Potterheads are back. What does that mean? New theories. Just this week, the Potter world has uncovered what they believe to be another hidden truth about the series. This time, the hidden meaning lies within the character of Snape and his first ever words to Harry (in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone). What we all thought was a nonsense throwaway line of wizard jargon meant to set up Snape as being a grade A jerk might have actually meant something much more meaningful. Unearthed by Tumblr user tomhiddles, is the possibility of a new message we may have been missing all of these years.
Here is what tomhiddles figured out: The first thing Snape asks Harry is “Potter! What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?” According to Victorian Flower Language, asphodel is a type of lily meaning ‘my regrets follow you to the grave’ and wormwood means ‘absence’ and also typically symbolized bitter sorrow. If you combined that, it meant ‘I bitterly regret Lily’s death’.
WAIT….WHATTTTTT?! Yes, you read that right.
I personally believe this theory is true. If you look at the research behind tomhiddles’ logic, it makes perfect sense. In Greek mythology Persephone who was the wife of Hades, ruler of the underworld, wore a crown made of asphodel. This was deeply associated with both death and graves. So is Lily supposed to be Persephone? I think yes. What makes it even more insane is that asphodel was once believed to be a cure for snake bites. We also know that Lily sacrificed herself to try and protect her son (Harry) from Voldemort—a wizard highly associated with snakes.
Let’s pretend your mind isn’t blown yet. So wormwood isn’t just coupled with absence—it’s also strongly tied to lunar deities, Artemis in particular. What’s so special about Artemis? Turns out Artemis is often linked to deer. If you remember correctly, the doe is the Patronus of both Lily and Snape.
So is it possible that all of this is just coincidental? I suppose that’s up to you. I prefer to continue thinking that J.K. Rowling is simply an absolute genius.
Sources:
https://redringsofredemption.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/offdhpartonetrailer63.png
http://img01.deviantart.net/5b23/i/2011/136/f/9/the_silver_doe_by_cowboifunk-d3ginuk.jpg
http://static2.hypable.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/jk-rowling-silkworm-review.jpg