[HPforGrownups] Goblins (was: Gringotts Bank, Parsletounge, New Voldie)

[Torsten]

No: HPFGUIDX 50733

Amanda (and Jan):
>I still think Binns is there to plant a giant red herring, akin to the
>"Snape wants the DADA job" rumor. In each and every book we are shown
>goblins, or goblins are referred to, and they are very much harmless and
>under control and in the background and no threat. We are being lulled,
>by their being the subject of such a dry and boring teacher, a class
>everyone blows off.

Too bad there's no mention in canon when the last Goblin Rebellion took place and 
what caused them in the first place.

>From how they acted in the being/beast affairs described in FBAWTFT, they don't 
seem to be evil, but rather clever and mischievious, in a good-natured way. They cause 
trouble just for fun (leading those trolls), but don't do serious damage. So, what were 
those rebellions like? Bloody uprisings or just assaults with practical jokes?

>BUT, the goblins were quite dangerous in the past, if you actually
>consider that these are rebellions and wars they're learning about. AND,
>goblins now control the only wizard bank we know of.

Something important must have happened between goblins and wizards. Creatures who 
constantly cause trouble aren't your first choice when it comes to entrusting someone 
with your riches (well, maybe Gringott's is a giant prank and the goblins are already 
planning the day when they'll make a big getaway with all the money ^_~).
And just what are their powers? They can stand up to wizards, so they very likely 
have their own kind of magic, and it's pretty powerful if it's good enough to protect the 
Gringotts vaults from practically everyone (Quirrellmort's the only one we hear about 
getting through). If the rumours are true, they are able to control dragons well enough to 
use them as guards. Plus, they were able to make trolls listen and teach them whole 
sentences, and direct them towards the FBAWTFT-meetings.

>I think the goblins have some major role to play.

Indeed. They're many, they're powerful, they're in the middle of things. It's not just the 
money they could mess with, think about what else is in the vaults... artifacts in the 
same power league as the Philosopher's Stone perhaps?

Still, I don't think they'll support LV... They are crooks, selfish and greedy, but don't 
strike me as really evil. Not until we know more about those rebellions and just how far 
they're willing to go for money.

>I think, however, being Voldemort, he'll underestimate the goblins like
>Bagman did, like everyone in Binns' class or the wizard world does

I don't think they're underestimated. The kids are bored by their lessons, but no one 
ever calls goblins stupid or weak or not worthy to be taken seriously. If those 
rebellions hadn't been somewhat important and serious, they wouldn't play such a big 
part in history teaching. Bagman underestimated them, but he isn't the brightest mind 
around...

Torsten