GOBLIN REBELLIONS
3rd Year - Option Two
Goblin Rebellions are an important part of wizarding history. They have been described as "bloody and vicious," but it is crucial to understand that the Goblin Rebellions were not simply a bloodbath resulting from violent creatures revolting against the rule of wizards. Rather, Goblin Rebellions were a result of prejudice and discrimination toward goblins by wizardkind. They may have occurred because of a lack of goblin representation on the Wizengamot, the stripping of goblins' wand privileges, attempts made by wizardkind to enslave goblins, wizard attempts to assume control of Gringotts, and brutal goblin murders by the serial goblin killer Yardley Platt.
Goblin Rebellions were most prevalent in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and the first recorded rebellion took place in 1612 near Hogsmeade Village. The second recorded goblin rebellion is one of the most notable in terms of repercussions for the Wizarding World. In 1752, a goblin rebellion took place in Great Britain that resulted in the resignation of Minister of Magic Albert Boot due to his mismanagement of the rebellion. Basil Flack was named as his replacement but only lasted for two months in office when the goblins allied with werewolves in the ongoing rebellion. Finally, Hepheastus Gore was named Minister and the rebellion came to an end, but the wizarding milling industry was negatively impacted.
Image of Goblins at Gringotts
Another rebellion took place in the 18th century and was led by Urg the Unclean. As a result of his involvement, Urg the Unclean was featured on a Chocolate Frog Card. Some historians believe that the 1880s saw a turn in Goblin Rebellions due to the rise of one dark goblin named Ranrok, but there is insufficient historical evidence to prove the validity and/or extent of this rebellion.
HOMEWORK:
1) Discuss a few reasons why many goblins developed a hatred for wizardkind.
2) The Code of Wand Use was passed by the Wizards' Council in 1631 and states, "No non-human creature is permitted to carry or use a wand." Do you think this is a fair code to have in place? Why or why not? Be sure to consider it in the context of goblin history.