CHAPDISC: DH26, Gringotts

[Zara]

No: HPFGUIDX 184110

> Mike:
> > There are no qualifiers to this. No "some goblins" when it comes 
to 
> > ownership. It's "to a goblin" and "in goblin eyes". So there is 
no 
> > question that this is a goblin belief, not just a Gringotts' 
goblin 
> > or a Griphook position.
> 
> Jen: Touche. <g>  I have to agree when re-reading both paragraphs. 

Zara:
I think there is a subtlety there. All goblins believe the maker of 
an object is its rightful owner, no debate from me. But how they act 
when dealing with humans, is an area in which there may be 
differences. They are intelligent beings just like humans, so I 
believe they are capable of understanding the human position (that 
the purchaser of an artifact becomes its owner and may pass that 
right to his chosen heirs in perpetuity) just as we understand 
theirs. It is entirely possible to therefore understand and accept, 
that however wrongheaded this seems, one can "sell" this natural 
right to ownership of one's own creation. I think Griphook is an 
example of a goblin who does not want to accommodate humans in this 
regard.

> Jen:
> The only goblins who matter in the story are the Gringotts 
goblins.   
> Griphook is an exception to this particular group, as Zara said, 
> because he consents to help the Trio violate Gringotts.  Yes, he 
> demands payment in return for his help, unlike a more selfless 
Dobby 
> or Firenze, but ultimately he helps even more than the centaurs by 
> making it possible for Harry to recover an impossible-to-obtain 
> Horcrux. (Kreacher is another example of one willing to help Harry 
> when promised something in return.)  

Zara:
I don't know, to me Griphook gave the impression of one who feels he 
is acting on behalf of something greater. He insists he has a right 
to the sword, and is insulted by the offer of other treasures. His 
wording "the goblins of Gringotts *will consider* it base treachery" 
(emphasis mine) suggests he does not so consider it, even though he 
speaks quite seriously of the responsibnility goblin shave to protect 
the artifacts in their care. Harry agrees to right what he sees as a 
wrong, and he agrees to help Harry. By his lights, anyway.