Why Did Voldemort Not Only Kill Significant People When Making Horcruxes?
The creation of Horcruxes by Voldemort is a complex and often scrutinized aspect of the Harry Potter series. Contrary to popular belief, Voldemort did not exclusively target significant people for his dark creations. This raises the question: why did he make Horcruxes using the deaths of both important and insignificant individuals?
Significance and Honor
Based on Voldemort's personality and motivations, it is highly likely that he would view the act of dying for his cause as an honor. By killing these individuals, they became significant, even if their lives in and of themselves were not. This perspective aligns with his egotistic nature and his desire for immortality, suggesting that any death leading to a Horcrux was seen as significant to the dark lord’s cause.
The Case of Myrtle Warren
Myrtle Warren, the first victim of Voldemort, provides an interesting case study. Her insignificance was amplified by the fact that her death occurred before Voldemort even inquired about the significance of a seven-part soul. This underscores the idea that any death could serve his purpose, regardless of the individual's standing. Myrtle's significance came from her role as the first victim, not from any inherent quality she possessed.
Significant and Insignificant Deaths
The selection of victims for Horcruxes reveals a mix of both significant and insignificant individuals. Significant deaths include those of Voldemort’s father and Harry Potter. Insignificant deaths, on the other side, include Hepzibah Smith, Bertha Jorkins, and several others. These individuals were chosen more out of convenience rather than significance.
Motivations Behind Insignificant Deaths
Voldemort’s motivations for killing insignificant people include hidden frustrations, sloppiness, and even desperation. By the time of Bertha Jorkins, Voldemort had been a bodiless parasite for 13 years, making her more convenient than significant. However, the pattern of killing low-profile individuals emerges earlier in the series. Hepzibah Smith, for example, was merely hapless and utterly unimportant, yet she served Voldemort’s purpose of providing a Horcrux.
Voldemort's Psychological Profile
These insignificant deaths can be seen as a reflection of Voldemort's psychological profile. Born of a mother who had died and a Muggle father, combined with a general feeling of inadequacy, Voldemort’s actions were often driven by resentment and base vulgarity. His inability to kill important people likely led to a swirling mix of frustration and desperation, resulting in the use of seemingly insignificant individuals.
The Exception vs. The Rule
While significant deaths are exceptions, the majority of Voldemort’s Horcruxes come from insignificant individuals. This pattern suggests that Voldemort killed primarily through common, low-profile deaths. This approach aligns with his overall disregard for the value of human life, even those of high significance.
In conclusion, the inclusion of both significant and insignificant individuals in Voldemort’s Horcruxes reveals a complex interplay of psychological drives and operational tactics. While significant deaths hold more weight and symbolism, the sheer number of insignificant victims underscores the broader scale of Voldemort’s destructive power and the arbitrary nature of his actions.