How Did the Sword of Gryffindor End Up in a Lake? 

‘The Harry Potter’ series is rich with complex plots and subtle details that only the most dedicated fans might fully grasp. One such mystery is the Sword of Gryffindor’s appearance in a frozen lake in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1’. While the film briefly touches on how the sword ends up with Harry, the story behind this is deeply rooted in the lore of the books.

In ‘The Deathly Hallows - Part 1’, Harry Potter, along with Ron and Hermione, is on a mission to destroy Voldemort's Horcruxes. During their time in the Forest of Dean, the Sword of Gryffindor, which is crucial for destroying Horcruxes, mysteriously appears in a lake. The reasons behind this can be traced back to the sword's magical properties and its connection to Hogwarts’ former Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore.

Image Courtesy: Edsential

The Sword of Gryffindor was originally crafted by a goblin named Ragnuk and was intended for Godric Gryffindor. This powerful artifact is known for its ability to appear to Gryffindors in their time of need, a trait that aligns with its storied past. The sword’s appearance in the lake mirrors the Arthurian legend of Excalibur, which was famously presented by the Lady of the Lake and later returned to the water after King Arthur’s death.

Following Dumbledore's death, Professor Severus Snape became the Headmaster of Hogwarts under Voldemort’s regime. Snape, under instructions from Dumbledore, secretly kept the real Sword of Gryffindor hidden. He placed a replica in Bellatrix Lestrange's possession, while the authentic sword remained hidden in the Headmaster’s office. 

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When Snape realized that Harry, Ron, and Hermione were in the Forest of Dean, he placed the sword in the lake as part of Dumbledore's plan. This was done to ensure that Harry would obtain it only through a test of need and bravery, in line with Gryffindor's values.

The Sword of Gryffindor proved invaluable for destroying Horcruxes, thanks to its ability to absorb Basilisk venom, which made it a potent tool against dark magic. By hiding the sword in the lake, Dumbledore and Snape ensured that Harry would retrieve it only when he was truly in need, thereby maintaining its legendary status and aiding him in his quest to defeat Voldemort.

–Farheen Ali