June 2011
1 post
8 tags
March 2011
3 posts
What prompted people to start referring to...
JKR: It happens many times in history...Having a taboo on a name is quite common in certain civilizations. In Africa there are tribes where the name is never used. Your name is a sacred part of yourself and you are referred to as the son of so-and-so, the brother of so-and-so, and you're given these pseudonyms, because your name is something that can be used magically against you if it's known. It's like a part of your soul. That's a powerful taboo in many cultures and across many folklores. On a more prosaic note, in the 1950s in London, there were a pair of gangsters called the Kray Twins. The story goes that people didn't speak the name Kray. You just didn't mention it. You didn't talk about them, because retribution was so brutal and bloody. I think this is an impressive demonstration of strength - that you can convince someone not to use your name. Impressive in the sense that demonstrates how deep the level of fear is that you can inspire. It's not something to be admired.
February 2011
8 posts
1 tag
Interesting essay & discussion on the canonical... →
Part One | Part Two
4 tags
3 tags
3 tags
3 tags
January 2011
9 posts
1 tag
bellatrix's wand paralleling her involvement in...
sim0nbellamy:
bellatrix lestrange’s wand is described as “walnut and dragon heartstring, twelve-and-three-quarter inches, unyielding.”
walnut- in literature, the walnut tree has symbolized aggression and egotism, both perfect descriptions of bellatrix. she goes for what she wants (the dark lord, for example). she believes that no one can defy her magic— and while she is a “prodigious” witch,...
December 2010
17 posts
1 tag
“Andromeda always felt real next to her sisters. Bellatrix and Narcissa seemed...”
– from Princess
“It was the meeting of two kinds of—if you call what Bellatrix feels for...”
– J.K. Rowling
2 tags
Possible influences on the etymology of the phrase...
“So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.” - Paul, 1 Corinthians 15:54
“Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.” - Jesus, John 8:51
“Every soul shall have a taste of...
“Tom Riddle is still essentially a nasty child who treats the entire world as his...”
– ESSAY: Riddle Me This
2 tags
“Here is the history of the Death Eaters, and I don’t know that I’ll...”
– J.K. Rowling
This is a play on “Walpurgis Night” on April 30th, named for Saint Walpurga (whose feast day is the next day, 1 May, and who is the protectress against witchcraft and sorcery). On Walpurgis Night, witches are supposed to meet in the Harz mountains, especially near the...
2 tags
Song for the Death Eaters - Harry and the Potters
...
Doing something a little different today by temporarily expanding beyond the members of the Black Family to include the Dark Lord himself: selected upcoming posts will revolve around Lord Voldemort, whose ascension does, after all, play a vital role in the fall of the House of Black.
November 2010
9 posts
Top 5 Most Ridiculous Moments in Deathly Hallows:
burnwithus:
Accio Horcrux Books | “Well…it was easy,” said Hermione in a small voice. “I just did a Summoning Charm. You know—Accio. And—they zoomed out of Dumbledore’s study window right into the girls’ dormitory.”
Ron’s Miraculous Mimicry Skills | “What is it, Wormtail?” called Lucius Malfoy from above. “Nothing!” Ron called back, in a passable imitation of Wormtail’s wheezy voice. “All fine!”...
“I think it would be naive not to think that people have been trying [to make a...”
– J.K. Rowling
2 tags
October 2010
15 posts
1 tag
Sirius Black's parents were second cousins.
yourgreatestadventure-:
Sirius and Bellatrix are first cousins and third cousins.
Sirius and his brother are third cousins.
Sirius and his parents are second cousins once removed.
Sirius is his own third cousin.
