If you’re familiar with the fairly recent video game release, Hogwarts Legacy, you may already have encountered the name Ranrok. This goblin, residing in the 19th century, defiantly challenged the wizarding world, rallying his fellow goblins under the banner of Ranrok’s Loyalists. But what drove him to harbor such intense hatred towards witches and wizards? And what were the circumstances that led him to orchestrate a rebellion that would ultimately fail?
Ranrok’s animosity towards wizardkind can be traced back to his youth. Desiring to join a wizard running an illicit dragon camp, Ranrok approached him seeking approval. However, fate took an unfortunate turn when he witnessed the wizard drop his wand. In an act of goodwill, Ranrok picked it up, unknowingly inciting the wizard’s fury. This particular wizard staunchly adhered to the Wand Ban, a policy prohibiting non-human creatures from wielding wands. Enraged, the wizard attacked Ranrok mercilessly, leaving him battered and scarred. This traumatic encounter forever altered Ranrok’s perception of wizardkind, igniting a burning desire for vengeance against the entire wizarding population.
Over time, Ranrok assembled his loyal army, known as the Loyalists. It became Ranrok’s unwavering belief that goblins should rightfully dominate the magical world. His obsession with acquiring the ancient, awe-inspiring magical powers wielded by a witch named Isidora Morganach led him to focus his rebellion on obtaining the repositories of her ancient magic. These repositories had been constructed by his ancestor, Bragbor the Boastful, fueling Ranrok’s belief that harnessing such unbridled power would enable him to subjugate wizardkind.
While Ranrok’s followers were predominantly goblins, an unexpected alliance formed between his forces and a group of dark wizards led by Victor Rookwood. This uneasy partnership was forged due to Rookwood’s knowledge of his ancestor, Charles Rookwood, a Keeper who possessed intimate details about the ancient magic sought by Ranrok.
In their mission to acquire the ancient magic and overthrow wizardkind, Ranrok and his Loyalists waged open warfare against the witches and wizards of Britain throughout the 1880s. Their initial assault took place in the sleepy village of Feldcroft, but it was only the beginning of a series of violent acts that targeted the wizarding world. Notably, Ranrok orchestrated a daring raid on Gringotts Bank and was directly responsible for the murder of his own brother. However, their most audacious move was yet to come – an audacious attack on Hogwarts Castle.
Through the twilight tunnels they had meticulously excavated beneath the school, Ranrok and his Loyalists infiltrated the famed magical institution, seeking entry to the revered Keepers’ Caverns. The objective was clear: lay claim to one of the vital repositories and absorb its ancient magic, empowering Ranrok with unimaginable strength.
Harnessing the power of the ancient magic, Ranrok achieved a phenomenal feat – transforming into a ferocious dragon. Convinced of his invincibility, he recklessly believed victory was within his grasp. However, destiny had other plans. A student at Hogwarts, blessed with the innate ability to wield ancient magic, courageously stood against Ranrok in his fearsome dragon form. The confrontation ended in a cataclysmic clash, resulting in a blinding explosion of ancient power. Ranrok, facing his ultimate defeat, was instantaneously struck down, his life extinguished in an instant. In his demise, he reverted to his original goblin form, leaving his Loyalists to retreat into obscurity, never to be heard from again.
