“Call him Voldemort, Harry. Always use the proper name for things. Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself.” ― Albus Dumbledore
EVERYONE was curious as to how I came up with the title. I am certain people might think I end up going crazy with nonsense, as one of my friends thought of why I came up.
Perhaps it was because I was a geek and was reminiscing about my childhood love of the first Harry Potter. We have all had experiences that have shaped who we are in the present. What I have noticed over time is that it is not the experience itself that matters, but the meaning we give to it.
For example, consider the lives of Harry Potter and Tom Riddle, also known as Lord Voldemort.
Harry Potter and Tom Riddle had little knowledge of their parents as children. This was the case with Tom because the orphanage staff knew very little about Merope Gaunt, who died shortly after giving birth, and even less about Tom’s father, other than the fact that Merope hoped her son would look like him. The Dursleys, on the other hand, are much more knowledgeable about Lily and James but refuse to share this information with Harry due to their fear of magic. They hoped that by keeping Harry unaware of his parents, he would not develop magical abilities. Harry, like Tom, knows little about his parents before attending Hogwarts. Throughout their school years, however, both boys learn a lot about their parents. Harry learns about James and Lily from Hagrid, Dumbledore, McGonagall, Lupin, Snape, and Sirius. For the most part, he is pleased with his findings; he feels connected to his parents, is proud of them, and values any information shared with him. The circumstances surrounding Tom Riddle’s parental discovery, on the other hand, are completely different. No one at Hogwarts, including Dumbledore, is allowed to tell Tom about his parents. Tom is obviously determined to obtain this information for himself.
Those I could persuade to speak informed me. Riddle was obsessed with his parentage. This is understandable, given that he grew up in an orphanage and was naturally curious about his origins.
Unlike Harry, Riddle is not pleased or proud of what he discovers. He discovers that his father, a Muggle, abandoned his mother while she was pregnant. This knowledge and anger may be the final straw in Riddle’s life choices. After learning the truth about his parents, Riddle murders his father, develops a hatred for Muggles, and begins his quest for immortality.
Would things be different if Tom Riddle’s parents had lived different lives? And what if his father had not left his mother behind? What if Tom had ended up in an orphanage because his loving parents were murdered? This would have undoubtedly impacted his entire future. Their parents have an undeniable influence on them. The boys’ parents have undoubtedly influenced who they are now.
In Harry Potter’s life:
- Harry’s parents were killed when he was a baby, leaving him to grow up with his cruel aunt and uncle, the Dursleys. He lived a life of neglect, unaware of his true identity as a wizard until the age of eleven.
- At Hogwarts, Harry discovers his place in the wizarding world, develops strong friendships with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, and feels a sense of belonging.
- He learns about his parents’ sacrifices and his connection to Voldemort.
- Throughout his life, Harry has faced numerous challenges and dangers, including battling Voldemort and dealing with the weight of being “The Chosen One.” He never seeks power for himself, but rather values love, friendship, and justice.
- Harry’s defining characteristic is his selflessness. He is willing to give his life to protect others, particularly during the Battle of Hogwarts, when he enters the Forbidden Forest to confront Voldemort. In the end, Harry’s love for his friends and bravery are what defeat Voldemort.
- Following Voldemort’s defeat, Harry leads a relatively peaceful life. He becomes a father and works as an Auror, whose mission is to keep the wizarding world peaceful. His story evolves into one of hope, demonstrating that love and loyalty can overcome darkness.
In Tom Riddle’s Life, also known as Lord Voldemort:
- Tom Riddle was born to a witch named Merope Gaunt and a Muggle father who abandoned them. His mother died shortly after he was born, leaving him in an orphanage. Voldemort, like Harry, grew up without love or family; however, unlike Harry, he despised it and sought power to control his destiny.
- When Tom Riddle discovered that he was a wizard, he embraced his magical abilities with arrogance and cruelty. He was intelligent, charismatic, and manipulative since a young age.
- While attending Hogwarts, Riddle excelled academically but secretly began his descent into dark magic, seeking ways to overcome death.
- Riddle, now known as Voldemort, became obsessed with power and immortality, inventing Horcruxes to separate his soul and save his life.
- He founded the Death Eaters and unleashed a reign of terror, hoping to rid the wizarding world of Muggle-borns and become the most powerful dark wizard.
- Voldemort ruled by instilling fear in his followers and eliminating anyone who opposed him. Unlike Harry, who formed strong bonds with others, Voldemort emotionally isolated himself, believing love and empathy to be flaws.
- Voldemort’s quest for power eventually led to his downfall. His inability to comprehend love, sacrifice, and loyalty was his downfall. Voldemort’s obsession with immortality eventually led to his death, as Harry’s sacrifice protected others from his killing curse. His legacy is one of destruction, and he is regarded as one of the most sinister figures in wizarding history.
These are the parallels and contrasts of Harry and Lord Voldemort. First, both Harry and Voldemort were orphans, but they pursued different paths: Harry chose love and friendship, whereas Voldemort chose power and dominance.
Second, both were intelligent and talented Hogwarts students. Harry discovered a family in his friends, whereas Voldemort sought power and influence.
Despite their many differences, Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort have significant life parallels, shaped by their early experiences and personal choices.
Harry’s story is about resilience, love, and the power of selflessness, whereas Voldemort’s is a tragic tale of how fear, hatred, and a desire for control can lead to one’s demise.
Some decisions we make in a blink of an eye. Others believe they are the most important ones we have encountered thus far. Although we may struggle when forced to make a difficult decision, it is precisely these moments that define who we are or will become.
This article serves as a reminder that we do not always need to stay within our comfort zone. Regardless of whether it is the most rational choice. The meaning we derive from our experiences shapes who we are.
So, are you Harry Potter or Lord Voldemort?