Why Did Voldemort Choose to Kill Snape Instead of Disarming Him?

The iconic plot twist in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows revolves around the Elder Wand and the memorable tension between Harry and Draco Malfoy. During one crucial scene, readers are left questioning why Voldemort decided to kill Snape instead of simply disarming him. This article explores the motivations behind Voldemort's decision to kill Snape and the broader implications of this choice for the overall narrative and character development.

Voldemort's Desire for Power

Voldemort, driven by a relentless thirst for power and control, sought to gain mastery of the Elder Wand for himself. According to the rules governing the wand's allegiance, one must either disarm the current master or kill them to assume control. Voldemort, believing he had to kill Snape to gain the Elder Wand, overlooked the more strategic option of simply disarming him. This decision was rooted in his fundamental misunderstanding of how the wand's loyalty truly worked.

Mythology and Misunderstanding

Voldemort's belief that he had to kill Snape stemmed from a narrow interpretation of the Elder Wand's history. He had likely read tales of others who had used the wand by conquering their opponents, without fully comprehending the true nature of the wand's allegiance. Even though Dumbledore had previously been the wand's master by disarming Grindelwald, Voldemort saw killing Snape as the definitive, and perhaps only, path to gain the wand's power.

The True Allegiance of the Elder Wand

What many missed was that the Elder Wand's true allegiance was already with Draco Malfoy. Draco had managed to disarm Dumbledore, and thus, according to the rules, he was the true master of the Elder Wand. Voldemort's decision to kill Snape, despite his apparent dominance over the other Death Eaters, only served to reinforce his isolation and misunderstandings. This critical mistake would ultimately lead to his downfall, as he neglected what could have been a more practical and strategic solution.

Emotional Motivations

Additionally, Voldemort's decision was influenced by his emotional state and personal biases. Despite Snape being one of his most powerful and feared Death Eaters, Voldemort's hatred and arrogance clouded his judgment. His thoughts were consumed by the desire to live forever and to be the most powerful wizard, even if such desires required the unjustified and immoral act of murder. As a sadistic and power-hungry individual, Voldemort's actions often prioritized personal gain over strategic advantage.

Consequences of the Decision

Voldemort's impulsiveness and lack of tactical thinking proved to be his undoing. Instead of simply disarming Snape, as an alternative plan might have suggested, he killed him, thus demonstrating a deeply flawed understanding of the Elder Wand's nature. This event serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of ego and the pitfalls of overconfidence.

What a Different Scenario Might Have Looked Like

Imagining a different scenario could provide stimulating insights. In an alternate universe where Severus Snape survived and was not killed by Voldemort, certain aspects of the narrative might have taken a different turn. Imagine if Voldemort, after realizing his mistake, had only disarmed Snape instead of killing him. Sev was alive, and his memories were intact, possibly even helping Harry with the final battle against Voldemort. The presence of Snape in the latter parts of the story could have added different layers to the plot, enriching the experience of the reader and enhancing the complexity of character arcs.

Conclusion

Voldemort's decision to kill Snape rather than disarming him highlights the intricate dynamics of power, intelligence, and morality in the Harry Potter series. By understanding the deeper reasons behind Voldemort's actions, we can appreciate the narrative choices and their impact on the overall storyline. While Rowling’s original decision to kill Snape was a powerful and emotional moment, an alternate scenario where Snape survived could have offered a different set of lessons and experiences for the characters—and readers.