The wizarding world of Harry Potter has captivated audiences for decades, and one of the most intriguing moments in the series is the final battle between Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort’s snake, Nagini. In this article, we will delve into the spell that Harry used to defeat Nagini, exploring the context, the spell itself, and its significance in the story.
Understanding the Context
To appreciate the spell used by Harry, it’s essential to understand the context of the scene. The final battle takes place in the Great Hall of Hogwarts, where Harry and Voldemort engage in a fierce duel. Meanwhile, Neville Longbottom beheads Nagini, the snake that has become a Horcrux, with the Sword of Gryffindor. However, before Neville’s decisive blow, Harry is seen casting a spell on Nagini.
The Importance of Nagini as a Horcrux
Nagini, the snake, was one of Voldemort’s most powerful Horcruxes, objects that contained pieces of his soul and made him virtually indestructible. As a Horcrux, Nagini was a crucial part of Voldemort’s plan for immortality, and destroying her was essential to ultimately defeating the Dark Lord.
The Spell Used by Harry
So, what spell did Harry use on Nagini? The answer lies in the book “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” by J.K. Rowling. According to the text, Harry casts the Expelliarmus spell on Nagini, but it’s not the Expelliarmus spell that ultimately defeats her. Instead, it’s the Protego Totalum spell that Harry uses to deflect the killing curse cast by Voldemort, which inadvertently hits Nagini and ultimately leads to her demise.
However, it’s worth noting that in the movie adaptation of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2,” Harry is seen casting the Protego spell, not Protego Totalum. While the movie takes some creative liberties with the spell, the book provides a more detailed and accurate account of the events.
Understanding the Protego Totalum Spell
The Protego Totalum spell is a powerful defensive charm that creates a magical shield, protecting the caster from incoming spells. In the context of the final battle, Harry uses this spell to deflect the killing curse cast by Voldemort, which ultimately hits Nagini and contributes to her destruction.
The Significance of the Spell
The spell used by Harry on Nagini is significant for several reasons:
- Deflection of the Killing Curse: By casting the Protego Totalum spell, Harry deflects the killing curse cast by Voldemort, which would have otherwise hit him. This deflection ultimately leads to Nagini’s demise, as the curse hits her instead.
- Destruction of the Horcrux: The destruction of Nagini, one of Voldemort’s most powerful Horcruxes, is a crucial step in ultimately defeating the Dark Lord. By contributing to Nagini’s destruction, Harry brings Voldemort one step closer to his downfall.
- Harry’s Bravery and Quick Thinking: The spell used by Harry on Nagini showcases his bravery and quick thinking in the face of danger. By casting the Protego Totalum spell, Harry demonstrates his ability to think on his feet and make split-second decisions that ultimately lead to the defeat of Voldemort.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the spell used by Harry on Nagini is a pivotal moment in the final battle of the Harry Potter series. By casting the Protego Totalum spell, Harry deflects the killing curse cast by Voldemort, ultimately contributing to Nagini’s destruction and bringing Voldemort one step closer to his downfall. The significance of this spell lies in its role in the destruction of the Horcrux, Harry’s bravery and quick thinking, and its contribution to the ultimate defeat of Voldemort.
Other Spells Used in the Final Battle
While the Protego Totalum spell is the focus of this article, it’s worth noting that several other spells were used during the final battle. Some of these spells include:
- Expelliarmus: Cast by Harry on Nagini, this spell is an attempt to disarm the snake and render her harmless.
- Sectumsempra: Cast by Harry on Voldemort, this spell is a dark and complex curse that attempts to wound and maim the opponent.
- Avada Kedavra: Cast by Voldemort on Harry, this spell is a killing curse that attempts to destroy the opponent.
These spells, among others, contribute to the complexity and intensity of the final battle, showcasing the magical prowess of the characters and the high stakes of the confrontation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the final battle of the Harry Potter series is a complex and intense confrontation that showcases the magical prowess of the characters. The spell used by Harry on Nagini, Protego Totalum, is a pivotal moment in the battle, contributing to the destruction of the Horcrux and ultimately leading to the defeat of Voldemort. By exploring the context, the spell itself, and its significance, we gain a deeper understanding of the story and the characters that make it so captivating.
What spell did Harry use on Nagini in the Battle of Hogwarts?
Harry used the Expelliarmus spell on Nagini during the Battle of Hogwarts. This spell is a disarming charm that causes the opponent’s wand to fly out of their hand, rendering them temporarily defenseless. However, in this particular instance, the spell had a more profound effect, as it ultimately led to Nagini’s demise.
The Expelliarmus spell was not the direct cause of Nagini’s death, but rather a crucial step in the sequence of events that led to her downfall. When Harry cast the spell, it caused Nagini to become momentarily disoriented, allowing Neville Longbottom to behead her with the Sword of Gryffindor. This act ultimately led to the destruction of one of Voldemort’s Horcruxes, bringing the Dark Lord one step closer to defeat.
Why did Harry choose to use Expelliarmus on Nagini?
Harry chose to use Expelliarmus on Nagini because it was a spell he was extremely proficient in and had used successfully in the past. As a skilled wizard, Harry knew that Expelliarmus was a reliable and effective spell that could be used in a variety of situations. In this particular instance, he used it to gain the upper hand and create an opportunity for Neville to deliver the final blow.
Furthermore, Harry’s decision to use Expelliarmus on Nagini also reflects his character and values as a wizard. Throughout the series, Harry consistently demonstrates a reluctance to kill or cause unnecessary harm, instead opting for more humane and less destructive solutions. By using Expelliarmus, Harry was able to incapacitate Nagini without killing her outright, allowing Neville to ultimately deliver the fatal blow.
What would have happened if Harry had used a different spell on Nagini?
If Harry had used a different spell on Nagini, the outcome of the battle may have been significantly altered. For example, if Harry had used a more aggressive spell such as Avada Kedavra or Sectumsempra, he may have been able to kill Nagini outright. However, this would have also put him at risk of being consumed by the Dark Arts and losing himself to his emotions.
Alternatively, if Harry had used a less effective spell, Nagini may have been able to counterattack and potentially gain the upper hand. This could have led to a very different outcome, with Nagini potentially killing Harry or Neville and allowing Voldemort to maintain his power. By using Expelliarmus, Harry was able to achieve the desired outcome while also staying true to his values and character.
Was Nagini’s death a direct result of the Expelliarmus spell?
No, Nagini’s death was not a direct result of the Expelliarmus spell. While the spell did play a crucial role in the sequence of events that led to her demise, it was ultimately Neville’s beheading of her with the Sword of Gryffindor that caused her death. The Expelliarmus spell simply created an opportunity for Neville to deliver the final blow.
It’s worth noting that Nagini’s death was a result of a combination of factors, including the Expelliarmus spell, Neville’s bravery, and the power of the Sword of Gryffindor. The spell was simply one piece of a larger puzzle that ultimately led to the destruction of one of Voldemort’s Horcruxes.
What does the use of Expelliarmus on Nagini reveal about Harry’s character?
The use of Expelliarmus on Nagini reveals a great deal about Harry’s character, particularly his reluctance to kill or cause unnecessary harm. Throughout the series, Harry consistently demonstrates a commitment to finding non-violent solutions to conflicts, and his use of Expelliarmus on Nagini is a prime example of this.
Furthermore, Harry’s decision to use Expelliarmus on Nagini also highlights his ability to think on his feet and adapt to complex situations. In the heat of battle, Harry was able to quickly assess the situation and choose a spell that would give him the best chance of success. This level of strategic thinking and quick decision-making is a hallmark of Harry’s character and a key factor in his ultimate victory over Voldemort.
How does the use of Expelliarmus on Nagini relate to the larger themes of the series?
The use of Expelliarmus on Nagini relates to the larger themes of the series in several ways. Firstly, it highlights the importance of non-violent conflict resolution and the need to find alternative solutions to violence. This is a theme that is present throughout the series, as Harry and his friends consistently seek to find ways to defeat their enemies without resorting to violence.
Furthermore, the use of Expelliarmus on Nagini also relates to the theme of redemption and the power of love and sacrifice. By using a non-violent spell, Harry was able to create an opportunity for Neville to deliver the final blow, ultimately leading to the destruction of one of Voldemort’s Horcruxes. This act of sacrifice and redemption is a key part of the series’ narrative and is reflective of the larger themes of love, sacrifice, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
What can readers learn from Harry’s use of Expelliarmus on Nagini?
Readers can learn a great deal from Harry’s use of Expelliarmus on Nagini, particularly about the importance of non-violent conflict resolution and the need to think strategically in complex situations. Harry’s decision to use Expelliarmus on Nagini demonstrates that even in the most intense and high-pressure situations, it’s possible to find alternative solutions to violence.
Furthermore, Harry’s use of Expelliarmus on Nagini also highlights the importance of staying true to one’s values and character, even in the face of adversity. By choosing to use a non-violent spell, Harry was able to maintain his integrity and stay true to his values, ultimately leading to a more positive outcome. This is a valuable lesson for readers, particularly in today’s world where violence and aggression are often glorified.