Hand of Glory

Hand of Glory
Object information
Usage	Gives light only to the beholder
Owners	Borgin and Burkes Draco Malfoy

The Hand of Glory is a dark artefact, a shrivelled hand which gives light only to the holder.

Known owners

It was purchased by Draco Malfoy in Borgin and Burkes. He used it to escape from the Room of Requirement after using Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder to make it impossible for anyone to see him leave the room.

Etymology and history

The Hand of Glory is a magical instrument which appears often in mystic lore. In general, it is described as a severed and preserved human hand, with a candle implanted on it. The various powers ascribed to a Hand Of Glory include the ability to immobilize anyone who looks at it, or unlock any door it comes across. It was traditionally used by thieves, since it allowed them to see in otherwise total darkness, open locked doors, and immobilize guards. In some dark magical ceremonies, Hands of Glory were reputed to have been used as the source of illumination.

Various grisly myths surround the making of a Hand of Glory (which fits well with the reputation of Borgin and Burkes). The hand is said to be that of an executed criminal (usually by hanging); most often the criminal himself is a murderer or other serious felon. Other myths say that a hanged man's blood is necessary to the recipe, or that his body fat is used to make the candle.

The myth is probably derived from the (European) Mandrake plant (Mandragora officinarum). Etymologically, the name "Mandragora" closely resembles the French phrase "Main de la Gloire," ("Hand of Glory") The actual Mandrake plant produces a number of alkaloid toxins, including scopolamine and mandragorine, and has been used since ancient times as an anaesthetic. Chewing the root can cause stupor.

A Hand of Glory appears prominently in the climax of John Bellairs's young adult novel The House With A Clock In Its Walls, as well as the Hellboy story "Box Full of Evil". They are also used in Charles Stross's Laundry Files series of paranormal spy thrillers.

Behind the scenes

• The hand appears in the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, old and shrunken and lying on a cushion in Borgin and Burke's. When Harry touches it, it grabs his hand viciously until he manages to pry it off again.
• In LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 when the hand grabs Harry's, it takes Harry's hand off of his arm and spits it out in front of Rubeus Hagrid.

Appearances

• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (First appearance)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
• LEGO Harry Potter: Characters of the Magical World (Mentioned only)
• LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4
• Pottermore