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{{Object infobox
 
{{Object infobox
 
|name=Sword of Gryffindor
 
|name=Sword of Gryffindor
|image=[[File:Gryffindor-swordG.jpg|250px]]
+
|image=[[File:Gryffindor's sword.jpg|250px]]
 
|manufacturer=[[Ragnuk|Ragnuk the First]]<ref name="POT">[http://www.pottermore.com/en/book2/chapter18/moment1/the-sword-of-gryffindor New from J. K. Rowling - The Sword of Gryffindor]</ref>
 
|manufacturer=[[Ragnuk|Ragnuk the First]]<ref name="POT">[http://www.pottermore.com/en/book2/chapter18/moment1/the-sword-of-gryffindor New from J. K. Rowling - The Sword of Gryffindor]</ref>
 
|made=[[10th century|992]]<ref>''Pottermore'' states that the sword was made "a thousand years ago"; as it is written from the perspective of ''Chamber of Secrets'', it is written in [[1992]]; subtract a thousand to get 992.</ref>
 
|made=[[10th century|992]]<ref>''Pottermore'' states that the sword was made "a thousand years ago"; as it is written from the perspective of ''Chamber of Secrets'', it is written in [[1992]]; subtract a thousand to get 992.</ref>
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*[[Neville Longbottom]]
 
*[[Neville Longbottom]]
 
}}
 
}}
  +
[[File:Godrics_Sword..png|thumb|250px]]
 
 
{{Quote|The sword of [[Gryffindor]] was made [[10th century|a thousand years ago]] by [[goblin]]s, the [[magic]]al world's most skilled metalworkers, and is therefore [[Charm|enchanted]].|The description of this sword|Pottermore}}
 
{{Quote|The sword of [[Gryffindor]] was made [[10th century|a thousand years ago]] by [[goblin]]s, the [[magic]]al world's most skilled metalworkers, and is therefore [[Charm|enchanted]].|The description of this sword|Pottermore}}
   
The '''Sword of Gryffindor'''<ref name="POT"/> was a [[goblin]]-made sword owned by the famed [[Wizards|wizard]] [[Godric Gryffindor]], one of the four founders of [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]].
+
The '''Sword of Gryffindor'''<ref name="POT" /> was a thousand year old, [[goblin]]-made sword owned by the famed [[Wizards|wizard]] [[Godric Gryffindor]], one of the four founders of [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]].
 
==Physical appearance==
 
{{Quote|Fashioned from pure silver, it is inset with [[Ruby|rubies]], the stone that represents [[Gryffindor]] in the hour-glasses that count the [[house points]] at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]].[[Godric Gryffindor]]'s name is engraved just beneath the hilt|A physical description of the sword.|Pottermore}}
 
   
  +
The sword was latter used in [[Albus Dumbledore]]'s and [[Harry Potter]]'s hunt for [[Horcrux]]es, as a tool of destruction against the Horcruxes, as means to make [[Lord Voldemort]] mortal again.
Gryffindor's sword is made of pure silver, with rubies set into it - the stone is used to symbolise Gryffindor House at Hogwarts. Gryffindor's name is engraved just beneath the hilt.
 
   
 
==History==
 
==History==
   
 
===Early years===
 
===Early years===
  +
 
The sword was made to Gryffindor's specifications by Ragnuk the First, King of the Goblins. When it was finished, Ragnuk coveted it so much that he pretended Gryffindor had stolen it from him and sent minions to steal it back; however, Gryffindor [[Imperius Curse|bewitched]] the minions rather than killing them, and sent them back to Ragnuk to deliver the message that if Ragnuk ever tried to steal from Gryffindor again, the latter would unsheathe the sword against all the goblins.
 
The sword was made to Gryffindor's specifications by Ragnuk the First, King of the Goblins. When it was finished, Ragnuk coveted it so much that he pretended Gryffindor had stolen it from him and sent minions to steal it back; however, Gryffindor [[Imperius Curse|bewitched]] the minions rather than killing them, and sent them back to Ragnuk to deliver the message that if Ragnuk ever tried to steal from Gryffindor again, the latter would unsheathe the sword against all the goblins.
   
  +
The goblin king took the threat seriously and left Gryffindor in possession of his rightful property, but remained resentful until he died. This was the foundation for the false legend of Gryffindor's theft that persists, in some sections of the goblin community, to this day.
{{Quote|Only a true Gryffindor could have pulled that out of the hat, Harry.|[[Albus Dumbledore]] to [[Harry Potter]]|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
 
   
  +
===Affray in the Chamber of Secrets ===
[[File:Godric.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Godric Gryffindor's name on the sword.]]
 
In [[May]] of [[1993]], the sword materialized inside the old school [[Sorting Hat]] when Harry was inside the Chamber of Secrets. Harry then used the sword to kill [[Salazar Slytherin]]'s [[Salazar Slytherin's Basilisk|Basilisk]], which was hiding inside the bowels of the Chamber. This caused the sword to be imbued with basilisk venom (since goblin-made items only imbibe what makes them stronger) and hence gained the ability to destroy Horcruxes. After the events of that year, the sword resided in the [[Headmaster]]’s office.
 
   
  +
[[File:Tumblr_n29413O6t71rzvuwqo7_r1_250.gif|frame|left|Harry slays Slytherin's Basilisk with Gryffindor's sword]]
===1996===
 
During the summer of [[1996]], [[Albus Dumbledore]] used the sword on the [[Marvolo Gaunt's Ring|Gaunt family ring]], which was one of [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]]'s [[Horcrux]]es. The sword cracked the [[Resurrection Stone|stone]] in the ring, destroying it as a Horcrux.
 
[[File:Screen shot 2011-12-09 at 7.52.48 PM.png|thumb|left|The sword lying on a table in Dumbledore's office.]]
 
   
 
In [[May]] of [[1993]], the sword materialized inside the old school [[Sorting Hat]] when Harry was inside the Chamber of Secrets. Harry then used the sword to kill [[Salazar Slytherin]]'s [[Serpent of Slytherin|Basilisk]], which was hiding inside the bowels of the Chamber. This caused the sword to be imbued with basilisk venom (since goblin-made items only imbibe what makes them stronger) and hence gained the ability to destroy Horcruxes. After the events of that year, the sword resided in the [[Headmaster]]’s office and was kept safe within a glass case.
===1997-1998===
 
  +
  +
===Hunt for Horcruxes ===
 
{{Dialogue a-b|Rufus Scrimgeour|Was it because Dumbledore believed that only the sword of Godric Gryffindor could defeat the Heir of Slytherin? Did he wish to give you that sword, Potter, because he believed, as do many, that you are the one destined to destroy He Who Must Not Be Named?|Harry Potter|Interesting theory. Has anyone ever tried sticking a sword in Voldemort?|Scrimgeour and the trio discussing the contents of Albus Dumbledore's will|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
 
{{Dialogue a-b|Rufus Scrimgeour|Was it because Dumbledore believed that only the sword of Godric Gryffindor could defeat the Heir of Slytherin? Did he wish to give you that sword, Potter, because he believed, as do many, that you are the one destined to destroy He Who Must Not Be Named?|Harry Potter|Interesting theory. Has anyone ever tried sticking a sword in Voldemort?|Scrimgeour and the trio discussing the contents of Albus Dumbledore's will|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
   
 
During the summer of [[1996]], [[Albus Dumbledore]] used the sword on the [[Marvolo Gaunt's Ring|Gaunt family ring]], which was one of [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]]'s [[Horcrux]]es. The sword cracked the [[Resurrection Stone|stone]] in the ring, destroying it as a Horcrux.
Before he died, Dumbledore entrusted the sword to Harry in his [[The Last Will and Testament of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore|will]]. However, [[Rufus Scrimgeour]] claimed that the sword was not Dumbledore's to give away, and refused to give it to Harry. Dumbledore placed an [[Replica of Godric Gryffindor's Sword|identical copy]] of the sword in his office, because he knew that the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] would try to confiscate it, and hid the real sword in a hole in the wall behind his portrait. Sure enough, the sword on display in Dumbledore's office was later taken by [[Rufus Scrimgeour]] for examination.
 
  +
 
[[File:Screen_shot_2011-12-09_at_7.52.48_PM.png|thumb|220px|The sword lying on a table in the Headmaster's office.]]
  +
 
Before he died, Dumbledore entrusted the sword to Harry in his [[The Last Will and Testament of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore|will]]. However, [[Rufus Scrimgeour]] claimed that the sword was not Dumbledore's to give away, and refused to give it to Harry. Dumbledore placed an [[Replica of Godric Gryffindor's Sword|identical copy]] of the sword in his office, because he knew that the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] would try to confiscate it, and hid the real sword in a hole in the wall behind his portrait. Sure enough, the sword on display in the Headmaster's office was later taken by [[Rufus Scrimgeour]] for examination.
  +
  +
[[File:HPDH1-3355.jpg|thumb|left|240px|Harry reaching for the sword, in a frozen lake, in the [[Forest of Dean]]]]
  +
 
When the sword was returned to the Headmaster's office, students [[Ginevra Weasley|Ginny Weasley]], [[Neville Longbottom]], and [[Luna Lovegood]] attempted to steal it for Harry. Following that incident and on Dumbledore's orders, [[Severus Snape]] passed the counterfeit sword to [[Bellatrix Lestrange]], who stored it in her [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank|Gringotts]] vault, thinking it was real. Upon discovering where Harry and his friends were camping out, Dumbledore's portrait instructed Snape to give Harry the real sword without Harry knowing that it was Snape, in case Voldemort found out through [[Legilimency]] on Harry. Snape deposited the real sword in a frozen lake in the [[Forest of Dean]] and left a [[Patronus Charm|Patronus]] to guide Harry to the sword. When Harry tried to retrieve the sword, [[Salazar Slytherin]]'s [[Salazar Slytherin's Locket|Locket]] closed around his neck and attempted to strangle him, sensing that its destruction was near. [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]] came to Harry's rescue, retrieved the sword from the lake and used it to stab the locket, destroying the [[Horcrux]].
   
  +
====Skirmish at Malfoy Manor====
[[File:Gryffindor sword lake scene-300x209.jpg|thumb|225px|Harry swimming to get the sword.]]
 
When the sword was returned to Dumbledore's office, students [[Ginevra Weasley|Ginny Weasley]], [[Neville Longbottom]], and [[Luna Lovegood]] attempted to steal it for Harry. Following that incident and on Dumbledore's orders, [[Severus Snape]] passed the counterfeit sword to [[Bellatrix Lestrange]], who stored it in her [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank|Gringotts]] vault, thinking it was real. Upon discovering where Harry and his friends were camping out, Dumbledore's portrait instructed Snape to give Harry the real sword without Harry knowing that it was Snape, in case Voldemort found out through [[Legilimency]] on Harry. Snape deposited the real sword in a frozen lake in the [[Forest of Dean]] and left a [[Patronus Charm|Patronus]] to guide Harry to the sword. When Harry tried to retrieve the sword, [[Salazar Slytherin]]'s [[Salazar Slytherin's Locket|Locket]] closed around his neck and attempted to strangle him, sensing that its destruction was near. [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]] came to Harry's rescue, retrieved the sword from the lake and used it to stab the locket, destroying the [[Horcrux]].
 
   
[[File:Goblin-Griphook,_holding_the_Godric_Gryffindor's_sword_DH.jpg|thumb|left|130px|Griphook with the sword.]]
+
[[File:Goblin-Griphook,_holding_the_Godric_Gryffindor's_sword_DH.jpg|thumb|140px|Griphook with the sword.]]
   
 
Later, [[Harry Potter|Harry]], [[Ronald Weasley|Ron]] and [[Hermione Granger|Hermione]] were captured by the Death Eaters and sent to [[Malfoy Manor]]. Harry and Ron were imprisoned in the cellar along with [[Luna Lovegood]], [[Dean Thomas]], [[Garrick Ollivander|Mr. Ollivander]] and the goblin [[Griphook]] while Hermione was being tortured and interrogated by Bellatrix Lestrange. Bellatrix demanded to know where the trio came into the possession of the sword, thinking that they had broke into her vault for it. She summoned Griphook to verify the sword, and at Harry's request, Griphook lied and said that it was a fake.
 
Later, [[Harry Potter|Harry]], [[Ronald Weasley|Ron]] and [[Hermione Granger|Hermione]] were captured by the Death Eaters and sent to [[Malfoy Manor]]. Harry and Ron were imprisoned in the cellar along with [[Luna Lovegood]], [[Dean Thomas]], [[Garrick Ollivander|Mr. Ollivander]] and the goblin [[Griphook]] while Hermione was being tortured and interrogated by Bellatrix Lestrange. Bellatrix demanded to know where the trio came into the possession of the sword, thinking that they had broke into her vault for it. She summoned Griphook to verify the sword, and at Harry's request, Griphook lied and said that it was a fake.
  +
  +
====Break-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank====
   
 
When Harry and the rest were saved by [[Dobby]] to [[Shell Cottage]], Harry asked for Griphook's assistance to break into Bellatrix Lestrange's vault at Gringotts, as he suspected another Horcrux was hidden within it. Griphook, impressed by Harry's respectful treatment of the house elf, agreed to help on the grounds that he would be given the real sword as payment. Harry agreed reluctantly. When their break-in was discovered, Griphook seized the real sword and ran with it. But even after he took the real sword, after the news of Harry, Ron and Hermione's [[Break-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank (1998)|break-in of Gringotts]] got to Voldemort, the Dark Lord fired [[Killing Curse]]s at the Gringotts personnel and even Griphook himself. The sword vanished from Griphook's hand.
 
When Harry and the rest were saved by [[Dobby]] to [[Shell Cottage]], Harry asked for Griphook's assistance to break into Bellatrix Lestrange's vault at Gringotts, as he suspected another Horcrux was hidden within it. Griphook, impressed by Harry's respectful treatment of the house elf, agreed to help on the grounds that he would be given the real sword as payment. Harry agreed reluctantly. When their break-in was discovered, Griphook seized the real sword and ran with it. But even after he took the real sword, after the news of Harry, Ron and Hermione's [[Break-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank (1998)|break-in of Gringotts]] got to Voldemort, the Dark Lord fired [[Killing Curse]]s at the Gringotts personnel and even Griphook himself. The sword vanished from Griphook's hand.
   
  +
[[File:Nevillegif.gif|frame|left|Neville slays Nagini during the battle]]
[[File:DH2 Neville Longbottom using the Gryffindor sword in battle.jpg|thumb|Neville holds Gryffindor's Sword with several students in the background.]]In the [[Battle of Hogwarts]], the sword reappeared in the [[Sorting Hat]] for [[Neville Longbottom]] and he used it to behead [[Nagini]], [[Tom Riddle|Voldemort]]'s snake and his last remaining Horcrux, rendering Voldemort a mortal man once more. The sword was last mentioned lying beside Neville in the Great Hall following the conclusion of the battle.
 
  +
  +
====Battle of Hogwarts====
  +
 
In the [[Battle of Hogwarts]], the sword reappeared in the [[Sorting Hat]] for [[Neville Longbottom]] and following Harry's orders he used it to behead [[Nagini]], [[Tom Riddle|Voldemort]]'s snake and his last remaining Horcrux in a single stroke of the blade, rendering Voldemort a mortal man once more. The sword was last mentioned lying beside Neville in the Great Hall following the conclusion of the battle.
  +
 
==Physical appearance==
 
{{Quote|Fashioned from pure silver, it is inset with [[Ruby|rubies]], the stone that represents [[Gryffindor]] in the hour-glasses that count the [[house points]] at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]]. [[Godric Gryffindor]]'s name is engraved just beneath the hilt|A physical description of the sword.|Pottermore}}
  +
 
Gryffindor's sword is made of pure silver, with rubies set into it the stone is used to symbolise Gryffindor House at Hogwarts. Gryffindor's name is engraved just beneath the hilt.
   
 
==Behind the scenes==
 
==Behind the scenes==
  +
[[File:Screenshot 1174.png|thumb|352x352px]]
 
*Gryffindor's sword owes something to the legend of Excalibur, [[Arthur]]'s sword, as it had to be drawn from a rock by the rightful king as only a rightful Gryffindor can hold Gryffindor's sword.
 
*Gryffindor's sword owes something to the legend of Excalibur, [[Arthur]]'s sword, as it had to be drawn from a rock by the rightful king as only a rightful Gryffindor can hold Gryffindor's sword.
*The role of the sword in the [[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)|''Chamber of Secrets'' film]] is much the same as in the book; however in the PC, PS1 and PS2 versions of the [[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)|video game]] based on the film, the sword has a long range attack; a ball of light (PC), lightning (PS2) or [[basilisk venom]] which can be launched from the sword. In the PS1 version, however, the sword repels the venom like shiny metal or a mirror would repel a laser, and the player has to direct the shot onto the basilisk's teeth.
+
*The role of the sword in the [[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)|''Chamber of Secrets'' film]] is much the same as in the book; however in the PC, PS1 and PS2 versions of the [[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)|video game]] based on the film, the sword has a long range attack; a ball of light (PC), lightning/a curving beam of light (PS2/Xbox) or [[basilisk venom]] which can be launched from the sword, though it in the case of the PS2 and Xbox versions, the sword flies out of Harry's hands once the Basilisk is properly damaged with it (the sword is also rather short in the PS2 version).
  +
**In the PS1 version, however, the sword repels the venom like shiny metal or a mirror would repel a laser, and the player has to direct the shot onto the basilisk's teeth. It is only in the GBC version of Chamber of Secrets that the sword has a physical, non-magical attack used.
*The [http://www.swordskingdom.com/harry-potter-42-sword-of-godric-gryffindor-w-sheath-free-pla.html Gryffindor sword] is featured in the hand of the goblin [[Griphook]] on the front cover of the UK version of ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]''. The sword is also featured on the front cover of the German version of the book.
+
*The sword is featured in the hand of the goblin [[Griphook]] on the front cover of the UK version of ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]''. The sword is also featured on the front cover of the German version of the book.
 
*An illustration of the sword can also be seen being held by Dumbledore before Chapter Eighteen in the American version of ''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]''. In this image, the sword has a curved blade, like a scimitar, while in the film it is straight, like a [[Wikipedia:Arming sword|knight's sword]]. On the American dust jacket of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry has a sword in his belt, and this sword has a cup-hilt which guards the fingers, unlike the cross-hilt sword of the movies and the Chapter Eighteen illustration.
 
*An illustration of the sword can also be seen being held by Dumbledore before Chapter Eighteen in the American version of ''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]''. In this image, the sword has a curved blade, like a scimitar, while in the film it is straight, like a [[Wikipedia:Arming sword|knight's sword]]. On the American dust jacket of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry has a sword in his belt, and this sword has a cup-hilt which guards the fingers, unlike the cross-hilt sword of the movies and the Chapter Eighteen illustration.
 
*The sword was used twice in the series (by [[Harry Potter]] and [[Neville Longbottom]]) to kill snakes: [[Salazar Slytherin's Basilisk]] and [[Nagini]], respectively. This may symbolise [[Godric Gryffindor]]'s enmity with [[Salazar Slytherin]], who was closely associated with serpents. This may also have been an homage to the courtly tales of heroes "slaying dragons with swords," (e.g. [[Wikipedia:Saint George and the Dragon|Saint George]]).
 
*The sword was used twice in the series (by [[Harry Potter]] and [[Neville Longbottom]]) to kill snakes: [[Salazar Slytherin's Basilisk]] and [[Nagini]], respectively. This may symbolise [[Godric Gryffindor]]'s enmity with [[Salazar Slytherin]], who was closely associated with serpents. This may also have been an homage to the courtly tales of heroes "slaying dragons with swords," (e.g. [[Wikipedia:Saint George and the Dragon|Saint George]]).
*It is interesting to note that the sword is the only one of the main relics of the Hogwarts Founders that is not a Horcrux but one of the few things that can destroy a Horcrux. [[Salazar Slytherin's Locket|Slytherin's Locket]], [[Helga Hufflepuff's Cup|Hufflepuff's Cup]] and [[Rowena Ravenclaw's Diadem|Ravenclaw's Diadem]] are the other relics, but are also [[Horcrux]]es.
+
*It is interesting to note that the sword is the only one of the main relics of the Hogwarts Founders that is not a Horcrux but one of the few things that can destroy a Horcrux. [[Salazar Slytherin's Locket|Slytherin's Locket]], [[Helga Hufflepuff's Cup|Hufflepuff's Cup]] and [[Rowena Ravenclaw's Diadem|Ravenclaw's Diadem]] are the other relics, but are also [[Horcrux]]es.[[File:Screenshot 442.png|thumb|162x162px]]
*In the series the sword's size changes often, on the cover of the seventh novel it looks more like a large dagger than sword, as mentioned above it appears like a scimitar in the American version illustrations. In the films the handle appears to have a one handed handle but when Neville wields it is's handle is relatively long and is more a hand and a half.
+
*In the series the sword's size changes often, on the cover of the seventh novel it looks more like a large dagger than sword, as mentioned above it appears like a scimitar in the American
  +
version illustrations. In the films the handle appears to have a one handed handle but when Neville wields it is's handle is relatively long and is more a hand and a half. In the PS2 version of the game, it is as short as a short sword, while the Xbox version increases its length to a normal broadsword.
 
*The sword is Matthew Lewis's favourite prop from the series.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3FP-nmkFL0&feature=relmfu</ref>
 
*The sword is Matthew Lewis's favourite prop from the series.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3FP-nmkFL0&feature=relmfu</ref>
 
*Twice, the sword presented itself to a Gryffindor who doubted that they belonged. Harry Potter pulled the sword out of the Sorting Hat, when he was worrying that he should have been in Slytherin, and Neville Longbottom had an argument with the Sorting Hat; The hat wanted to put Neville in Gryffindor but Neville was scared and wanted to be put in Hufflepuff. Later, he pulled the sword out of the hat.
 
*Twice, the sword presented itself to a Gryffindor who doubted that they belonged. Harry Potter pulled the sword out of the Sorting Hat, when he was worrying that he should have been in Slytherin, and Neville Longbottom had an argument with the Sorting Hat; The hat wanted to put Neville in Gryffindor but Neville was scared and wanted to be put in Hufflepuff. Later, he pulled the sword out of the hat.
*The sword is the only remaining relic of the Hogwarts Founders, as the others were turned into Horcruxes by Voldemort and subsequently destroyed in an effort to defeat Voldemort.
+
*The sword, along with the [[Sorting Hat|Sorting Hat,]] are the only remaining relics of the Hogwarts Founders, as the others were turned into Horcruxes by Voldemort and subsequently destroyed in an effort to defeat Voldemort. Both belonged to Godric Gryffindor.
  +
* In the film adaptation, the design of the Sword of Gryffindor has a blatant resemblance to one of the ceremonial swords of Napoleon Bonaparte. The only few differences would be the silver hilt, a label of Gordic Gryffindor on the handle and the rubies on the pommel and the guard.<ref>http://collecthingblog.wordpress.com/2013/02/14/napoleon-ceremonial-swordtoledo-spain1809-by-martin-biennaisi-found-a-very-nice-replica/</ref><ref>http://getasword.com/1531-thickbox_default/ceremonial-sword-of-napoleon-gold.jpg</ref>
  +
===Author's comments===
  +
"The question of why a wizard would need a sword, though often asked, is easily answered. In the days before the International Statute of Secrecy, when wizards mingled freely with Muggles, they would use swords to defend themselves just as often as wands. Indeed, it was considered unsporting to use a wand against a Muggle sword (which is not to say it was never done). Many gifted wizards were also accomplished duellists in the conventional sense, Gryffindor among them.
  +
  +
There have been many enchanted swords in folklore. The Sword of Nuadu, part of the four legendary treasures of Tuatha Dé Danann, was invincible when drawn. Gryffindor's sword owes something to the legend of Excalibur, the sword of King Arthur, which in some legends must be drawn from a stone by the rightful king. The idea of fitness to carry the sword is echoed in the sword of Gryffindor's return to worthy members of its true owner's house."
   
 
==Appearances==
 
==Appearances==
Line 93: Line 116:
 
*''[[Pottermore]]''
 
*''[[Pottermore]]''
 
*''[[Harry Potter for Kinect]]''
 
*''[[Harry Potter for Kinect]]''
  +
 
==Notes and references==
 
==Notes and references==
 
{{Reflist}}
 
{{Reflist}}

Revision as of 19:14, 16 May 2015

File:Godrics Sword..png
"The sword of Gryffindor was made a thousand years ago by goblins, the magical world's most skilled metalworkers, and is therefore enchanted."
— The description of this sword[src]

The Sword of Gryffindor[1] was a thousand year old, goblin-made sword owned by the famed wizard Godric Gryffindor, one of the four founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

The sword was latter used in Albus Dumbledore's and Harry Potter's hunt for Horcruxes, as a tool of destruction against the Horcruxes, as means to make Lord Voldemort mortal again.

History

Early years

The sword was made to Gryffindor's specifications by Ragnuk the First, King of the Goblins. When it was finished, Ragnuk coveted it so much that he pretended Gryffindor had stolen it from him and sent minions to steal it back; however, Gryffindor bewitched the minions rather than killing them, and sent them back to Ragnuk to deliver the message that if Ragnuk ever tried to steal from Gryffindor again, the latter would unsheathe the sword against all the goblins.

The goblin king took the threat seriously and left Gryffindor in possession of his rightful property, but remained resentful until he died. This was the foundation for the false legend of Gryffindor's theft that persists, in some sections of the goblin community, to this day.

Affray in the Chamber of Secrets

File:Tumblr n29413O6t71rzvuwqo7 r1 250.gif

Harry slays Slytherin's Basilisk with Gryffindor's sword

In May of 1993, the sword materialized inside the old school Sorting Hat when Harry was inside the Chamber of Secrets. Harry then used the sword to kill Salazar Slytherin's Basilisk, which was hiding inside the bowels of the Chamber. This caused the sword to be imbued with basilisk venom (since goblin-made items only imbibe what makes them stronger) and hence gained the ability to destroy Horcruxes. After the events of that year, the sword resided in the Headmaster’s office and was kept safe within a glass case.

Hunt for Horcruxes

Rufus Scrimgeour: "Was it because Dumbledore believed that only the sword of Godric Gryffindor could defeat the Heir of Slytherin? Did he wish to give you that sword, Potter, because he believed, as do many, that you are the one destined to destroy He Who Must Not Be Named?"
Harry Potter: "Interesting theory. Has anyone ever tried sticking a sword in Voldemort?"
— Scrimgeour and the trio discussing the contents of Albus Dumbledore's will[src]

During the summer of 1996, Albus Dumbledore used the sword on the Gaunt family ring, which was one of Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes. The sword cracked the stone in the ring, destroying it as a Horcrux.

Screen shot 2011-12-09 at 7.52

The sword lying on a table in the Headmaster's office.

Before he died, Dumbledore entrusted the sword to Harry in his will. However, Rufus Scrimgeour claimed that the sword was not Dumbledore's to give away, and refused to give it to Harry. Dumbledore placed an identical copy of the sword in his office, because he knew that the Ministry of Magic would try to confiscate it, and hid the real sword in a hole in the wall behind his portrait. Sure enough, the sword on display in the Headmaster's office was later taken by Rufus Scrimgeour for examination.

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Harry reaching for the sword, in a frozen lake, in the Forest of Dean

When the sword was returned to the Headmaster's office, students Ginny Weasley, Neville Longbottom, and Luna Lovegood attempted to steal it for Harry. Following that incident and on Dumbledore's orders, Severus Snape passed the counterfeit sword to Bellatrix Lestrange, who stored it in her Gringotts vault, thinking it was real. Upon discovering where Harry and his friends were camping out, Dumbledore's portrait instructed Snape to give Harry the real sword without Harry knowing that it was Snape, in case Voldemort found out through Legilimency on Harry. Snape deposited the real sword in a frozen lake in the Forest of Dean and left a Patronus to guide Harry to the sword. When Harry tried to retrieve the sword, Salazar Slytherin's Locket closed around his neck and attempted to strangle him, sensing that its destruction was near. Ron Weasley came to Harry's rescue, retrieved the sword from the lake and used it to stab the locket, destroying the Horcrux.

Skirmish at Malfoy Manor

Goblin-Griphook, holding the Godric Gryffindor's sword DH

Griphook with the sword.

Later, Harry, Ron and Hermione were captured by the Death Eaters and sent to Malfoy Manor. Harry and Ron were imprisoned in the cellar along with Luna Lovegood, Dean Thomas, Mr. Ollivander and the goblin Griphook while Hermione was being tortured and interrogated by Bellatrix Lestrange. Bellatrix demanded to know where the trio came into the possession of the sword, thinking that they had broke into her vault for it. She summoned Griphook to verify the sword, and at Harry's request, Griphook lied and said that it was a fake.

Break-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank

When Harry and the rest were saved by Dobby to Shell Cottage, Harry asked for Griphook's assistance to break into Bellatrix Lestrange's vault at Gringotts, as he suspected another Horcrux was hidden within it. Griphook, impressed by Harry's respectful treatment of the house elf, agreed to help on the grounds that he would be given the real sword as payment. Harry agreed reluctantly. When their break-in was discovered, Griphook seized the real sword and ran with it. But even after he took the real sword, after the news of Harry, Ron and Hermione's break-in of Gringotts got to Voldemort, the Dark Lord fired Killing Curses at the Gringotts personnel and even Griphook himself. The sword vanished from Griphook's hand.

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Neville slays Nagini during the battle

Battle of Hogwarts

In the Battle of Hogwarts, the sword reappeared in the Sorting Hat for Neville Longbottom and following Harry's orders he used it to behead Nagini, Voldemort's snake and his last remaining Horcrux in a single stroke of the blade, rendering Voldemort a mortal man once more. The sword was last mentioned lying beside Neville in the Great Hall following the conclusion of the battle.

Physical appearance

"Fashioned from pure silver, it is inset with rubies, the stone that represents Gryffindor in the hour-glasses that count the house points at Hogwarts. Godric Gryffindor's name is engraved just beneath the hilt"
— A physical description of the sword.[src]

Gryffindor's sword is made of pure silver, with rubies set into it — the stone is used to symbolise Gryffindor House at Hogwarts. Gryffindor's name is engraved just beneath the hilt.

Behind the scenes

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  • Gryffindor's sword owes something to the legend of Excalibur, Arthur's sword, as it had to be drawn from a rock by the rightful king as only a rightful Gryffindor can hold Gryffindor's sword.
  • The role of the sword in the Chamber of Secrets film is much the same as in the book; however in the PC, PS1 and PS2 versions of the video game based on the film, the sword has a long range attack; a ball of light (PC), lightning/a curving beam of light (PS2/Xbox) or basilisk venom which can be launched from the sword, though it in the case of the PS2 and Xbox versions, the sword flies out of Harry's hands once the Basilisk is properly damaged with it (the sword is also rather short in the PS2 version).
    • In the PS1 version, however, the sword repels the venom like shiny metal or a mirror would repel a laser, and the player has to direct the shot onto the basilisk's teeth. It is only in the GBC version of Chamber of Secrets that the sword has a physical, non-magical attack used.
  • The sword is featured in the hand of the goblin Griphook on the front cover of the UK version of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The sword is also featured on the front cover of the German version of the book.
  • An illustration of the sword can also be seen being held by Dumbledore before Chapter Eighteen in the American version of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. In this image, the sword has a curved blade, like a scimitar, while in the film it is straight, like a knight's sword. On the American dust jacket of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry has a sword in his belt, and this sword has a cup-hilt which guards the fingers, unlike the cross-hilt sword of the movies and the Chapter Eighteen illustration.
  • The sword was used twice in the series (by Harry Potter and Neville Longbottom) to kill snakes: Salazar Slytherin's Basilisk and Nagini, respectively. This may symbolise Godric Gryffindor's enmity with Salazar Slytherin, who was closely associated with serpents. This may also have been an homage to the courtly tales of heroes "slaying dragons with swords," (e.g. Saint George).
  • It is interesting to note that the sword is the only one of the main relics of the Hogwarts Founders that is not a Horcrux but one of the few things that can destroy a Horcrux. Slytherin's Locket, Hufflepuff's Cup and Ravenclaw's Diadem are the other relics, but are also Horcruxes.
    Screenshot 442
  • In the series the sword's size changes often, on the cover of the seventh novel it looks more like a large dagger than sword, as mentioned above it appears like a scimitar in the American

version illustrations. In the films the handle appears to have a one handed handle but when Neville wields it is's handle is relatively long and is more a hand and a half. In the PS2 version of the game, it is as short as a short sword, while the Xbox version increases its length to a normal broadsword.

  • The sword is Matthew Lewis's favourite prop from the series.[3]
  • Twice, the sword presented itself to a Gryffindor who doubted that they belonged. Harry Potter pulled the sword out of the Sorting Hat, when he was worrying that he should have been in Slytherin, and Neville Longbottom had an argument with the Sorting Hat; The hat wanted to put Neville in Gryffindor but Neville was scared and wanted to be put in Hufflepuff. Later, he pulled the sword out of the hat.
  • The sword, along with the Sorting Hat, are the only remaining relics of the Hogwarts Founders, as the others were turned into Horcruxes by Voldemort and subsequently destroyed in an effort to defeat Voldemort. Both belonged to Godric Gryffindor.
  • In the film adaptation, the design of the Sword of Gryffindor has a blatant resemblance to one of the ceremonial swords of Napoleon Bonaparte. The only few differences would be the silver hilt, a label of Gordic Gryffindor on the handle and the rubies on the pommel and the guard.[4][5]

Author's comments

"The question of why a wizard would need a sword, though often asked, is easily answered. In the days before the International Statute of Secrecy, when wizards mingled freely with Muggles, they would use swords to defend themselves just as often as wands. Indeed, it was considered unsporting to use a wand against a Muggle sword (which is not to say it was never done). Many gifted wizards were also accomplished duellists in the conventional sense, Gryffindor among them.

There have been many enchanted swords in folklore. The Sword of Nuadu, part of the four legendary treasures of Tuatha Dé Danann, was invincible when drawn. Gryffindor's sword owes something to the legend of Excalibur, the sword of King Arthur, which in some legends must be drawn from a stone by the rightful king. The idea of fitness to carry the sword is echoed in the sword of Gryffindor's return to worthy members of its true owner's house."

Appearances

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Notes and references

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 New from J. K. Rowling - The Sword of Gryffindor
  2. Pottermore states that the sword was made "a thousand years ago"; as it is written from the perspective of Chamber of Secrets, it is written in 1992; subtract a thousand to get 992.
  3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3FP-nmkFL0&feature=relmfu
  4. http://collecthingblog.wordpress.com/2013/02/14/napoleon-ceremonial-swordtoledo-spain1809-by-martin-biennaisi-found-a-very-nice-replica/
  5. http://getasword.com/1531-thickbox_default/ceremonial-sword-of-napoleon-gold.jpg
  6. It is partially seen in glass case to the left of Dumbledore's portrait