======The Sword of Gryffindor======
=====Object Information=====
  * **Type:** [[Goblin]]-made artifact, [[Horcrux]] destroyer
  * **Owners:** [[Godric Gryffindor]], [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]], [[Albus Dumbledore]], [[Harry Potter]], [[Neville Longbottom]]
  * **Maker:** [[Ragnuk the First]]
=====Description and Appearance=====
The [[Sword of Gryffindor]] is a magnificent, silver sword crafted by [[Goblin|goblins]]. The blade is brilliantly shining, and engraved just below the hilt is the full name of its original owner: **Godric Gryffindor**. The hilt itself is set with large, egg-sized rubies, the gemstone associated with the [[Gryffindor]] house.
As a product of goblin smithing, the sword is enchanted. It is impervious to dirt and rust, never requiring cleaning, and it repels anything that would tarnish it.
=====Magical Properties and Usage=====
The [[Sword of Gryffindor]] possesses several unique and powerful magical properties:
  * **Imbuing Strength:** Its most significant goblin-made quality is its ability to imbibe any substance that will make it stronger. After [[Harry Potter]] used it to kill the [[Basilisk]] in the [[Chamber of Secrets]], the sword absorbed the creature's incredibly destructive venom.
  * **Horcrux Destruction:** Imbued with [[Basilisk]] venom, the sword became one of the few known objects capable of destroying a [[Horcrux]]. The venom is so potent that it annihilates the enchanted soul container beyond magical repair.
  * **Allegiance to True Gryffindors:** The sword is intrinsically linked to the [[Sorting Hat]], another artifact owned by [[Godric Gryffindor]]. It will present itself to any "true Gryffindor" who shows courage and is in great need by allowing them to pull it from the [[Sorting Hat]].
=====History=====
The sword was commissioned by [[Godric Gryffindor]] from [[Ragnuk the First]], the king of the goblins and their most skilled silversmith. After completing the sword, Ragnuk grew to covet it and, after it was delivered and paid for, falsely claimed Gryffindor had stolen it. He sent his minions to retrieve it, but Gryffindor defended himself with his [[wand]] and sent the goblins back with a threat: if Ragnuk ever tried to take the sword again, Gryffindor would use it against all goblins. Ragnuk took the threat seriously, and the sword remained in Gryffindor's possession. (Pottermore)
For centuries, the sword was kept in the [[Headmaster's office]] at [[Hogwarts]], protected within a glass case. In 1993, [[Harry Potter]] pulled the sword from the [[Sorting Hat]] during his confrontation with [[Tom Riddle]]'s memory and the [[Basilisk]] in the [[Chamber of Secrets]]. He used it to slay the serpent, at which point the sword became imbued with [[Basilisk]] venom.
[[Albus Dumbledore]] later used the venom-infused sword to destroy a [[Horcrux]], [[Marvolo Gaunt's Ring]]. Recognizing its immense importance, Dumbledore bequeathed the sword to Harry in his will. However, the [[Ministry of Magic]], led by [[Rufus Scrimgeour]], blocked the inheritance, arguing the sword was a priceless historical artifact belonging to [[Hogwarts]], not Dumbledore.
Anticipating this, Dumbledore had already replaced the sword in the Headmaster's office with a copy. He entrusted the real sword to [[Severus Snape]], who, following instructions from Dumbledore's portrait, hid it in a frozen pond in the [[Forest of Dean]]. Snape then used his [[Patronus]] to lead Harry to its location. [[Ron Weasley]] retrieved the sword from the pond and used it to destroy [[Salazar Slytherin's Locket]].
The trio later sought help from the goblin [[Griphook]] to break into [[Bellatrix Lestrange]]'s vault at [[Gringotts]], believing the sword to be there (unaware it was a copy). Griphook agreed to help in exchange for the real sword. During their escape from the bank, Griphook seized the sword and fled.
The sword's final appearance was during the [[Battle of Hogwarts]]. As [[Voldemort]] set the [[Sorting Hat]] upon [[Neville Longbottom]]'s head, Neville defied the [[Dark Lord]]. In this moment of supreme courage, Neville was able to pull the [[Sword of Gryffindor]] from the burning hat and used it to decapitate [[Nagini]], destroying the final [[Horcrux]].
=====Role in the Story=====
The [[Sword of Gryffindor]] is a pivotal object in the series, functioning as both a symbol and a crucial tool. It represents the ultimate embodiment of Gryffindor courage and chivalry. Its ability to appear to a worthy Gryffindor in a time of need serves as a powerful //deus ex machina//, saving the heroes at critical moments.
More importantly, after being imbued with [[Basilisk]] venom, it becomes one of the central weapons in the war against [[Voldemort]], as one of the very few instruments capable of destroying his [[Horcruxes]]. The sword's history also illuminates the deep-seated cultural conflict between wizards and goblins regarding the concepts of payment and ownership.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * J.K. Rowling has confirmed that the sword's ability to present itself is not exclusive to Harry and that any worthy Gryffindor could summon it from the [[Sorting Hat]]. (J.K. Rowling interview)
  * The wizarding account that Gryffindor commissioned and fairly paid for the sword is the true version of events; the goblin belief that it was stolen is rooted in [[Ragnuk the First]]'s greed. (Pottermore)
  * In the film adaptation of //Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2//, the sword's fate after the [[Gringotts]] heist is altered. [[Griphook]] is killed by [[Voldemort]]'s forces during the escape, and the sword is recovered by a [[Death Eater]] and given to [[Voldemort]]. This differs from the book, where [[Griphook]] escapes with the sword, and its whereabouts are unknown until [[Neville Longbottom]] pulls it from the [[Sorting Hat]]. (film)