Lord Voldemort gave Harry Potter his iconic lightning-bolt scar.
The Dark Lord's Attack
Harry Potter received his distinctive scar on October 31, 1981, during a catastrophic event at his parents' home in Godric's Hollow. The most feared Dark wizard of his time, Lord Voldemort, attacked the Potter family, who were hidden under a powerful charm.
The Killing Curse Rebounded
After murdering Harry's parents, James and Lily Potter, Voldemort turned his wand on the infant Harry. He launched the most infamous and lethal spell in the wizarding world, the "Avada Kedavra" – the Killing Curse – directly at baby Harry. However, due to his mother Lily's ultimate sacrifice and ancient magic, the curse did not have its intended effect. Instead of killing Harry, the powerful spell unexpectedly rebounded.
Key details of the event include:
- Attacker: Lord Voldemort
- Victim: Baby Harry Potter
- Curse Used: Avada Kedavra (the Killing Curse)
- Outcome: The curse rebounded off Harry, destroying Voldemort's physical form and leaving him greatly diminished.
- Harry's Survival: Harry was the only known individual ever to have been hit directly in the face by the Avada Kedavra curse and survive, earning him the title "The Boy Who Lived."
Significance of the Scar
The lightning-bolt scar on Harry's forehead was not merely a physical mark; it was a profound symbol of his survival and a magical conduit. It represented his unique connection to Voldemort, holding a fragment of the Dark Lord's soul (unknowingly making Harry a Horcrux) and providing Harry with abilities like Parseltongue and glimpses into Voldemort's thoughts and emotions.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Originator | Lord Voldemort |
| Method | Rebound of the Avada Kedavra curse |
| Appearance | Lightning bolt shape |
| Symbolism | Survival, sacrifice, resilience, connection to Voldemort |
| Magical Properties | Carried a fragment of Voldemort's soul (Horcrux), linked their minds |
| First Appears In | Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (or Sorcerer's Stone) |
This scar became a defining characteristic of Harry Potter, a constant reminder of his past and his destiny. For more details on the events surrounding Harry's scar, you can explore resources like the Harry Potter Wiki or the official Wizarding World website.
