I'm confused with the elder wand in HP. Should the elder wand switch owners if someone steals the wand in a non duel situation?
JKR's quote: "The Elder Wand is simply the most dispassionate and ruthless of wands in that it will only take into consideration strength. So one would expect a certain amount of loyalty from one's wand. So even if you were disarmed while carrying it, even if you lost a fight while carrying it, it has developed an affinity with you that it will not give up easily. If, however, a wand is won, properly won in an adult duel, then a wand may switch allegiance... However, the Elder Wand knows no loyalty except to strength. So it's completely unsentimental. It will only go where the power is.
JKR contradicts herself by saying it can only be won in a duel but the loyalty goes with the strongest person. When Grindelwald steals the wand from Gregorovitch in the wand makers shop, he gains possession. Based on JKR's quote, can the elder wand be won be stealing?
Update:Another question. how has the “undefeatable wand” been defeated so many times.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
i think so.... i mean Malfoy was the owner of the wand after Dumbdore because he disarmed him before he died, and harry steals Malfoys Current wand which makes the wand his right? So really none of the main characters died (besides poor Dumbledore) to get the wand, so yes the elder wand can be gained by stealing :)
No, not through stealth. The person would have to overcome the owner directly. For example, either disarming him or killing him. You cant sneak in the middle of the night and just take it, because that is what Voldemort tried to do, and it didnt work. Grindelwald stole it, but right in front of Gregorovitch. If Gregorovitch was sleeping, it wouldnt work, but because he was enable to stop him while he had the chance, the wand switched loyalty. It is assumed that the person who won the wand in some way is stronger that the other person, so strength. Hope I helped.