Ivor Gregorovitch

Ivor Gregorovitch was a highly-skilled and famous European wandmaker, considered a contemporary and rival to Garrick Ollivander. He is notable for crafting the wand of the Bulgarian Quidditch Seeker, Viktor Krum, and for being a one-time master of the Elder Wand. His possession and subsequent loss of this legendary wand made him a target of Lord Voldemort, who hunted him down and murdered him during the Second Wizarding War in his quest for the most powerful wand in existence.

Gregorovitch established a formidable reputation as a master wandmaker in continental Europe, with his skills being compared to those of the British master, Ollivander. One of his notable clients was the international Quidditch star Viktor Krum, whose wand was a Gregorovitch creation. At an unknown point in his life, Gregorovitch came into possession of the Elder Wand, one of the three Deathly Hallows. Unlike previous owners who kept the wand's identity a secret, Gregorovitch was indiscreet. He actively spread rumors that he had obtained the legendary wand and was studying its properties, hoping to use its fame to bolster his own business and reputation. This boasting, however, attracted the attention of a young and ambitious dark wizard, Gellert Grindelwald. Grindelwald located Gregorovitch's workshop, stunned the wandmaker from behind, and stole the Elder Wand, becoming its new master. Decades later, during Lord Voldemort's search for a wand that could overcome Harry Potter's, his quest led him to the Elder Wand. After interrogating Ollivander, Voldemort began his hunt for Gregorovitch. He eventually tracked the now-elderly wandmaker to his workshop. Using Legilimency, Voldemort forcibly extracted Gregorovitch's memory of the young, blond thief who had stolen the wand from him so many years ago. Having obtained all the information he needed, Voldemort coldly murdered the terrified Gregorovitch with the Killing Curse, silencing him forever.

In his old age, as seen through Lord Voldemort's eyes, Gregorovitch was a stout man with thick, white hair and a matching beard. His personality appears to have been ambitious and boastful in his prime, as he was willing to use the dangerous reputation of the Elder Wand for his own commercial gain. He was also a dedicated researcher of wandlore, attempting to duplicate the Elder Wand's properties. In his final moments, however, he was shown to be terrified and desperate, pleading for his life before being murdered by Voldemort.

• Wandmaking: Gregorovitch was a master wandmaker of exceptional skill. Garrick Ollivander himself acknowledged Gregorovitch as a “fine wandmaker”. His creations were of high quality, sought after by powerful wizards like Viktor Krum.
• Wandlore: He possessed a deep knowledge of wandlore, which enabled him to identify and acquire the Elder Wand. He experimented with the wand, though his goal of replicating its powers was ultimately unsuccessful.

• The Elder Wand: For a time, Gregorovitch was the master of the most powerful wand ever made. It was his most significant known possession until its theft by Gellert Grindelwald.
• Wandmaking Workshop: He owned and operated a workshop where he crafted his wands. This was the location of his murder at the hands of Lord Voldemort.

• Garrick Ollivander: A professional rival in the art of wandmaking. While they respected each other's skills, they held differing views on wandlore and the nature of wands.
• Viktor Krum: A prominent client. Gregorovitch crafted the hornbeam and dragon heartstring wand used by the famous Quidditch player.
• Gellert Grindelwald: As a young man, Grindelwald targeted Gregorovitch specifically to steal the Elder Wand. By stealing the wand, Grindelwald became its next master and inadvertently set in motion the chain of events that would lead to Gregorovitch's death decades later.
• Lord Voldemort: Gregorovitch's murderer. Voldemort sought him out only for information regarding the Elder Wand's whereabouts and killed him without remorse once he had it.

• Gregorovitch: This is a Slavic patronymic surname, meaning “son of Gregor” or “son of Gregory.” The name Gregory derives from the Greek Gregorios, meaning “watchful” or “vigilant.” This is deeply ironic, as he was not vigilant enough to prevent Gellert Grindelwald from stealing the Elder Wand from him. The Slavic origin fits his profile as a continental European wandmaker.
• Ivor: This first name is not mentioned in the novels. It is of Welsh or Old Norse origin, meaning “bow warrior” or “archer,” a fitting name for someone who crafts items from wood used to direct power, similar to a bow.

• In the original novels by J.K. Rowling, the character is only ever referred to by his surname, Gregorovitch.
• In the film adaptation of Part 1, he is given the first name Mykew.
• He was portrayed by Croatian actor Rade Šerbedžija in the film adaptation (film).