. For example, during the Battle over Little Whinging, Harry's wand recognised Voldemort and spurted "golden flames" at him, even though Voldemort was using Lucius Malfoy's wand at the time.[1]
Behind the scenes
- It is known that Veela hair makes for "temperamental" wands. This may mean that wands of Veela hair changes hands easier than other wands, possibly working equally well for whomever holds them until coming into the possession of someone of actual Veela heritage (like Fleur Delacour), for whom they may work best. This is supported by the fact that Thestral hair wands are also won through unconventional methods.
- Given that Harry Potter is related to one of the Peverell brothers and is a Master of Death, he may be the best master the Elder wand ever had, since the Thestral tail hair can only be truly won by a Master of Death and because there is a family connection (which would make it work better for him).
Appearances
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Mentioned only)