======Wandlore======
=====Introduction=====
Wandlore is the ancient and complex branch of [[magic]] that deals with the history, abilities, and properties of [[wand]]s. It is described by the famed wandmaker [[Garrick Ollivander]] as a mysterious and intricate field of study, the subtleties of which are not fully understood even by its most dedicated practitioners. The principles of wandlore govern how a wand chooses a wizard or witch, how its allegiance can be won or lost, and how the specific combination of its [[wand wood]] and [[wand core]] determines its unique character and capabilities.
=====Core Principles of Wandlore=====
Wandlore is built upon several fundamental principles that dictate the relationship between a witch or wizard and their wand.
  * **The Wand Chooses the Wizard:** This is the most central tenet of wandlore. A witch or wizard can use almost any wand, but a truly powerful connection is only formed when a wand chooses its owner. This process is mysterious, but a wand seems to sense a compatibility with the user's character and magic. [[Harry Potter]]'s experience at [[Ollivanders]], where he tried numerous wands before finding the one meant for him—holly and [[Phoenix feather]]—is a classic example of this principle in action.
  * **Wand Allegiance:** A wand's loyalty is not necessarily permanent and can be transferred from one master to another. Allegiance is typically won by defeating the previous owner, though this does not require killing them; disarming or otherwise overpowering them is sufficient. This principle is most famously demonstrated through the history of the [[Elder Wand]]. [[Albus Dumbledore]] won its allegiance by defeating [[Gellert Grindelwald]]. Later, [[Draco Malfoy]] became its master by disarming Dumbledore, and [[Harry Potter]] subsequently won its allegiance by forcefully taking Draco's own wand at [[Malfoy Manor]].
  * **Wand Components and Characteristics:** The materials used to create a wand are crucial to its identity. Each combination of a specific [[wand wood]] and a magical [[wand core]] produces a wand with a unique temperament. [[Garrick Ollivander]] favored three primary cores, which he called the "Supreme Cores":
    - `  - **[[Unicorn hair]]**:` Produces the most consistent magic and is the most difficult to turn to the [[Dark Arts]].
    - `  - **[[Dragon heartstring]]**:` Produces the most powerful wands, capable of the most flamboyant spells. They tend to bond strongly with their current owner.
    - `  - **[[Phoenix feather]]**:` The rarest core type, capable of the greatest range of magic, though they can be picky about their owners and act of their own accord.
  * **Twin Cores:** When two wands share cores from the exact same magical creature, they are considered "brothers" or "twins." Such wands cannot be forced to fight each other successfully. When they are, a rare magical effect known as [[Priori Incantatem]] occurs, forcing one of the wands to regurgitate the spells it has recently performed. This was the case with the wands of [[Harry Potter]] and [[Lord Voldemort]], which both contained a tail feather from [[Fawkes]], Dumbledore's phoenix.
  * **Wand Experience and Memory:** Wands are quasi-sentient and learn from their owners, absorbing their experiences and character. A wand that has been used to perform powerful or [[Dark Arts]] will become more adept at that type of magic. Likewise, a wand will grow in power and skill along with its master.
=====Notable Wandmakers and Scholars=====
  * **[[Garrick Ollivander]]:** Widely regarded as the finest wandmaker in Great Britain. He possessed an unparalleled understanding of wandlore, which he considered a lifelong, unending study. He was kidnapped and tortured by [[Lord Voldemort]] for his knowledge of the twin cores and the [[Elder Wand]].
  * **[[Mykew Gregorovitch]]:** A skilled and famous European wandmaker who was a rival of Ollivander. He once possessed the [[Elder Wand]] and foolishly bragged about it, leading to its theft by a young [[Gellert Grindelwald]]. He was later murdered by [[Lord Voldemort]] in his quest for the wand.
  * **[[Albus Dumbledore]]:** While not a wandmaker, Dumbledore had a profound and subtle understanding of wandlore, particularly concerning the [[Deathly Hallows]]. His knowledge of wand allegiance was crucial to his plans for the defeat of [[Lord Voldemort]].
  * **[[Gellert Grindelwald]]:** A powerful [[Dark Wizard]] who was deeply knowledgeable about wandlore. His search for the [[Elder Wand]] and his subsequent mastery of it, however brief, demonstrate his expertise in this field.
=====Role in the Harry Potter Series=====
The principles of wandlore are woven throughout the entire series, growing in significance as the story progresses. Initially introduced in //Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone// with the concept of "the wand chooses the wizard," its importance becomes critical in //Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire// with the revelation of the twin cores and the effect of [[Priori Incantatem]].
Wandlore becomes a central plot device in //Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows//. The breaking of Harry's holly wand forces him to use other wands, including Hermione's and Draco's, teaching him firsthand about wand allegiance. The global search for the [[Elder Wand]] by [[Lord Voldemort]] drives much of the narrative. Ultimately, the final confrontation between Harry and Voldemort is decided by a crucial point of wandlore: Harry, not Voldemort, is the true master of the [[Elder Wand]]. This causes Voldemort's [[Killing Curse]] to rebound upon himself, as the wand would not murder its rightful master.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * J.K. Rowling has significantly expanded upon the principles of wandlore through her writings on the Pottermore and Wizarding World websites. These writings detail the properties of numerous [[wand wood]]s and additional [[wand core]]s not mentioned in the books. (Pottermore)
  * The core of the [[Elder Wand]] is revealed to be a [[Thestral]] tail hair, a substance that only a witch or wizard who has accepted death can master. (J.K. Rowling interview)
  * In the film adaptations, the physical designs of wands are often unique and symbolic of their owners' personalities, such as Voldemort's bone-like wand or the elegant simplicity of Hermione's vine wood wand. (film)