Some things are better left unknown, and Voldemort’s origin story is one of them.
No one expected the greatest villain of the franchise to have a cheery childhood that was all rainbows and sunshine.
Still, when you delve into the gritty details of Harry Potter’s Voldemort, it’s fair to say that his true origin is more grim than we first thought.
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If the discovery of a bleak House Elf secret shook you to your core, we’re certain this will creep you out more.
Speaking of Harry Potter, let's lighten the mood with the Harry Potter: Qudditch Champions trailer
During a Reddit discussion, it was revealed that Voldemort was conceived under the effects of a love potion.
We shouldn’t have to explain to you why that’s horrific, but just in case you need it spelling out: Voldemort’s dad was drugged and thus he couldn't consent to having sex.
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See? We told you it’s a disturbing detail in the character's development.
It begs the question of what chance a child born from such a beginning had; though, granted, children of rape aren't naturally destined to be evil because of that.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, there’s also the fact that Voldemort never knew the love of a nurturing family.
When it comes down to the ol’ nature vs nurture debate, it’s fair to say that the He Who Must Not Be Named was doomed from the start.
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“Polluted gene pool, natural talent, and messed up childhood came together to create a monster,” explained ddt3210.
For those who prefer to see the love potion detail as “symbolic” only, it’s sadly not that cut and dry in Voldemort’s development.
“Eh, considering what Merope was willing to do to TRS [Tom Riddle Senior], I don't really know how different he [Voldemort] would have turned out,” reasoned apexredditor200, “At best, I think we would see something like with Norman Bates.”
We’re not ones to feel sorry for the bad guy, but even we have to admit that this is a complicated and difficult start to life.
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Granted, choices played a role in Voldemort’s development, but it’s fair to say his view of the world was warped very early on.
Topics: Harry Potter, TV And Film, Warner Bros