Wandless magic[1] was the performance of magic without the use of a wand. Such magic was often difficult to perform and could have unexpected or volatile results if not done properly. Usually, witches and wizards accustomed to using wands could only reliably perform wandless magic if they possessed great skill.[1] However, within regions of the wizarding world that historically did not use wands, wandless magic was considered the norm, and using one was optional.[1][2]
Nature and practice
Wands were used by witches and wizards to channel their magic, making their spells more accurate and potent.[1] Within cultures where wands were ubiquitous, only the most powerful and disciplined wizards and witches could perform wandless magic reliably.[1] Transfiguration and charms were particularly difficult to perform without a wand.[1]
However, the wand was a European invention, and some cultures did not traditionally rely upon such tools for performing magic.[1][2] Native Americans had their own practices that predated European colonization, and did not require a wand;[1] African witches and wizards only adopted the wand in the 20th century, and even in the modern era, wands were not necessary for many of their practices.[2]
Wandless magic was not officially taught at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; however, books on the subject were found in the Restricted Section of the Hogwarts Library.[3]
Wandless magic could also be performed nonverbally, but this increased the level of difficulty to the point that only practitioners of exceptional skill could perform more than the most basic magic. Albus Dumbledore, generally considered the greatest wizard of all time, was known for performing magic in this manner.[4] Quirinus Quirrell whilst possessed by Lord Voldemort was also capable of both nonverbal and wandless spells, as shown with the Incarcerous Spell which he used on Harry Potter in the Underground Chambers.[4]
Gellert Grindelwald, an infamous Dark wizard active in the global wizarding war, was also extremely skilled with wandless magic, having performed it numerous times without difficulty during the conflict.
