If there is one constant throughout the Harry Potter book series and film franchise, it's that no character should speak Voldemort's name. While this is a fascinating mystery throughout a good part of the story, fans do find out the reason why, and the character is also given a proper backstory that explains how he becomes the evil villain that he does.
The explanation for Lord Voldemort's name is just as frightening and memorable as the character himself, and there's also a lot to know about why his name was chosen and what it was based on. Early on, fans find out that Voldemort killed Harry Potter's parents Lily and James Potter, which is just one of the many important parts of this villain's background.
Why Can't People Say Voldemort's Name?
Everyone knows one major thing about Harry Potter: no character can say Voldemort's name. Although the Harry Potter movies change some things about Voldemort, this remains an important part of the story. This is because of a jinx/spell called The Taboo. In the Second Wizarding War, it was Taboo to speak Voldemort's name.
In 1997, Voldemort became in charge of the British Ministry of Magic and ensured that no one could speak his name. If a character said the name, they would be considered rule breakers who needed to be punished, and Voldemort ensured that his Death Eaters would find that person quickly.
As Ron Weasley says to Harry in one memorable scene, "HARRY, NO! The name's Taboo! I told you, Harry..." If a character said Voldemort, then Voldemort and his followers would be able to find whoever said the name and hurt them.
In the Harry Potter books, characters call Voldemort "He Who Must Not Be Named" or "You Know Who," which definitely adds an air of mystery around the figure.
What Was Voldemort's Real Name?
Voldemort's real name is Tom Marvolo Riddle, and the saying "I am Lord Voldemort" is an anagram for "Tom Marvolo Riddle." The character is given a rich and detailed backstory that informs who he becomes.
Tom grew up in Wool's Orphanage and became a student at Hogwarts in 1938. He also became a member of the evil Hogwarts house Slytherin. After he finished his time at Hogwarts in 1945, he began calling himself Lord Voldemort and came up with the seven Horcruxes.
Fans know that Harry Potter has "the power to vanquish the Dark Lord" and the two characters are tied closely together throughout the entire book series and the film franchise. Harry always does his best to match Voldemort's confidence and strength, telling him in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, "You're the weak one. And you'll never know love, or friendship. And I feel sorry for you." Even though Voldemort replies "You're a fool, Harry Potter, and you will lose everything!" it's clear that Harry won't stop fighting. And sometimes, Voldemort feels like an evil but incompetent movie villain because he makes some silly decisions.
Where Did The Name Voldemort Come From?
There are many things book readers know about Voldemort and the background of his name is fascinating. The name Voldemort comes from an interesting place: the Greyfriars Bobby graveyard in Edinburgh, Scotland. According to the BBC, J.K Rowling said that she based some of her character names on the names that she found written on the gravestones. Tom Riddle's name came from Thomas Riddell, a person who passed away in 1806. It's also interesting to note that Riddell's son Thomas passed away in 1802 and his grave is there as well.
Voldemort is also a significant name because of what it means in French. According to Insider.com, the French translation of "vol de mort" is "flight of death" and "theft of death." This works perfectly since, of course, no one is more terrifying than Voldemort in the Harry Potter universe and he is one of the most powerful Harry Potter characters. And since the Death Eaters are forever loyal to him, his name is fitting.
Insider.com notes that the French Harry Potter books call Voldemort Tom Elvis Jedusor instead of Tom Riddle because he can say "Je suis Voldemort" ("I am Voldemort").
Daniel Radcliffe is often asked about Voldemort over the years, and when interviewed by The Huffington Post in 2020, he was asked about how Quirinus Quirrell slept, as Voldemort's face was actually in the back of his head.
Radcliffe showed his relatable, funny personality when he said, “I would say that the only practical thing to do there would be to sleep on your side, unless Voldemort doesn’t need air, which I’m not sure. As long as there’s breath coming into the body, he’s probably asleep on his front because it would still circulate around the whole thing. “I’m guessing back-of-the-head Voldemort could survive off front-of-the-head Ian Hart’s air supply."