When J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets released in theaters back in 2002, not only did it continue Harry, Hermione, and Ron Weasley’s adventures, but it also introduced us to the Sword of Gryffindor.
It appeared as a thin, almost rapier-like long sword with an ornate hilt adorned with a faux ruby pommel, a nod to its connections to Gryffindor house. And like true Gryffindors, us fans all wanted one for our HP collections.
Why Is the Sword of Gryffindor So Important?
The Sword of Gryffindor is symbolic of the history and identity of Gryffindor house because it was owned by Godric Gryffindor, Gryffindor’s founder and namesake.
Ravenclaw has a diadem, Slytherin has Salazar Slytherin’s locket, and Hufflepuff has the Hufflepuff cup, but the Sword of Gryffindor stands out for being the only relic that has an offensive purpose.
Not to mention, Godrick Gryffindor’s sword was the only one of the four that wasn’t used by Voldemort as a Horcrux to extend his lifespan. In fact, the sword had the power to destroy Horcruxes because it had absorbed basilisk venom.
Why Was the Sword of Gryffindor Not a Horcrux?
There are a couple of reasons why Lord Voldemort wasn’t able to turn the Sword of Gryffindor into a Horcrux, with the main reason that he could never truly find it. The lore of the sword states that it only presents itself to true Gryffindors in need of its help, so, being a former Slytherin, Voldemort was never able to find the sword.
This is part of why Harry finds the sword in a frozen lake, a clear reference to how King Arthur receives Excalibur from the Lady of the Lake in Arthurian legends, after Dumbledore’s portrait told Severus Snape to give it to him.
Secondly, Voldemort thought he already was in possession of the real sword where it was hidden by his loyal follower, Bellatrix LeStrange in her Gringotts vault. In both the books and movies, there are actually two Harry Potter swords that are described as the Sword of Gryffindor, but one of them was a fake.
As expected of Dumbledore, he was prepared and had bought a replica of the sword before Voldemort could get his hands on the real thing so that he could fool him into thinking he had the true sword. Since the real sword was made by goblins, Griphook wasn’t fooled because he was a goblin with experience working at Gringotts Wizarding Bank and could easily tell that it was fake when he saw it.
The original Sword of Gryffindor was made by Ragnuk the First, a goblin king and craftsman, who created the sword for Godric Gryffindor. Meanwhile, the fake was made by regular wizards.
A Sword of Gryffindor Replica for Your Harry Potter Collection
You won’t have to go to Hogwarts and hope the Sorting Hat lands you in Gryffindor to get your very own Sword of Gryffindor. While this replica is made of regular stainless steel by regular humans, it’s still a faithful copy with exquisite details that’s perfect for cosplay.
This replica sword features a fine, two-edged blade and an intricately decorated handle and crossguard. The sword is inset with multiple faux rubies that gleam under the light, making it great for adding oomph to your photoshoots.
The sword doesn’t come with its own leather sheath, but given that it looks this good, why would you sheath it anyway?
Material: Stainless steel
Length: 80 cm
Conclusion
It may be a little too late for most of us to hop on a train at Platform 9 ¾, but it’s never too late to embrace your inner Gryffindor with a replica sword that embodies your courage and your love for the Harry Potter franchise! Whether you’re dressing up as Harry, Ginny, or Neville Longbottom at your next book club meeting or convention, this sword is a top of the line replica that deserves a spot on your shelf.
20-something freelance writer who likes games and history maybe a little too much. When I'm not writing for the web, I write notes for a new Dungeons and Dragons campaign. Hyperfixations include Genshin Impact, color eyeliner, true crime, and Star Wars.
Juliana has been writing for nearly thirty years and concentrates on Tudor and Medieval history. She has written for Tudor Dynasty, Tudor Writing Circle, Historian Matt Lewis, and others. Juliana currently writes for Pen and Sword Publishers and is the author of several books, including Medicine in the Middle Ages and A History of Insanity and the Asylum.
