Harry Potter Wiki
Don't have an account?
Register
Register
Harry Potter Wiki
Harry Potter Wiki
20,678
pages
in: Dark Magic, Spell types
English

Changes: Dark Arts

Back to page
Sign in to edit
No edit summary
No edit summary
Tag: Visual edit
(36 intermediate revisions by 12 users not shown)
Line 2: Line 2:
 
{{Pottermoreold}}
  
{{Pottermoreold}}
 
{{Youmay|the category of magic|[[Dark Arts (class)|the subject taught at Durmstrang Institute and briefly at Hogwarts]]}}
  
{{Youmay|the category of magic|[[Dark Arts (class)|the subject taught at Durmstrang Institute and briefly at Hogwarts]]}}
−
[[File:First time.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The creation of a [[Horcrux]] - the "darkest art".]]
 +
[[File:First_time.jpg|thumb|250px|The creation of a [[Horcrux]] — the "darkest art"]]
−
{{Quote|The Dark Arts are many, varied, ever-changing, and eternal. Fighting them is like fighting [[Hydra|a many-headed monster, which, each time a neck is severed, sprouts a head even fiercer and cleverer than before]]. You are fighting that which is unfixed, mutating, indestructible.|[[Professor]] [[Severus Snape]] to a [[Defence Against the Dark Arts]] class|Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince}}
 +
{{Quote|The Dark Arts are many, varied, ever-changing, and eternal. Fighting them is like fighting a [[Hydra|many-headed monster]], which, each time a neck is severed, sprouts a head even fiercer and cleverer than before. You are fighting that which is unfixed, mutating, indestructible.|Professor [[Severus Snape]]|Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince}}
   
−
The '''Dark Arts''', also known as '''Dark Magic''', refers to any type of [[magic]] that is mainly used to cause harm. The Dark Arts encompass many spells and actions ranging from using the [[Unforgivable Curses]] to brewing harmful or [[Poison|poisonous potions]] to breeding Dark creatures such as [[Basilisk]]s, and its practise is generally illegal. Practitioners are referred to as [[Dark Wizard|Dark wizards or witches]], the most prominent and powerful of whom was [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]]. His followers, known as [[Death Eaters]], also practised the Dark Arts.
 +
The '''Dark Arts''', also known as '''Dark Magic''', refers to any type of [[magic]] that is mainly used to cause harm, control, or even death to the victim.
  +
  +
The Dark Arts encompass many spells and actions ranging from the powerful [[Unforgivable Curses]] to brewing harmful or [[Poison|poisonous potions]] to breeding Dark creatures such as [[Basilisk]]s, and its practise is generally illegal. Practitioners are referred to as [[Dark Wizard|Dark wizards or witches]], the most prominent and powerful of whom was [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]]. His followers, known as [[Death Eaters]], also practised the Dark Arts.
   
 
==Nature of the Dark Arts==
  
==Nature of the Dark Arts==
−
{{Dialogue a-b-a-b|Dumbledore|You call it 'greatness,' what you have been doing, do you?|Riddle|Certainly. I have experimented; I have pushed the boundaries of magic further, perhaps, than they have ever been pushed -|Of some kinds of magic. Of some. Of others, you remain...forgive me...woefully ignorant.|The old argument. But nothing I have seen in the world has supported your famous pronouncements that [[love]] is more powerful than my kind of magic, Dumbledore.|[[Albus Dumbledore]] and [[Tom Riddle|Tom Marvolo Riddle]]|Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince}}
 +
{{Dialogue a-b-a-b|Dumbledore|You call it 'greatness,' what you have been doing, do you?|Riddle|Certainly. I have experimented; I have pushed the boundaries of magic further, perhaps, than they have ever been pushed —|Of some kinds of magic. Of some. Of others, you remain...forgive me...woefully ignorant.|The old argument. But nothing I have seen in the world has supported your famous pronouncements that [[love]] is more powerful than my kind of magic, Dumbledore.|[[Albus Dumbledore]] and [[Tom Riddle|Tom Marvolo Riddle]]|Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince}}
   
−
[[File:Ph734805jp.jpg|thumb|left|250px|[[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] after his transformation by the Dark Arts.]]
 +
[[File:Tumblr_mt9jqd4BCi1qa3emao2_r1_250.gif|thumb|left|175px|[[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] after his transformation by the Dark Arts]]
−
The Dark Arts are generally regarded as corrupting to those who use them (which is part of the reason they are considered "dark"). After engaging in them extensively for many years, even [[Tom Riddle|Tom Marvolo Riddle]]'s appearance demonstrated his corruption — he lost his former handsomeness, eventually taking on serpentine physical qualities and red eyes<ref name="HBP">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]''</ref>. [[Albus Dumbledore]], in particular, suggested that engaging in any of the Dark Arts that involve murder was damaging to the soul; for instance, he told [[Severus Snape]] that [[Draco Malfoy]]'s soul was "not yet so damaged" that he is probably capable of murder, but that if he did go through with murder, his soul would be "ripped apart"<ref name="HBP" />. This suggests that using very Dark magic, such as the [[Killing Curse]], damages an individual's soul. The Dark Art of creating a [[Horcrux]] involves literally splitting the soul for the unnatural purpose of achieving immortality.
 +
The Dark Arts are generally regarded as corrupting to those who use them (which is part of the reason they are considered "dark"). After engaging in them extensively for many years, even [[Tom Riddle|Tom Marvolo Riddle]]'s appearance demonstrated his corruption — he lost his former handsomeness, eventually taking on serpentine physical qualities and red eyes<ref name="HBP">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]''</ref>. [[Albus Dumbledore]], in particular, suggested that engaging in any of the Dark Arts that involve murder was damaging to the soul; for instance, he told [[Severus Snape]] that [[Draco Malfoy]]'s soul was "not yet so damaged" that he is probably capable of murder, but that if he did go through with murder, his soul would be "ripped apart"<ref name="HBP" />. This suggests that using very dark magic, such as the [[Killing Curse]], damages an individual's soul. The dark art of creating a [[Horcrux]] involves literally splitting the soul for the unnatural purpose of achieving immortality. [[Quirinus Quirrell]] was interested in dark magics, initially by a theoretical view to gain recognition, but his curiosity turned to avarice, and eventually he was completely drawn in and corrupted.
   
 
According to Snape, the Dark Arts are pragmatic in nature, where everytime a branch is defeated, it only comes back "fiercer and cleverer" than before. It is therefore imperative that one's defences must be as versatile as these foul arts themselves.
  
According to Snape, the Dark Arts are pragmatic in nature, where everytime a branch is defeated, it only comes back "fiercer and cleverer" than before. It is therefore imperative that one's defences must be as versatile as these foul arts themselves.
   
−
Powerful Dark spells also require malicious intent in order to be successful. To cast the [[Cruciatus Curse]], for instance, one must truly desire to cause pain in and of itself, according to [[Bellatrix Lestrange]]<ref name="OTP">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]''</ref>. The Dark Arts can also be difficult to control; for example, [[Vincent Crabbe]] lost control of the [[fiendfyre|cursed fire]] he created in [[1998]] and was killed by it<ref name="DH">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]''</ref>. Injuries caused by Dark magic sometimes never fully heal, such as [[George Weasley]]'s ear after it was cut off by a ''[[Sectumsempra]]'' he was struck with during the [[Battle of the Seven Potters]]<ref>''Deathly Hallows'', Ch. 5. Also, in Ch. 17, Harry mentions "the injuries from Dark Magic...you can't repair the damage."</ref>
 +
Powerful dark spells also require malicious intent in order to be successful. To cast the [[Cruciatus Curse]], for instance, one must truly desire to cause pain in and of itself, according to [[Bellatrix Lestrange]]<ref name="OTP">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]''</ref>. The Dark Arts can also be difficult to control; for example, [[Vincent Crabbe]] lost control of the [[fiendfyre|cursed fire]] he created in [[1998]] and was killed by it<ref name="DH">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]''</ref>. Injuries caused by dark magic sometimes never fully heal, such as [[George Weasley]]'s ear after it was cut off by a ''[[Sectumsempra]]'' he was struck with during the [[Battle of the Seven Potters]]<ref>''Deathly Hallows'', Ch. 5. Also, in Ch. 17, Harry mentions "the injuries from Dark Magic...you can't repair the damage."</ref>
  +
===Protection===
   
−
{{Dialogue a-b-a|Dumbledore|...you have never been seduced by the Dark Arts, never, even for a second, shown the slightest desire to become one of Voldemort's followers!|Harry|Of course I haven't! He killed my [[Lily Evans|mum]] and [[James Potter I|dad]]!|You are protected, in short, by your ability to love! The only protection that can possibly work against the lure of power like Voldemort's! In spite of all the temptation you have endured, all the suffering, you remain pure of heart...|[[Albus Dumbledore]] and [[Harry Potter]] in [[1996]]|Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince}}
 +
{{Quote|You are protected, in short, by your ability to love! The only protection that can possibly work against the lure of power like Voldemort's! In spite of all the temptation you have endured, all the suffering, you remain pure of heart...|[[Albus Dumbledore]] to [[Harry Potter]] in [[1996]]|Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince}}
   
−
According to [[Albus Dumbledore]], the only power strong enough to enable a person to resist the temptation of the Dark Arts, and to defeat them, is [[love]]. He is perhaps referring to the [[Sacrificial Protection]] shield which Lily Potter used to protect Harry Potter and Harry himself later used to protect the people on his side by taking a killing curse from the Dark Lord. However he was not killed by this killing curse, since the curse only destroyed the part of Voldemort inside him.
 +
According to [[Albus Dumbledore]], the only power strong enough to enable a person to resist the temptation of the Dark Arts, and to defeat them, is [[love]]. He was perhaps referring to the [[Sacrificial Protection]] shield which Lily Potter used to protect Harry Potter and Harry himself later used to protect the people on his side by taking a Killing Curse from the Dark Lord. However he was not killed by this curse, since it only destroyed the part of Voldemort's soul inside him.
   
 
===Ethical considerations===
  
===Ethical considerations===
−
It should be noted that whilst the Dark Arts have a bad reputation, overall Dark Magic is not, by definition, "evil" magic. Indeed, dark magic can be used for good as well as evil. Even the [[Killing Curse]] can be used for good, as Albus Dumbledore said that it would not harm Severus Snape to kill him (Dumbledore) as Dumbledore had asked him to since he was going to die anyway (and it would ultimately serve to fool Voldemort to lead to his destruction).
 +
While the Dark Arts have a bad reputation, overall, dark magic is not, by definition, "evil" magic. Indeed, dark magic can be used for good as well as evil. Even the [[Killing Curse]] can be used for good, as Albus Dumbledore said that it would not harm Severus Snape to kill him (Dumbledore) as he had asked Snape to kill him since he was going to die anyway (and it would ultimately serve to fool Voldemort and lead to his destruction).
   
 
At the same time, dark magic is not the only type of magic that can be used with the intent to kill. For example, the [[Severing Charm]] can kill if used irresponsibly.
  
At the same time, dark magic is not the only type of magic that can be used with the intent to kill. For example, the [[Severing Charm]] can kill if used irresponsibly.
   
−
The only exception to this rule is the spell which creates a [[Horcrux]]; this is an entirely selfish act—taking a life in order to prolong one's own. This act is so reprehensible that the caster's soul becomes fragmented, allowing the creation of a Horcrux. The soul can only be restored by complete remorse for the murder, or repentance.
 +
The only exception to this rule is the spell which creates a [[Horcrux]]; this is an entirely selfish act — taking a life in order to prolong one's own. This act is so reprehensible that the caster's soul becomes fragmented, allowing the creation of a Horcrux. The soul can only be restored by complete remorse for the murder, or repentance, which is actually painful enough to cause death.
   
 
==The Dark Arts and the law==
  
==The Dark Arts and the law==
 
{{Quote|When a wizard goes over ter the Dark Side, there's nothin' and no one that matters to 'em any more...|[[Rubeus Hagrid]]|Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban}}
  
{{Quote|When a wizard goes over ter the Dark Side, there's nothin' and no one that matters to 'em any more...|[[Rubeus Hagrid]]|Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban}}
   
−
Although many members of the [[wizarding world]] appear to frown upon the Dark Arts, they are not prohibited (with the exception of the Unforgivables) and may even - under certain conditions - be encouraged. For example, while [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] teaches only [[Defence Against the Dark Arts]], [[Durmstrang Institute]] teaches the [[Dark Arts (class)|Dark Arts]] itself. Moreover, shops like [[Borgin and Burkes]] in [[Knockturn Alley]] openly trade in Dark artefacts, and are patronized by "hundreds of people",<ref name=HP6, Ch. 12>''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]''</ref> which suggests that at least some aspects of the Dark Arts are somewhat socially acceptable among parts of the wizarding population.
 +
Although many members of the [[wizarding world]] appear to frown upon the Dark Arts, they are not prohibited (with the exception of the Unforgivables) and may even — under certain conditions — be encouraged. For example, while [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] teaches only [[Defence Against the Dark Arts]], [[Durmstrang Institute]] teaches the [[Dark Arts (class)|Dark Arts]] itself. Moreover, shops like [[Borgin and Burkes]] in [[Knockturn Alley]] openly trade in Dark artefacts, and are patronized by "hundreds of people",<ref name="HP6,">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]''</ref> which suggests that at least some aspects of the Dark Arts are somewhat socially acceptable or at the very least legal among parts of the wizarding population.
   
−
Also, in times of war, the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] has been known to permit [[Auror]]s to use strong Dark magic against its enemies. When [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] was in control of wizarding Britain in late [[1997]] to mid-[[1998]], every aspect of the Dark Arts was legalised and taught at Hogwarts by [[Death Eaters|Death Eater]] professor [[Amycus Carrow]]<ref name="DH" />
 +
Also, in times of war, the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] has been known to permit [[Auror]]s to use strong Dark magic against its enemies. When [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] was in control of wizarding Britain in late [[1997]] to mid-[[1998]], every aspect of the Dark Arts was legalised and taught at Hogwarts by [[Death Eaters|Death Eater]] professor [[Amycus Carrow]]. However, Voldemort was controlling the Ministry at this time, so it may not be standard protocol.<ref name="DH" />
   
−
In addition, there is a matter of degree. The three [[Unforgivable Curses]] are punishable by an automatic life sentence in [[Azkaban|Azkaban Prison]]<ref name="GOF">''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]''</ref> when used on humans, except when permitted in wartime, whereas some types of magic can have more benign uses as well as Dark uses and, thus, are presumably not always illegal.
 +
In addition, there is a matter of degree. The three [[Unforgivable Curses]] are punishable by an automatic life sentence in [[Azkaban|Azkaban Prison]]<ref name="GOF">''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]''</ref> when used on humans, except when permitted in wartime, whereas some types of magic can have more benign uses as well as Dark uses and, thus, are presumably not always illegal. 
   
 
==Wandlore==
  
==Wandlore==
  +
The suitability of a wand to perform dark magic depends, at least partly, on its core; dragon heartstring and phoenix feather have a reputation for being suitable for it, while it's hard to perform dark magic with unicorn hair wands.
−
Some wand woods and cores prefer or dislike Dark Magic.
  
−  
−
Dragon heartstring has a reputation of being suitable for it, while it's hard to perform dark Magic with Unicorn hair wands. Phoenix feather wands, like Voldemorts', are suitable for this magic.
  
   
 
==Known Dark Magic==
  
==Known Dark Magic==
Line 46: Line 47:
 
{{Quote|[[Magic]], especially Dark magic ... leaves traces.|[[Albus Dumbledore]] to [[Harry Potter]] on Dark [[spell]]s|Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)}}
  
{{Quote|[[Magic]], especially Dark magic ... leaves traces.|[[Albus Dumbledore]] to [[Harry Potter]] on Dark [[spell]]s|Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)}}
   
−
A '''Dark Spell''' is primarily defined as any spell that consistently affects the object in a negative manner, usually associated with varying levels of discomfort. They can be classified into three groups: [[jinxes]], [[hexes]] & [[curses]]. These groups form a hierarchy, with jinxes at the base, curses at the top and hexes in-between. The further one ascends up this hierarchy, the more wicked, the stronger, the longer-lasting and the less reversible the Dark spell's effects appear to be. [[The Unforgivable Curses]] are the strongest known Dark Spells in existence.
 +
[[File:Killing_curse_spider.gif|frame|The [[Killing Curse]] (''Avada Kedavra'')]]A '''Dark Spell''' is primarily defined as any spell that consistently affects the object in a negative manner, usually associated with varying levels of discomfort. They can be classified into three groups: [[jinxes]], [[hexes]] & [[curses]]. These groups form a hierarchy, with jinxes at the base, curses at the top and hexes in-between. The further one ascends up this hierarchy, the more wicked, the stronger, the longer-lasting and the less reversible the Dark spell's effects appear to be. The[[The Unforgivable Curses| Unforgivable Curses]] are the strongest known Dark Spells in existence.
   
  +
The following are some Dark spells:
  +
  +
==== Jinxes ====
  +
Minor Dark Magic, minor inconvenience to the target.
  +
* [[Knockback Jinx]] (''Flipendo'')
  +
  +
* [[Oppugno Jinx]] (''Oppugno'')
  +
* [[Revulsion Jinx]] (''Relashio'')
  +
  +
==== Hexes ====
  +
  +
  +
  +
Consistently affects the object in a negative manner, major inconvenience to the target.
  +
* [[Bat-Bogey Hex]]
  +
* [[Stinging Hex]]
  +
* [[Toenail-growing hex]]
  +
  +
==== Curses ====
  +
The worst kind of dark magic, intended to affect the target in a strongly negative manner.
  +
* [[Cruciatus Curse]] (''Crucio'')
  +
  +
* [[Imperius Curse]] (''Imperio'')
  +
* [[Killing Curse]] (''Avada Kedavra'')
 
===Dark potions===
  
===Dark potions===
 
The following [[potion]]s are identified as Dark:
  
The following [[potion]]s are identified as Dark:
 
*[[Rudimentary Body Potion]]: A potion used to or used in combination with other magic to create a rudimentary body that can be inhabited by a non-corporeal wizard.
  
*[[Rudimentary Body Potion]]: A potion used to or used in combination with other magic to create a rudimentary body that can be inhabited by a non-corporeal wizard.
−
*[[Tom Riddle|Voldemort]]'s [[Regeneration Potion|rebirth potion]]: This potion is said by Voldemort to be "an old piece of Dark Magic"<ref name="GOF" />. Its ingredients include a bone from the father unknowingly given, flesh from the servant willingly given, and blood from an enemy of the one for whom it is intended. It creates a new body for a Dark witch or wizard who has used [[Horcrux]]es and lost their original body, as Voldemort did. This new body is replica of the old one and has its former powers too. It apparently requires that the Dark wizard exist within a rudimentary body that can be placed within the cauldron after all the ingredients are added. If the blood of the enemy contains infections or protections, like a love sacrifice or lycanthrophy, it will also poison or protect the wizard or witch reborn with it.
 +
*[[Tom Riddle|Voldemort]]'s [[Regeneration Potion|rebirth potion]]: This potion is said by Voldemort to be "an old piece of Dark Magic"<ref name="GOF" />. Its ingredients include a bone from the father unknowingly given, flesh from the servant willingly given, and blood from an enemy of the one for whom it is intended. It creates a new body for a Dark witch or wizard who has used [[Horcrux]]es and lost their original body, as Voldemort did. This new body is replica of the old one and has its former powers too. It apparently requires that the Dark wizard exist within a rudimentary body that can be placed within the cauldron after all the ingredients are added. If the blood of the enemy contains infections or protections, like a love sacrifice or lycanthrophy, it will also affect or protect the wizard or witch reborn with it.
 
*[[Drink of Despair]]: a Potion used in a basin in which the [[Salazar Slytherin's Locket|locket Horcrux]] was hidden. Its consumption caused the drinker to see "terrible things", dehydrate, and experience excruciating burning in one's insides. Because of the 'terrible things', it has an effect similar to the presence of a [[Dementor]].<ref name="HBP" />
  
*[[Drink of Despair]]: a Potion used in a basin in which the [[Salazar Slytherin's Locket|locket Horcrux]] was hidden. Its consumption caused the drinker to see "terrible things", dehydrate, and experience excruciating burning in one's insides. Because of the 'terrible things', it has an effect similar to the presence of a [[Dementor]].<ref name="HBP" />
   
 
===Dark items===
  
===Dark items===
−
[[File:Riddle Diary.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Tom Riddle's Diary]], a [[Horcrux]].]]
  
−
{{Quote|Of the Horcrux, wickedest of magical inventions, we shall not speak nor give direction–|the introduction of ''[[Magick Moste Evile]]''|Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince}}
  
   
  +
[[File:Tom-riddles-diary.png|thumb|200px|The inside cover and front page of the diary, showing the faint inscription "T.M. Riddle".|left]]
⚫
Some items can be bewitched by Dark Magic for various purposes. They then become known as Dark Magic Artefacts (or simply Dark items). The following items are associated with Dark Magic:<ref>[http://www.hp-lexicon.org/magic/dark_items.html Harry Potter Lexicon: Dark Magic Items]</ref>
  
  +
  ⚫
{{Quote|Of the Horcrux, wickedest of magical inventions, we shall not speak nor give direction —|the introduction of ''[[Magick Moste Evile]]''|Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince}}Some items can be bewitched by Dark Magic for various purposes. They then become known as Dark Magic Artefacts (or simply Dark items). The following items are associated with Dark Magic:<ref>[http://www.hp-lexicon.org/magic/dark_items.html Harry Potter Lexicon: Dark Magic Items]</ref>
  +
 
*[[List of books|Cursed books]]: Books can be bewitched to cause harm to anyone who attempts to read them. Examples include ''Sonnets of a Sorcerer'', which causes the reader to speak in rhymes, and an unnamed book that a person can never stop reading. [[Tom Riddle's Diary]] is both a cursed book and a [[Horcrux]].
  
*[[List of books|Cursed books]]: Books can be bewitched to cause harm to anyone who attempts to read them. Examples include ''Sonnets of a Sorcerer'', which causes the reader to speak in rhymes, and an unnamed book that a person can never stop reading. [[Tom Riddle's Diary]] is both a cursed book and a [[Horcrux]].
 
*[[Hand of Glory]]: A severed human hand with a candle placed within it. It provides light only to the holder, and commonly attributed to thieves and plunderers. It is able to penetrate [[Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder]].
  
*[[Hand of Glory]]: A severed human hand with a candle placed within it. It provides light only to the holder, and commonly attributed to thieves and plunderers. It is able to penetrate [[Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder]].
Line 76: Line 102:
   
 
==Known practitioners==
  
==Known practitioners==
  +
⚫
[[File:Death eaters worldcup.jpg|thumb|right|270px|[[Death Eaters]] at the [[1994]] [[Quidditch World Cup]]]]
  
 
The following [[Wizards|wizards and witches]] are known to have used Dark Magic. Note that as above, the Dark Arts encompass many different types of spells, including many that seem to be in everyday use by most wizards—this section is limited to those who have used strong dark magic at least once.
  
The following [[Wizards|wizards and witches]] are known to have used Dark Magic. Note that as above, the Dark Arts encompass many different types of spells, including many that seem to be in everyday use by most wizards—this section is limited to those who have used strong dark magic at least once.
   
 
===Dark Wizards and Witches===
  
===Dark Wizards and Witches===
−
*[[Dolores Umbridge]]
  
 
*[[Gellert Grindelwald]]
  
*[[Gellert Grindelwald]]
 
*[[Gellert Grindelwald's army|Grindelwald's followers]]
  
*[[Gellert Grindelwald's army|Grindelwald's followers]]
Line 91: Line 116:
   
 
====Death Eaters====
  
====Death Eaters====
  ⚫
[[File:Death eaters worldcup.jpg|thumb|right|220px|[[Death Eaters]] Voldemort's followers and practitioners of the Dark Arts]]
 
*[[Antonin Dolohov]]
  
*[[Antonin Dolohov]]
 
*[[Amycus Carrow]]
  
*[[Amycus Carrow]]
Line 116: Line 142:
   
 
===Non-Dark Wizards and Witches===
  
===Non-Dark Wizards and Witches===
  +
[[File:Harry_Potter_movies_hbp_promostills_06.jpg|thumb|140px|Harry Potter, a non-dark wizard and practitioner of the Dark Arts]]
 
*[[Albus Dumbledore]]
  
*[[Albus Dumbledore]]
 
*[[Bartemius Crouch Sr.|Bartemius ("Barty") Crouch Sr.]]
  
*[[Bartemius Crouch Sr.|Bartemius ("Barty") Crouch Sr.]]
Line 167: Line 194:
 
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4]]''
  
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4]]''
 
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7]]''
  
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7]]''
−
*''[[Pottermore]]'' {{Mention}}
 +
*''[[Pottermore]]''
 
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter|Harry Potter LEGO Sets]]''
  
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter|Harry Potter LEGO Sets]]''
   

Revision as of 02:29, 1 September 2014

GSnitch
"Point me!"
This article is about the category of magic. You may be looking for the subject taught at Durmstrang Institute and briefly at Hogwarts.
First time

The creation of a Horcrux — the "darkest art"

"The Dark Arts are many, varied, ever-changing, and eternal. Fighting them is like fighting a many-headed monster, which, each time a neck is severed, sprouts a head even fiercer and cleverer than before. You are fighting that which is unfixed, mutating, indestructible."
— Professor Severus Snape[src]

The Dark Arts, also known as Dark Magic, refers to any type of magic that is mainly used to cause harm, control, or even death to the victim.

The Dark Arts encompass many spells and actions ranging from the powerful Unforgivable Curses to brewing harmful or poisonous potions to breeding Dark creatures such as Basilisks, and its practise is generally illegal. Practitioners are referred to as Dark wizards or witches, the most prominent and powerful of whom was Lord Voldemort. His followers, known as Death Eaters, also practised the Dark Arts.

Nature of the Dark Arts

Dumbledore: "You call it 'greatness,' what you have been doing, do you?"
Riddle: "Certainly. I have experimented; I have pushed the boundaries of magic further, perhaps, than they have ever been pushed —"
Dumbledore: "Of some kinds of magic. Of some. Of others, you remain...forgive me...woefully ignorant."
Riddle: "The old argument. But nothing I have seen in the world has supported your famous pronouncements that love is more powerful than my kind of magic, Dumbledore."
— Albus Dumbledore and Tom Marvolo Riddle[src]
File:Tumblr mt9jqd4BCi1qa3emao2 r1 250.gif

Lord Voldemort after his transformation by the Dark Arts

The Dark Arts are generally regarded as corrupting to those who use them (which is part of the reason they are considered "dark"). After engaging in them extensively for many years, even Tom Marvolo Riddle's appearance demonstrated his corruption — he lost his former handsomeness, eventually taking on serpentine physical qualities and red eyes[1]. Albus Dumbledore, in particular, suggested that engaging in any of the Dark Arts that involve murder was damaging to the soul; for instance, he told Severus Snape that Draco Malfoy's soul was "not yet so damaged" that he is probably capable of murder, but that if he did go through with murder, his soul would be "ripped apart"[1]. This suggests that using very dark magic, such as the Killing Curse, damages an individual's soul. The dark art of creating a Horcrux involves literally splitting the soul for the unnatural purpose of achieving immortality. Quirinus Quirrell was interested in dark magics, initially by a theoretical view to gain recognition, but his curiosity turned to avarice, and eventually he was completely drawn in and corrupted.

According to Snape, the Dark Arts are pragmatic in nature, where everytime a branch is defeated, it only comes back "fiercer and cleverer" than before. It is therefore imperative that one's defences must be as versatile as these foul arts themselves.

Powerful dark spells also require malicious intent in order to be successful. To cast the Cruciatus Curse, for instance, one must truly desire to cause pain in and of itself, according to Bellatrix Lestrange[2]. The Dark Arts can also be difficult to control; for example, Vincent Crabbe lost control of the cursed fire he created in 1998 and was killed by it[3]. Injuries caused by dark magic sometimes never fully heal, such as George Weasley's ear after it was cut off by a Sectumsempra he was struck with during the Battle of the Seven Potters[4]

Protection

"You are protected, in short, by your ability to love! The only protection that can possibly work against the lure of power like Voldemort's! In spite of all the temptation you have endured, all the suffering, you remain pure of heart..."
— Albus Dumbledore to Harry Potter in 1996[src]

According to Albus Dumbledore, the only power strong enough to enable a person to resist the temptation of the Dark Arts, and to defeat them, is love. He was perhaps referring to the Sacrificial Protection shield which Lily Potter used to protect Harry Potter and Harry himself later used to protect the people on his side by taking a Killing Curse from the Dark Lord. However he was not killed by this curse, since it only destroyed the part of Voldemort's soul inside him.

Ethical considerations

While the Dark Arts have a bad reputation, overall, dark magic is not, by definition, "evil" magic. Indeed, dark magic can be used for good as well as evil. Even the Killing Curse can be used for good, as Albus Dumbledore said that it would not harm Severus Snape to kill him (Dumbledore) as he had asked Snape to kill him since he was going to die anyway (and it would ultimately serve to fool Voldemort and lead to his destruction).

At the same time, dark magic is not the only type of magic that can be used with the intent to kill. For example, the Severing Charm can kill if used irresponsibly.

The only exception to this rule is the spell which creates a Horcrux; this is an entirely selfish act — taking a life in order to prolong one's own. This act is so reprehensible that the caster's soul becomes fragmented, allowing the creation of a Horcrux. The soul can only be restored by complete remorse for the murder, or repentance, which is actually painful enough to cause death.

The Dark Arts and the law

"When a wizard goes over ter the Dark Side, there's nothin' and no one that matters to 'em any more..."
— Rubeus Hagrid[src]

Although many members of the wizarding world appear to frown upon the Dark Arts, they are not prohibited (with the exception of the Unforgivables) and may even — under certain conditions — be encouraged. For example, while Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry teaches only Defence Against the Dark Arts, Durmstrang Institute teaches the Dark Arts itself. Moreover, shops like Borgin and Burkes in Knockturn Alley openly trade in Dark artefacts, and are patronized by "hundreds of people",[5] which suggests that at least some aspects of the Dark Arts are somewhat socially acceptable or at the very least legal among parts of the wizarding population.

Also, in times of war, the Ministry of Magic has been known to permit Aurors to use strong Dark magic against its enemies. When Lord Voldemort was in control of wizarding Britain in late 1997 to mid-1998, every aspect of the Dark Arts was legalised and taught at Hogwarts by Death Eater professor Amycus Carrow. However, Voldemort was controlling the Ministry at this time, so it may not be standard protocol.[3]

In addition, there is a matter of degree. The three Unforgivable Curses are punishable by an automatic life sentence in Azkaban Prison[6] when used on humans, except when permitted in wartime, whereas some types of magic can have more benign uses as well as Dark uses and, thus, are presumably not always illegal. 

Wandlore

The suitability of a wand to perform dark magic depends, at least partly, on its core; dragon heartstring and phoenix feather have a reputation for being suitable for it, while it's hard to perform dark magic with unicorn hair wands.

Known Dark Magic

Dark spells

"Magic, especially Dark magic ... leaves traces."
— Albus Dumbledore to Harry Potter on Dark spells[src]
Killing curse spider

The Killing Curse (Avada Kedavra)

A Dark Spell is primarily defined as any spell that consistently affects the object in a negative manner, usually associated with varying levels of discomfort. They can be classified into three groups: jinxes, hexes & curses. These groups form a hierarchy, with jinxes at the base, curses at the top and hexes in-between. The further one ascends up this hierarchy, the more wicked, the stronger, the longer-lasting and the less reversible the Dark spell's effects appear to be. The Unforgivable Curses are the strongest known Dark Spells in existence.

The following are some Dark spells:

Jinxes

Minor Dark Magic, minor inconvenience to the target.

Hexes

Consistently affects the object in a negative manner, major inconvenience to the target.

Curses

The worst kind of dark magic, intended to affect the target in a strongly negative manner.

Dark potions

The following potions are identified as Dark:

  • Rudimentary Body Potion: A potion used to or used in combination with other magic to create a rudimentary body that can be inhabited by a non-corporeal wizard.
  • Voldemort's rebirth potion: This potion is said by Voldemort to be "an old piece of Dark Magic"[6]. Its ingredients include a bone from the father unknowingly given, flesh from the servant willingly given, and blood from an enemy of the one for whom it is intended. It creates a new body for a Dark witch or wizard who has used Horcruxes and lost their original body, as Voldemort did. This new body is replica of the old one and has its former powers too. It apparently requires that the Dark wizard exist within a rudimentary body that can be placed within the cauldron after all the ingredients are added. If the blood of the enemy contains infections or protections, like a love sacrifice or lycanthrophy, it will also affect or protect the wizard or witch reborn with it.
  • Drink of Despair: a Potion used in a basin in which the locket Horcrux was hidden. Its consumption caused the drinker to see "terrible things", dehydrate, and experience excruciating burning in one's insides. Because of the 'terrible things', it has an effect similar to the presence of a Dementor.[1]

Dark items

Tom-riddles-diary

The inside cover and front page of the diary, showing the faint inscription "T.M. Riddle".

"Of the Horcrux, wickedest of magical inventions, we shall not speak nor give direction —"
— the introduction of Magick Moste Evile[src]

Some items can be bewitched by Dark Magic for various purposes. They then become known as Dark Magic Artefacts (or simply Dark items). The following items are associated with Dark Magic:[7]

  • Cursed books: Books can be bewitched to cause harm to anyone who attempts to read them. Examples include Sonnets of a Sorcerer, which causes the reader to speak in rhymes, and an unnamed book that a person can never stop reading. Tom Riddle's Diary is both a cursed book and a Horcrux.
  • Hand of Glory: A severed human hand with a candle placed within it. It provides light only to the holder, and commonly attributed to thieves and plunderers. It is able to penetrate Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder.
  • Horcrux: Thought to be the Darkest of all objects, a Horcrux is an object (or living being) that contains a fragment of a Dark wizard's divided soul. It is used to provide protection against death.[1]
  • Opal necklace: This item turned up in Borgin and Burkes, was apparently purchased by Draco Malfoy, and almost killed Katie Bell. It is cursed very heavily, to the extent that merely touching it causes nearly instant death. It has killed at least nineteen Muggles.
  • Objects in the Black house: Some of the objects in 12 Grimmauld Place, are probably Dark, such as a music box, purple robes, and a locket Horcrux.[2]
  • Blood quill: A quill that does not require ink, as it writes with the blood of the person using it. What the user writes will be carved onto the back of his or her hand, and the blood from the words sliced into the hand will be magically siphoned and used as ink on the parchment. It is used as a torture device.

Dark creatures / beings

Many magical creatures and beings alike may be considered Dark. For example: the dementor, lethifold, basilisk, grindylow, acromantula, vampire, hag and werewolf, all of which are deeply feared and-or despised by numerous different wizards and witches.

Dark practises

Some other practises that would be considered Dark include:

Known practitioners

The following wizards and witches are known to have used Dark Magic. Note that as above, the Dark Arts encompass many different types of spells, including many that seem to be in everyday use by most wizards—this section is limited to those who have used strong dark magic at least once.

Dark Wizards and Witches

Death Eaters

Death eaters worldcup

Death Eaters Voldemort's followers and practitioners of the Dark Arts

Non-Dark Wizards and Witches

Harry Potter movies hbp promostills 06

Harry Potter, a non-dark wizard and practitioner of the Dark Arts

Known texts

The following texts are known to discuss the Dark Arts:

Behind the scenes

  • Some spells may not be considered Dark magic in and of themselves, but may be used for Dark purposes. For example, the Taboo curse allows the caster to track anyone who says a certain word or name. This gives the caster a great deal of power over people's speech, and spreads fear. It may thus be considered to have Dark applications, such as when it was used by Death Eaters to track their enemies during the Second Wizarding War[3].
  • The Dark Arts are similar to magic known as maleficium, which is used in a similar manner.

Appearances

Notes and references

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
  4. ↑ Deathly Hallows, Ch. 5. Also, in Ch. 17, Harry mentions "the injuries from Dark Magic...you can't repair the damage."
  5. ↑ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
  7. ↑ Harry Potter Lexicon: Dark Magic Items
  8. ↑ Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Español Français Русский
*Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, Fandom will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.
More Fandoms