Sword of Gryffindor and Gryffindor colors (Was: Gryffindor and Slytherin colors)

[justcarol67]

No: HPFGUIDX 161850

Hestia Lurkwell wrote:
> Ummm... wouldn't just the hilt of Godric's sword be gold? The blade
> of a sword, magical or otherwise wouldn't be gold or gold colored;
> because it would have to be hard, not malleable, which gold isn't.
It would also have to be effective against different sorts of magical
creatures; which gold isn't.. Iron and steel in mythologies are
usually proof against fairy folk, if not other beings.

Carol responds:
I think you're right that only the hilt would be gold. it's also
encrusted with rubies, making it scarlet and gold like Fawkes (the
Gryffindor colors).

I presume that the rubies have magical properties in themselves (Snape
would know what they are!), in addition to whatever enchantments were
placed on the sword, probably including protection or Love. I'm not
sure which properties JKR would have in mind, maybe something like these:

"The red Ruby is an ancient love stone of love and endurance. Its
focus on the heart encourages romantic love, and promotes the ideal
relationship. The ruby also releases disorientated or trapped love,
and protects heart from suffering. This gemstone promotes the
attainment of love objectives including health, happiness, wealth, and
spiritual knowledge. The ruby can enhance dreams and attract great
wealth."

http://www.romantic-lyrics.com/magical-gemstones.shtml

I'm not sure about the dreams and wealth, but if Love is Harry's
weapon, a sword encrusted with a gemstone associated with love might
be a big help to him (aside from its associations with Godric
Gryffindor and its probable efficacy against Nagini, given that it
already killed the Basilisk).

Carol, wondering if anyone knows of a better site enumerating the
magical properties of rubies as they might relate to the Sword of
Gryffindor