The definition of 'beast' and 'being' was first set by Burdock Muldoon to include any creature that walked on two legs. This had disastrous ramifications when Diricawls, Augureys, Fwoopers, Pixies, Fairies and Trolls were included in the discussions of magical laws. The Trolls destroyed the council chambers with their gigantic clubs, the Pixies played cruel tricks on other attendees and the Fwoopers sang constantly, much to the detriment of the sanity of all.
A second attempt to define beasts and beings was equally as disastrous, when Elfrida Clagg limited it to those who could speak the Human tongue. This included Ghosts, Centaurs, Trolls and Jarveys but excluded Merpeople, Giants and Hags. The discontent in this definition caused Ghosts and Centaurs to abjure the official magical summit, where once again the Trolls were violent and the Jarveys marred the official transcript with continuous rude and vulgar statements.
The English definition of "Human tongue" was also considered perplexing by foreign witches and wizards, who already spoke several other languages. Opinions spread that the wizards of the United Kingdom considered themselves possessors of the true language. Merpeople, for example, spoke their own language but it was not considered "human" enough.
Goblin Rebellions
The roots of the goblin rebellions were being laid for generations before full-blown violence erupted. Despite their cleverness and cunning (particularly in reference to weaponry and money), goblins became increasingly considered second-class citizens. They were considered "beings" by popular convention but more heavily regulated and restricted then wizards were, leading to severe resentment.
Even after they received their current "being" designation in 1811, they were considered to be of sub-human intelligence. They were systematically persecuted and restricted, whether intentionally or not, by wizards and witches. Goblins increasingly resented the attempts of wizards to define and limit their society.
Goblin Murders
Yardley Platt (1446-1557) became particularly famous for his foul treatment of goblins. Beginning in 1463 following his graduation from school, Platt began to systemically persecute goblins. He was often scornful to goblin workmanship and avoided any contact with them. Eventually Platt became a serial goblin-killer, acting under the guise that he was ridding the world of an unwanted presence. While some other wizards shared his sentiments, Platt was ultimately tried and imprisoned for his crimes.
Headquarters at Hogsmeade
While Hogwarts has famously been a safe haven for young wizards and witches, the hallowed grounds have not always been completely removed from violence and strife. 1612 marked a particularly violent goblin rebellion in which the human headquarters was situated in Hogsmeade. Goblins were particularly targeting the school which had decided to refuse entry of goblin children on the basis that their magic was too different.
During this year student access to Hogsmeade was suspended. Students were required to avoid Hogsmeade and particularly the Hog's Head while the rebellion was being dealt with.
This headquarters gave the wizards a strategic location in order to quell the rising violence of the goblins. Nevertheless the Goblin Rebellion of 1612 was very violent and ruthless, leading to many deaths of both wizards and goblins. Even though students were frustrated at their inability to visit Hogsmeade during and immediately following the rebellion, their absence undoubtedly prevented more casualties during the conflict.
Goblins and Wand Magic
The particular defining feature of a wizard or witch is their usage of a wand. Wands are used to isolate and channel the magical intent of a wizard to produce a coherent spell. Without a wand, most magical humans are unable to concentrate their magical ability into usable results.
Goblins on the other hand possessed their own brand of magic. This magic could be manipulated independent of a wand, being both stronger and more versatile. When goblins did use a wand, they were capable of even greater spells and charms.
Wizards were very suspicious of the possibility that a goblin (since they were considered to have sub-human intelligence) might be more powerful then themselves. This led to the decision to regulate wand magic. Wizarding government did this by limiting who could purchase wands and provided harsh penalties for unauthorized wand usage. The Code of Wand Use in 1631 forbid non-human magical beings from carrying a wand.
These limitations obviously infuriated goblins. For this reason, as well as a number of other offenses, they continued to stew with discontent. Ultimately these feelings of discontent and maltreatment exploded into further rebellion and violence.
Gringotts Wizarding Bank
Following the major goblin rebellions, the Goblins had suffered enough causalities to reconsider their violent retaliation to wizarding persecution. A particularly cunning goblin by the name of Gringott decided to manipulate the wizarding world in a different way. Using the goblin love of gold and treasure, he created the first wizarding bank. It was within this bank that goblins would collect and protect the treasures of all the wizards and witches.
Initially their loyalty was considered suspicious. Wizards and the magical council feared that the goblins would steal their treasures and keep them for themselves. They failed to understand that goblins loathed thievery and had a different understanding of the laws of possession. While Gingotts briefly fell into Ministry hands, ultimately it has remained under goblin control. This has given them a great degree of control over the wizarding economy and currency but they have treated this responsibility with respect. Continue to AssignmentContinue to Next Chapter
