How were the Horcruxes destroyed? The ultimate guide to destroying All 7 Horcruxes

1. how were the Horcruxes destroyed?

how were the Horcruxes destroyed?
How were the Horcruxes destroyed? (image by Wizarding World)

In the mystical world of Harry Potter, Horcruxes represent objects that contain a piece of a dark wizard’s soul. These enchanted items grant the individual a form of immortality, making them nearly invincible. However, in the epic battle between good and evil, Horcruxes stands as a significant hurdle that needs to be overcome. In this article, we will explore the methods through which horcruxes can be destroyed, unraveling the secrets and sacrifices that lead to the downfall of these malevolent artifacts.

2. Understanding Horcruxes

2.1 What are Horcruxes?

Horcruxes are objects infused with a portion of a wizard’s soul, allowing them to anchor their existence in the physical world. It is an abhorrent practice that requires the dark wizard to commit the ultimate act of evil: murder.

2.2 How are Horcruxes created?

Horcrux’s creation involves the splitting of the soul through the act of murder. The dark wizard then encases a fragment of their soul within an object of their choosing, ensuring their immortality as long as the Horcrux remains intact.

2.3 Significance of Horcruxes in the Harry Potter series

Horcruxes serve as pivotal plot elements in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. They embody the evil nature of Lord Voldemort, the main antagonist, and represent the challenges that the heroes must overcome to defeat him.

3. Methods of Destroying Horcruxes (how were the Horcruxes destroyed?)

3.1 Destruction through physical means

3.1.1 Fiendfyre

Fiendfyre from Harry Potter
Fiendfyre from Harry Potter

Fiendfyre is a cursed fire of immense power. It can be used to destroy Horcruxes but requires careful control due to its uncontrollable nature.

3.1.2 Basilisk venom

Basilisks possess venom that has the extraordinary ability to destroy Horcruxes. A fang from a basilisk can prove to be a lethal weapon against these dark artifacts.

3.1.3 Goblin-made silver

Goblin-made silver possesses unique properties that make it capable of destroying Horcruxes. Its magical qualities prove to be a powerful force against the dark magic that sustains these objects.

3.2 Destruction through magical means

3.2.1 Powerful spells

Various spells can be employed to break the protective enchantments guarding Horcruxes. These spells require great skill and knowledge to execute successfully.

3.2.2 Love and Sacrifice

Love and sacrifice hold incredible power in the wizarding world. They can weaken the dark magic within horcruxes and aid in their destruction.

3.2.3 The Power of Friendship

Friendship plays a crucial role in the fight against Horcruxes. The unwavering loyalty and support of friends can amplify the strength needed to break through the defenses surrounding these cursed objects.

4. how were the Horcruxes destroyed to ultimately finish Lord Voldemort?

4.1 Tom Riddle’s Diary

Tom Riddle's Diary destructed by Basilisk Fangs
Tom Riddle’s Diary was destructed by Basilisk Fang, 1st Horcrux

The first Horcrux encountered in the series was destroyed by Harry with a basilisk fang from the Chamber of Secrets. The fang pierced the diary, causing it to be destroyed, as well as eradicating the piece of Voldemort’s soul within it.

4.2 Marvolo Gaunt’s Ring

Marvolo Gaunt's Ring
Marvolo Gaunt’s Ring, 2nd Horcrux

The ring, which had been turned into a Horcrux, was destroyed by Dumbledore using the sword of Gryffindor. Dumbledore wore a protective gauntlet to prevent the curse placed on the ring from harming him, but the curse ultimately weakened him over time.

4.3 Salazar Slytherin’s Locket

Salazar Slytherin's Locket
Salazar Slytherin’s Locket, 3rd Horcrux

The locket was destroyed by Ron Weasley using the sword of Gryffindor, which had the ability to destroy Horcruxes. The sword appeared to Ron after he had shown great bravery and loyalty.

4.4 Helga Hufflepuff’s Cup

Helga Hufflepuff's Cup
Helga Hufflepuff’s Cup, 4th Horcrux

Hermione Granger destroyed the cup Horcrux using a basilisk fang. The fang was obtained from the Chamber of Secrets, where they faced the Basilisk during their second year at Hogwarts.

4.5 Rowena Ravenclaw’s Diadem

Rowena Ravenclaw's Diadem
Rowena Ravenclaw’s Diadem, 5th Horcrux

The diadem was destroyed by Vincent Crabbe, although it was unintentional. Crabbe, under the influence of a cursed Fiendfyre spell, conjured a fire that consumed the diadem, leading to its destruction.

4.6 Nagini the Snake

Nagini killed by neville
Nagini was killed by Neville

Nagini, who was revealed to be a Horcrux, was killed by Neville Longbottom using the sword of Gryffindor during the Battle of Hogwarts.

4.7 Harry Potter himself

Harry Potter, 7th Horcrux
Harry Potter, 7th & Final Horcrux

The last Horcrux was unintentionally created when Voldemort attempted to kill baby Harry with the Killing Curse. However, when Voldemort cast another Killing Curse during the Battle of Hogwarts, Harry willingly walked to his own death, sacrificing himself and destroying the piece of Voldemort’s soul within him. He later returned to life, rendering Voldemort mortal and vulnerable.

5. The Quest to Destroy Horcruxes

5.1 Harry Potter’s Journey

Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived, embarks on a perilous mission to destroy Voldemort’s Horcruxes. He endures physical and emotional hardships, and confusion between destroying Voldemort’s anchors “Horcrux” or chasing Deathly Hallows for himself, displaying immense courage and determination.

5.2 The Role of Dumbledore and his insights

Albus Dumbledore, the wise headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, provides guidance to Harry throughout his quest. Dumbledore’s knowledge and wisdom prove instrumental in unraveling the mystery surrounding Horcruxes.

5.3 The impact of teamwork and trust

The battle against Horcruxes necessitates the collaboration and trust between Harry and his loyal companions. Together, they face dangerous challenges and make difficult sacrifices to ensure success.

6. The Consequences of Destroying Horcruxes:

6.1 The release of trapped souls

Horcruxes contain fragments of the creator’s soul, but they also trap the souls of those involved in the act of murder. Destroying a Horcrux releases these tormented souls, granting them peace at last.

6.2 Breaking Voldemort’s Immortality

Each destroyed Horcrux weakens Voldemort’s hold on immortality. As more horcruxes are eradicated, his vulnerability increases, making him susceptible to defeat. In the beginning, he was unaware of how were the horcruxes destroyed but as he become more weak he was able to feel the pain of his horcruxes once they were destroyed.

6.3 The Triumph of Good over Evil

Destroying Horcruxes represents a pivotal step towards the ultimate triumph of good over evil. It symbolizes the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love and sacrifice in vanquishing darkness.

7. Conclusion:

In the realm of Harry Potter, Horcruxes embody the darkest aspects of magic. However, through courage, determination, and unwavering bonds, these malevolent artifacts can be destroyed. The quest to rid the world of Horcruxes demands great sacrifice and showcases the strength of the human spirit. Ultimately, the destruction of Horcruxes brings forth the triumph of good over evil and restores hope to a world plagued by darkness.

8. FAQs

1. Can Horcruxes be destroyed by ordinary means?

No, horcruxes are imbued with dark magic and require specific methods, such as basilisk venom or goblin-made silver, to be destroyed.

2. Why did Voldemort choose horcruxes to achieve immortality?

Voldemort sought immortality to solidify his power and conquer death. Horcruxes provided him with a way to anchor his soul and protect himself against mortal threats.

3. Are there any consequences to destroying a Horcrux?

Destroying a Horcrux releases trapped souls and weakens the dark wizard’s immortality, ultimately leading to their downfall.

4. Can a Horcrux be destroyed without physically damaging the object?

No, the destruction of a Horcrux requires either physical or magical means to break the enchantments that safeguard it.

5. How many Horcruxes did Voldemort create?

Voldemort created a total of seven Horcruxes, with each object carefully chosen and imbued with a fragment of his soul.

6. Did Hermione destroy any Horcruxes?

Yes, Hermione Granger destroyed Helga Hufflepuff’s Cup, one of the Horcruxes, using a basilisk fang.

7. Would Avada Kedavra work on a Horcrux?

No, the Killing Curse, Avada Kedavra, would not work on a Horcrux. The purpose of a Horcrux is to protect a piece of the creator’s soul from death. It acts as a safeguard, making it impervious to most forms of damage, including spells.
In the Harry Potter series, it is mentioned that Horcruxes are highly resistant to destruction. They require specific means, such as basilisk venom or the sword of Gryffindor, to be destroyed. Regular spells, including Avada Kedavra, would not have any effect on a Horcrux.
The idea behind Horcruxes is that they are intentionally made to be extremely difficult to destroy, as it ensures the creator’s immortality and serves as a defense against their demise.

8. Harry Potter Horcruxes list?

The Horcruxes created by Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter series are:
1. Tom Riddle’s Diary: Destroyed by Harry Potter.
2. Marvolo Gaunt’s Ring: Destroyed by Albus Dumbledore.
3. Salazar Slytherin’s Locket: Destroyed by Ron Weasley.
4. Helga Hufflepuff’s Cup: Destroyed by Hermione Granger.
5. Rowena Ravenclaw’s Diadem: Accidentally destroyed by Vincent Crabbe.
6. Nagini the Snake: Destroyed by Neville Longbottom.
7. Harry Potter himself: Destroyed when Harry sacrificed himself.

9. What is the correct order in which the Horcruxes were destroyed?

Firstly Tom Riddle’s Diary, then Marvolo Gaunt’s Ring, Then Salazar Slytherin’s Locket, Then Helga Hufflepuff’s Cup, Then Rowena Ravenclaw’s Diadem, Then Nagini, and finally Harry Himself.

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