As a lifelong fan of the Harry Potter series, I’ve always been intrigued by the motivations behind Voldemort’s relentless pursuit to kill Harry Potter. It’s a question that has captivated readers and moviegoers alike, and one that I’ve delved into extensively. In this article, I’ll explore the reasons behind Voldemort’s obsession with Harry and why he saw him as such a threat to his dark reign.
From the very beginning, it’s clear that Voldemort saw Harry as a direct threat to his power and immortality. The prophecy, foretelling the downfall of the Dark Lord at the hands of a “boy born in July,” fueled his desire to eliminate Harry. But there’s more to it than just a prophecy. Voldemort’s fear of death and his desire for ultimate control played a significant role in his obsession with Harry. By eliminating the one person who could potentially defeat him, Voldemort aimed to secure his dominance over the wizarding world.
Why Did Voldemort Want to Kill Harry?
The Chosen One
When it comes to understanding why Voldemort was so fixated on killing Harry Potter, we must first delve into the concept of “The Chosen One.” According to a prophecy made by Sybill Trelawney, a renowned seer, there would be a child born with the power to defeat the Dark Lord. This prophecy, heard by both Voldemort and his Death Eaters, ignited a fear within Voldemort that he could not ignore. He saw Harry as a direct threat to his power and immortality.
The Threat to Voldemort
Voldemort’s obsession with eliminating Harry was fueled by his own fear of death. He believed that by eradicating the one who had the potential to defeat him, he could secure his immortality and unchallenged reign. This fear drove Voldemort to dedicate every resource at his disposal to hunt down and destroy the young wizard.
Moreover, Voldemort had a personal history with Harry’s parents that added another layer to his determination. He was responsible for the deaths of James and Lily Potter, Harry’s parents, and it was Lily’s sacrifice to protect her son that created a powerful magical bond. This bond, known as “blood protection,” made it impossible for Voldemort to touch Harry without suffering severe consequences. This only further fueled Voldemort’s desire to eliminate the boy who had become a symbol of hope and resistance, representing everything that Voldemort sought to destroy.
Harry’s Connection to Voldemort
The Horcrux Connection
One of the key reasons why Voldemort wanted to kill Harry was because of their unique connection through Horcruxes.
As many Potterheads know, Voldemort created Horcruxes to achieve immortality. He split his soul into several pieces and concealed them within objects of great significance. However, what he didn’t anticipate was that a part of his soul would inadvertently attach itself to baby Harry when he tried to kill him. This made Harry a living Horcrux, an unintended vessel carrying a piece of Voldemort’s soul.
This connection between Harry and Voldemort was both a blessing and a curse. It allowed Harry to access Voldemort’s thoughts and emotions, giving him insight into the Dark Lord’s plans and actions. On the other hand, it also made Harry vulnerable to Voldemort’s influence and allowed the Dark Lord to track his movements.
The Scar Connection
Another aspect of Harry’s connection to Voldemort was the scar on his forehead, which he acquired when Voldemort tried to kill him as a baby. The curse rebounded, leaving Harry with a lightning-shaped scar that served as a constant reminder of their intertwined destinies.
This scar was more than just a physical mark; it was a symbol of the deeper connection between Harry and Voldemort. It acted as a conduit, allowing Harry to experience glimpses of Voldemort’s thoughts and emotions. Through these visions, Harry gained valuable insights into Voldemort’s plans and motivations.
Voldemort, too, recognized the significance of the scar. He saw it as a potential weakness, a means to manipulate Harry and exploit his vulnerability. By exploiting the connection, Voldemort attempted to use the scar to his advantage, drawing Harry into his plans and attempting to control him.
Harry’s connection to Voldemort through the Horcrux and scar played a significant role in driving Voldemort’s obsession to kill him. The Horcrux connection made Harry a potential threat to Voldemort’s immortality, while the scar connection symbolized everything Voldemort sought to destroy. These connections fueled Voldemort’s determination to eliminate Harry and solidify his power over the wizarding world.