Wands
"It's really the wand that chooses the wizard, of course."
-- Mr. Ollivander
Most magic is done using a wand. It is possible to cast spells without using a wand, but for most wizards results are unfocused. Wands are created from wood with some magical substance at its heart. Wands are classified by means of four characteristics: length, type of wood, quality of motion when waved, and type of magical ingredient. In Britain, the most well-known wand maker is Mr. Ollivander. His shop, Ollivander's (Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C.) is located in Diagon Alley. Another European wand maker is Gregorovich. When a wand is damaged or broken, it's effects can be unpredictable, even if patched together with Spellotape.
Although there is no specific rule about which kind of wood a person's wand should be, some wands are particularly well suited to their owners. Notes about specific wands are giving below.
Some famous wands and their characteristics
Harry Potter: holly, 11", supple, single phoenix tail feather (from Fawkes)
According to European tradition, the holly tree repels evil. The name "holly" is derived from the work "holy."
Fleur Delacour: rosewood, 9 1/2 ", inflexible, veela hair.
The hair in Fleur's wand was from her grandmother, who was a Veela.
James Potter: mahoghany, 11", pliable (excellent for transfiguration)
It makes sense that a wand good for transfiguration would be "plable," which means that it can be molded and shaped.
Lily Potter: willow, 10 1/4", swishy (nice wand for charm work)
Voldemort: yew, 13 1/2", single phoenix tail feather (also from Fawkes)
Harry's and Voldemort's wands are "brothers" because they have cores of not only the same substance but from exactly the same source. When they are forced to fight each other, the Priori Incantatem effect is produced. Yew trees are known for their long lives. They symbolize death, but also resurrection. (JKR)
Hagrid: oak, 16", rather bendy
The oak tree is considered to be the "king of the forest," according to British lore. It is known for its strength. (JKR)
Krum: hornbeam, 10 1/4", quite rigid, dragon's heartstring
Krum's wand was made by Gregorovich, not Ollivander. Krum's stiff, gruff manner is refelected in his wand being "quite rigid."
Cedric Diggory: pleasantly springy, 12 1/4", single unicorn hair
Cedric, who is friendly and unassuming, carries a wand which is described as "pleasant."
Ron's wands:
first one (obtained August Y11, broken 1st September Y12): ash
new one (31st August, Y13): willow, 14", unicorn tail hair
Ron's original wand was a hand-me-down from his older brother Charlie. It was made of ash. This wand broke when the flying Anglia crashed into the Whomping Willow on the 1st of September, Y12.
Hermione's wand: vine wood, dragon heartstring
Rowling chose vine wood (JKR) for Hermione because it is the wood associated with her birthday in Celtic lore.
Dolores Umbridge's wand
While not identified specifically, Umbridge's wand was described as "unusually short." Umbridge herself is unusually short, and perhaps her wand's characterisitcs suggest that her magical ability comes up wanting as well. We never do see her perform any particularly effective magic spells, after all.
~PORT KEYS!~
