In the world of wizards. A wand is not merely a tool—but a part of you. Everything since the first time Mr. Ollivander spoke those immortal words, “The wand chooses the wizard,” has been fascinating about wood. Core. And the history behind them all. And yet, though there is magic in every wand, some are born to make history. Defeat Dark Lords. Or, in a few instances, make a complete mess. Here’s our top 10 countdown of the most powerful Harry Potter wands, from the impressive to the simply mythical.
10. Ron Weasley’s Second Wand
Ron’s initial wand (his brother’s legacy) was in itself a curse—literally. His second wand, however, a reliable 14-inch willow with unicorn core hair, ultimately allowed him to advance in fights without fear of random backfires. Not showy, but during the Battle of Hogwarts, reliability was magic enough.
9. Fleur Delacour’s Wand
Rosewood and one Veela hair from her grandmother make Fleur’s wand an extraordinary beauty. Although Fleur didn’t win the Triwizard Tournament, she stood up in the battle with Voldemort, and her wand’s unusual core makes it an ornament most witches can only hope for.
8. Lucius Malfoy’s Wand
If wands did have a red carpet, Lucius’s elm-and-dragon-heartstring stunner would be in the front row. It even boasted a silver snakehead handle for added drama. In the right (or wrong) pair of hands, it was capable—and the ultimate accessory to go with a pureblood aristocrat with morals as questionable as his.
7. Hermione Granger’s Wand
Vine wood, dragon heartstring, and 10¾ inches of brilliance—Hermione’s wand was ideally suited to her brain and magical prowess. Harry himself found it difficult to handle when he used it temporarily, evidence of just how in tune Hermione was with her preferred magical companion.
6. Bellatrix Lestrange’s Wand
Walnut, dragon heartstring, 12¾ inches, and—appropriately—unyielding. Bellatrix’s wand was used for some of the darker acts in the series, including the torture of the Longbottoms and the death of Sirius Black. Hermione told us it was “cold” when she temporarily used it, evidence that there is some magic that simply feels off.
5. Minerva McGonagall’s Wand
Fir wood, dragon heartstring, 9½ inches—accurate, refined, and forceful. Famous for its identification with Transfiguration masters, McGonagall’s wand was the ideal choice for one of Hogwarts’ most defensive guardians. When she cast it, you sensed something indelible was going to occur.
4. Severus Snape’s Wand
Little can be said of Snape’s wand, but its legend speaks volumes. Legend has it that it has a unicorn hair core, making it fiercely devoted—something like Snape himself. Whether brewing subtle potions or dueling with lethal accuracy, his wand was an expression of his reserved, calculating might.
3. Harry Potter’s Wand
Holly and phoenix feather, 11 inches—one of the most well-known wands in the wizarding world. The phoenix feather had belonged to Fawkes, as well as being the origin of Voldemort’s wand core, thus forming a unique magical bond between the two. It saved Harry’s life on more than one occasion, and when it was destroyed, the Elder Wand itself was employed to recreate the bond.
2. Voldemort’s Wand
Yew and phoenix feather, 13½ inches—the Dark Lord’s wand was as deadly as its owner. Also fueled by Fawkes’ feather, it was equal to Harry’s in raw magical power. Voldemort’s mastery of it nearly destroyed the wizarding world, twice.
1. The Elder Wand
Elder wood, 15 inches, with a core made from Thestral tail hair—perhaps the most mythic magical artifact in the Potterverse. Rumored to be made by Death himself, the Elder Wand has been owned by notorious wielders: Grindelwald, Dumbledore, Voldemort, and then Harry. Its loyalty is only transferred by conquest, which means it’s both the ultimate tool and the ultimate temptation.
Some wands are symbols, wands that are tools, and a very few wands that are history-makers. In Harry Potter, the wand does make the wizard, or sometimes break them.