Wyrm

A Wyrm is a type of serpentine dragon from mythology, whose only known connection to the wizarding world comes from a historical misidentification of a powerful wand core. This lore is primarily detailed on the Pottermore website and is not mentioned in the original seven Harry Potter novels. The existence of Wyrms as an actual creature within the wizarding world is unconfirmed by primary canonical sources.

In traditional, non-magical folklore, a Wyrm is typically described as a limbless, serpent-like dragon. They are often depicted as ancient, powerful beings, sometimes associated with water or burrowing underground. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with other draconic creatures, but generally signifies a more primitive or serpentine form, lacking the wings or legs of more common European dragons.

The term “Wyrm” enters wizarding history through a misunderstanding related to the personal wand of Salazar Slytherin. The story, as detailed on Pottermore, clarifies the nature of this error.

• The wand was created by Salazar Slytherin himself in the 10th century and was constructed from snakewood with a core containing a shard of a Horned Serpent's horn. (Pottermore)
• Hundreds of years later, in the 17th century, the wand was brought to North America by Isolt Sayre, a descendant of Slytherin. Having little knowledge of North American magical beasts, she incorrectly identified the wand core as being from a Wyrm. (Pottermore)
• The true nature of the core was that of a Horned Serpent, a magical beast native to North America that Isolt Sayre would later befriend. The wand's unique ability to “sleep” or become inert when commanded in Parseltongue was a property inherited from the Horned Serpent itself. (Pottermore)
• Consequently, the belief that a “Wyrm horn” was an exceptionally rare and powerful wand core was based entirely on this historical misidentification. The actual magical properties belonged to the horn of the Horned Serpent. (Pottermore)

• The concept of a Wyrm horn is directly referenced in the video game Hogwarts Legacy. One of the collectible wand handles is described as being made of “what is believed to be Wyrm horn, a powerful but exceedingly rare wand core,” directly alluding to the lore established on Pottermore. (video game)