Goblin-Wrought Silver

• Type: Enchanted Material
• Owners: Various Wizards and Witches (though ownership is a point of major contention with its makers)
• Maker: Goblins

Goblin-wrought silver refers to objects crafted from silver by Goblins. This metalwork is considered to be of the highest possible quality, often enchanted with unique magical properties that are difficult, if not impossible, for Wizards to replicate. The craftsmanship is typically exquisite and highly prized. Examples of goblin-wrought silver described in the series include:

• The Sword of Gryffindor, a magnificent sword with a glittering silver blade and a hilt encrusted with egg-sized rubies.
• A tiara worn by Fleur Delacour at her wedding, which was described as beautifully made and radiating a soft, white light.

The most significant magical property of goblin-wrought silver is its ability to interact with substances it comes into contact with. According to both the portrait of Phineas Nigellus Black and the goblin Griphook, true goblin-made armour or weaponry repels ordinary dirt and only “imbibes that which strengthens it.” This unique quality is central to the plot of the series. The Sword of Gryffindor, having been used by Harry Potter to kill the Basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets, absorbed the creature's potent venom. Because basilisk venom is one of the few substances capable of destroying a Horcrux, the sword itself became an effective tool for their destruction. This property allows goblin-wrought items to become more powerful over time, depending on how they are used.

The history of goblin-wrought silver is deeply intertwined with the contentious relationship between Goblins and Wizards. From a goblin's perspective, the payment for a commissioned item is merely a rental fee for its use during the purchaser's lifetime. Upon the original owner's death, Goblins believe the object should rightfully be returned to the descendants of its maker. Wizards, however, operate on the principle of a final sale, believing that once an item is paid for, it becomes the permanent property of the purchaser and their heirs. This fundamental disagreement in culture and law has been a primary source of conflict for centuries, leading to what Bill Weasley described as “bloody and vicious” Goblin Rebellions. The most famous dispute centers on the Sword of Gryffindor. Goblins, including Griphook, maintain that Godric Gryffindor “stole” the sword from its maker, Ragnuk the First. The official wizarding account, however, states that Gryffindor commissioned and paid for the sword fairly.

Goblin-wrought silver plays a crucial dual role in the narrative.

1. Plot Device: The unique property of the Sword of Gryffindor to “imbibe that which strengthens it” is essential for the destruction of Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes. Without this goblin-imparted magic, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger would have had far fewer means to defeat the Dark Lord.
2. Cultural Exposition: The concept of goblin ownership serves as a powerful lens through which the series explores themes of prejudice, historical injustice, and cultural misunderstanding. Griphook's decision to help the trio break into Gringotts is entirely motivated by his desire to reclaim the Sword of Gryffindor. His subsequent betrayal, once he has the sword, highlights the deep and seemingly irreconcilable chasm between goblin and wizard viewpoints.

• In Quidditch Through the Ages, it is mentioned that when the Golden Snidget was endangered, a goblin-made substitute, the Golden Snitch, was invented by a wizard named Bowman Wright. The silver charmwork on the first Snitch was likely goblin-wrought, reflecting their renowned skill with metals. (Quidditch Through the Ages)