The Real Villain of Harry Potter Wasn’t Voldemort

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The Real Villain of Harry Potter Wasn't Voldemort

Highlights

  • Bellatrix Lestrange proves to be more nefarious than Lord Voldemort, inflicting suffering and death on beloved characters in the Harry Potter franchise.
  • Despite Voldemort’s role as the central villain, Bellatrix is the real Big Bad, committing heinous acts including murder, torture, and destruction.
  • Bellatrix’s loyalty to Voldemort goes beyond what any other Death Eater demonstrates, making her the true villain of the series, delighting in killing for fun.

As a devoted fan of the Harry Potter series, I must say that J.K. Rowling has truly crafted a world filled with complex characters, each with their unique strengths and weaknesses. However, there is one character who stands out as the true embodiment of evil – Bellatrix Lestrange.

Throughout the Harry Potter series in books and films, J.K. Rowling portrays Lord Voldemort as the main antagonist, but it’s not just Tom Riddle who causes trouble among the Death Eaters. In fact, one of his devoted followers has caused enough pain to be seen as the true chief villain in the Harry Potter universe.

In a chilling turn of events, it was Lord Voldemort who orchestrated the tragic deaths of Harry Potter’s parents, James and Lilly Potter, along with several other significant characters such as the Riddle family, Alastor Moody, Myrtle Warren, Cedric Diggory, Peter Pettigrew, and Severus Snape. However, it was his loyal accomplice, Bellatrix Lestrange, who delivered the fatal blows to many cherished Harry Potter characters. Beyond her role in murder, Bellatrix’s cruel and unjust actions outside of these killings make her a figure equally — if not more — wicked as Voldemort himself.

The Worst Things Bellatrix Lestrange Ever Did in Harry Potter

The Real Villain of Harry Potter Wasn't Voldemort

Bellatrix, while not as central a character in the Harry Potter series as some other antagonists, is accused of numerous atrocious deeds that are truly appalling. She causes Neville Longbottom significant trouble, as she’s revealed to be the one responsible for the torment and tragic demise of his parents. However, Bellatrix’s criminal history doesn’t stop there; instead, it escalates even further.

In “Order of the Phoenix,” the character Bellatrix Lestrange fatally casts the Killing Curse on Sirius Black, who is a close friend and mentor to Harry, during the conflict known as the Second Wizarding War. Furthermore, she forces Severus Snape into a vow that he will protect Draco Malfoy and perform the duty of killing Dumbledore if necessary. Other actions attributed to Bellatrix include disrespectfully damaging the Great Hall following Dumbledore’s demise, setting fire to The Burrow and Hagrid’s hut, and tormenting Hermione Granger in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1.”

However, there’s more to the story. Bellatrix Lestrange, unfortunately, was not just a mere murderer of her nephew, but she also took the lives of her niece, Nymphadora Tonks, and the beloved house-elf, Dobby. During the Battle of Hogwarts, Bellatrix stood resolutely by Voldemort’s side, eliminating numerous enemies, and relentlessly executing his every wish. Furthermore, she orchestrated Snape into allying with the Death Eaters to mislead Harry Potter.

Bellatrix Lestrange Is the Real Villain of Harry Potter

The Real Villain of Harry Potter Wasn't Voldemort

Without a doubt, Lord Voldemort seldom engages in grunt work himself; instead, he delegates tasks like eliminating lives or delivering messages to his Death Eaters. Among these minions, none are more enthusiastic than Bellatrix, who even proposes herself as a potential assassin of Harry Potter. In the novel “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” Bellatrix was portrayed as Voldemort’s trusted deputy. Unlike some of Harry Potter’s adversaries, Bellatrix has no qualms with darkness and is not afraid to embrace it.

In “Deathly Hallows,” Voldemort takes direct control of events for the first time, though prior to this, his most heinous act was killing Cedric Diggory, a deed that is truly horrific. The deaths of James and Lily Potter are well-known throughout the series, but Cedric’s demise unfolds in real time, underscoring Voldemort’s power upon his resurgence. It was frequently Bellatrix who fought on Voldemort’s frontlines, ruthlessly eliminating anyone who dared oppose her and the Dark Lord.

In the Harry Potter series, it is clear that Bellatrix had an unparalleled devotion to Voldemort. This devotion went beyond mere loyalty, as she was entrusted with one of Voldemort’s Horcruxes – his Cup. This act suggests that a part of Voldemort’s soul was literally and symbolically in Bellatrix’s possession. Given her wicked nature, this trust indicates the depth of her allegiance to him. While her character may have varied slightly between the novels and the live-action adaptations, her unwavering attachment to Voldemort remains a central aspect of her character.

Before Molly Weasley took me down in a fierce duel, Bellatrix Lestrange had threatened me, Ginny Weasley. Yet, throughout the series, it was clear that Harry Potter was always Voldemort’s main target. Other deaths, including Bellatrix’s, were merely steps towards his ultimate goal. In her eyes, anyone who didn’t meet her or Voldemort’s standards was not worthy to live.

There’s no rhyme or reason to Bellatrix, which only heightens how truly terrifying she can be. Voldemort at least kills with intent, whereas Bellatrix kills just for fun, which is arguably all the more unsettling and immoral. In the Harry Potter franchise, she delights in torturing Hermione, doesn’t show any remorse for whomever she tramples over to get what she wants, and often acts out on Voldemort’s behalf, shifting the blame that would otherwise fall on him.

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2024-08-16 03:05