Why Does Snape Kill Dumbledore In The Harry Potter Series?

In J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, the scene where Severus Snape kills Albus Dumbledore is crucial but very complex. It’s not just a simple case of betrayal. Actually, Dumbledore and Snape had planned this together beforehand. This was part of a bigger plan to defeat Voldemort from the inside. Snape’s reasons are deep—he’s driven by his loyalty and his long-held feelings for Lily Potter. When we look closer, Snape’s actions are about more than just power or redemption.

At first, this makes Snape look like the bad guy. But later, we find out why he did it, and it shows he’s not just black and white.

Why Did Snape Kill Dumbledore?

Reason 1 – A brave act of loyalty

Snape killed Dumbledore to keep a promise. He promised to protect Draco Malfoy and to follow Dumbledore’s plan. This act was about more than just following orders.

Snape wanted to save Draco from the damage of killing someone. He had made an Unbreakable Vow with Draco’s mom, Narcissa, which meant he had to step in if Draco couldn’t do it. This vow forced Snape’s hand.

Reason 2 – Following Dumbledore’s orders

Dumbledore knew he was going to die soon because of a cursed ring. He planned his own death to keep the Elder Wand from falling into the wrong hands and to help fight Voldemort. He told Snape to do the deed.

Severus Snape’s deep love for Lily Potter changed the way he acted throughout the Harry Potter books. He promised to keep Lily’s son, Harry, safe. This promise shaped everything he did, even leading him to kill Dumbledore.

This choice showed how complex Snape’s motives were. He was torn between his past connections and his need to protect Harry, all to honour Lily.

Reason 3 – Snape’s love for Lily

Snape’s feelings for Lily Potter played a big role in his choices throughout the Harry Potter series. His love for her shaped who he was and what he did. Let’s look at a few ways Snape’s love for Lily affected the story:

1. Steadfast Loyalty: Snape’s dedication to Lily didn’t end with her death. It guided his actions and which side he chose in the wizarding world.

2. Mixed Feelings: Snape had a complicated relationship with Harry. He saw the eyes of the woman he loved in a boy who also reminded him of his rival, James Potter.

3. Big Sacrifices: Because he loved Lily, Snape made huge personal sacrifices. He worked to protect her son, Harry, in ways that weren’t always clear at first.

Snape’s character is complex. He shows how deep commitments can push someone to act against their own feelings.

The Controversial Character of Severus Snape

Misunderstood by many

Severus Snape from the Harry Potter books is a complex and often misunderstood character. Both fans and other characters in the books find it hard to figure him out. His actions are driven by deep, personal reasons that aren’t clear until later, which makes people see him in different ways.

1. Dual Allegiance: Snape seems to be loyal to Dumbledore but also appears to support Voldemort. This double role confuses people about where his true loyalties lie.

2. Emotional Complexity: Snape’s ongoing feelings for Lily Potter and his resentment towards her husband, James, influence his choices and how he behaves.

3. Secrecy and Isolation: Snape keeps to himself and doesn’t share much, which makes it hard for others, including us, to understand what he’s really about until the end of the series.

The ultimate sacrifice for the greater good

While discussing Snape’s complex character, it’s key to talk about his big sacrifice for the greater good in the Harry Potter series.

This move, though it looked evil, was crucial for taking down Voldemort. It was part of Dumbledore’s plan to win the bigger battle by making tough choices. Snape’s actions show his deep dedication to a cause bigger than himself, defining his legacy as one of courage and personal sacrifice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Snape’s choice to kill Dumbledore is a complicated but crucial move. It’s important not just for saving Draco Malfoy from becoming a killer, but it also plays a big part in the fight against Voldemort. The story shows how Snape’s actions are tied up with the fight between good and evil, and it makes us think about the tough choices the characters have to make.

1. Protecting Draco: Snape kills Dumbledore to prevent Draco from having to commit murder.

2. Keeping His Promise: He does this to stick to the Unbreakable Vow he made with Draco’s mom, Narcissa, showing his loyalty and commitment.

3. A Planned Move: Snape and Dumbledore planned this together. It was a sacrifice meant to help beat Voldemort.

Sara Sabrena

Sara Sabrena is an experienced content writer and a passionate movie fan. She loves analyzing movies and writes engaging reviews and in-depth analyses of films, from independent ones to big blockbusters. With her background in literature and media studies, Sara adds depth and her own unique viewpoint to her writing.