Why did Voldemort want to kill Harry Potter instead of Neville Longbottom? This question has puzzled many fans of the Harry Potter series. While there isn’t a definitive answer, several factors can shed light on Voldemort’s decision.
One crucial aspect is the prophecy made by Sybill Trelawney. The prophecy stated that “the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord” would be born at the end of July to parents who had defied him three times. Both Harry and Neville fit this description, but Voldemort chose to interpret it as referring specifically to Harry. This interpretation was fueled by his fear and arrogance, as he believed that anyone who could potentially defeat him must possess qualities similar to his own.
Additionally, Voldemort’s personal history played a role in his decision. He saw himself as a half-blood wizard who had overcome Muggle heritage, whereas Neville came from a pure-blood family. This led Voldemort to view Harry as more of a threat since he represented everything Voldemort despised – love, friendship, and unity across different backgrounds.
While there may not be a straightforward answer as to why Voldemort targeted Harry over Neville, factors such as the prophecy and Voldemort’s personal biases likely influenced his decision. Understanding these elements helps us unravel the complex motivations behind one of fiction’s most notorious villains’ actions.
The Prophecy
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Harry Potter series is the prophecy that plays a significant role in Voldemort’s decision to target Harry Potter instead of Neville Longbottom. This prophecy, made by Sybill Trelawney, foretells the rise of “the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord.” Let’s delve into why Voldemort wanted to kill Harry and not Neville.
Firstly, it’s important to understand that Voldemort interpreted this prophecy as referring specifically to Harry. The key line in the prophecy states: “Either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives.” This led Voldemort to believe that only he or Harry could survive, and their destinies were entwined in a final battle. Consequently, he saw Harry as his greatest threat and sought to eliminate him.
Furthermore, another factor influencing Voldemort’s decision was rooted in his own fears and insecurities. Prior to hearing half of Trelawney’s prophecy, which was overheard by Severus Snape and relayed to Voldemort, he had marked baby Harry as his equal due to their similar backgrounds (both being half-blood). However, upon learning about the full prophecy later on, he became convinced that it referred exclusively to Harry. This deepened his determination to kill him and solidified his belief that eliminating Harry would secure his own immortality.
Why Did Voldemort Want To Kill Harry And Not Neville
One of the most perplexing questions in the wizarding world is why Voldemort wanted to kill Harry Potter and not Neville Longbottom. It’s a question that has puzzled many, and there are several factors at play when it comes to understanding Voldemort’s fear of Harry.
Firstly, we need to consider the prophecy made by Sybill Trelawney. It foretold that “the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord” would be born as the seventh month dies. Both Harry and Neville fit this description, but Voldemort chose to target Harry because he believed him to be the chosen one. This belief stemmed from his own arrogance and desire for immortality.
Moreover, Voldemort had a personal vendetta against Harry due to their shared history. When he failed to kill baby Harry during his initial attempt, a fragment of his soul attached itself to the boy, making him an unintentional horcrux. This connection between them heightened Voldemort’s fear of Harry, as he saw him as a potential threat who could potentially destroy his remaining horcruxes and ultimately defeat him.
Additionally, Harry possessed qualities that posed a significant threat to Voldemort’s reign of terror. Not only did he display exceptional magical abilities throughout his time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, but he also embodied love and compassion – qualities that were foreign and incomprehensible to someone like Voldemort who thrived on fear and power.
Furthermore, Dumbledore played a crucial role in shaping Voldemort’s perception of both boys. Dumbledore believed in Harry’s potential for good and actively protected him from harm while neglecting Neville. This favoritism likely played into Voldemort’s decision-making process as well.
In conclusion, while both Harry Potter and Neville Longbottom held significance in terms of fulfilling the prophecy, it was ultimately Voldemort’s fear-driven mindset combined with various external factors that led him to target Harry rather than Neville. Harry’s connection to Voldemort, his abilities, and the influence of Dumbledore all contributed to his status as “the boy who lived” and Voldemort’s primary target.
