Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ======Churchyards====== =====Location Information===== * **Type:** Burial Ground / Graveyard * **Location:** Various locations throughout Great Britain, most notably [[Little Hangleton]] and [[Godric's Hollow]] in [[England]]. * **Notable Burials:** * [[Riddle]] family ([[Little Hangleton]]) * [[Potter]] family ([[Godric's Hollow]]) * [[Dumbledore]] family ([[Godric's Hollow]]) * [[Ignotus Peverell]] ([[Godric's Hollow]]) * [[Abbott]] family ([[Godric's Hollow]]) * **Key Features:** Churchyards in the [[Harry Potter]] universe are burial grounds adjacent to a [[church]], containing the graves of both [[Muggles]] and [[wizards]]. The headstones of magical folk can bear unique inscriptions and symbols not readily understood by [[Muggles]], such as the mark of the [[Deathly Hallows]]. =====Description and History===== Churchyards serve as solemn, historical sites that chronicle the lives and deaths of local families, both magical and non-magical. The two most significant churchyards featured in the series are located in [[Little Hangleton]] and [[Godric's Hollow]], each playing a pivotal role in the lives of [[Harry Potter]] and [[Lord Voldemort]]. The **[[Little Hangleton]] churchyard** is depicted as neglected and overgrown. It sits on a hill overlooking the village, near the dilapidated [[Riddle House]]. A large, ancient yew tree stands in its centre. The most prominent grave is that of the [[Riddle]] family, a large marble headstone that was a key component in the [[potion]] that restored [[Lord Voldemort]] to his physical body. In contrast, the **[[Godric's Hollow]] churchyard** is presented as a place of historical and emotional significance. When [[Harry Potter]] and [[Hermione Granger]] visited on [[Christmas]] Eve, it was blanketed in snow, creating a peaceful and sombre atmosphere. The graveyard contains many ancient wizarding names, with some graves so old the names were eroded. It is the final resting place of many notable magical figures, including the [[Potter]]s, the [[Dumbledore]]s, and [[Ignotus Peverell]], one of the three brothers from //[[The Tales of Beedle the Bard]]//. =====Role in the Story===== Churchyards are settings for two of the most critical turning points in the Second Wizarding War. The [[Little Hangleton]] churchyard is the location of [[Lord Voldemort]]'s rebirth. After being transported there by the [[Triwizard Cup]] [[Portkey]], [[Harry Potter]] witnessed the murder of [[Cedric Diggory]] by [[Peter Pettigrew]]. [[Pettigrew]] then used a bone from [[Tom Riddle Sr.]]'s grave, flesh from his own arm, and [[Harry]]'s blood to perform a dark ritual, successfully resurrecting [[Voldemort]]. The ensuing duel between [[Harry]] and [[Voldemort]] resulted in a [[Priori Incantatem]] effect, which gave [[Harry]] the chance to escape. The [[Godric's Hollow]] churchyard serves as the backdrop for a moment of profound emotional pilgrimage for [[Harry]]. His visit to his parents' graves provided a tangible connection to the family he never knew. The discovery of [[Ignotus Peverell]]'s grave, marked with the symbol of the [[Deathly Hallows]], was a crucial clue in his quest to understand and find the legendary objects. The visit immediately preceded the terrifying ambush by [[Nagini]], disguised as [[Bathilda Bagshot]], which resulted in the destruction of [[Harry]]'s [[Holly and Phoenix Feather Wand|holly and phoenix feather wand]]. =====Notable Churchyards and Graves===== * **[[Little Hangleton]] Churchyard** * //[[Riddle]] Grave:// The burial site of [[Thomas Riddle]], [[Mary Riddle]], and [[Tom Riddle Sr.]]. A bone from this grave was one of the three key ingredients for the [[Regeneration Potion]] that restored [[Lord Voldemort]]. * **[[Godric's Hollow]] Churchyard** * //[[Potter]] Grave:// The white marble grave of [[James Potter]] and [[Lily Potter]]. It is inscribed with the epitaph, "//The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.//" * //[[Dumbledore]] Grave:// The grave of [[Kendra Dumbledore]] and [[Ariana Dumbledore]], made of dark stone. Its epitaph reads, "//Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.//" * //[[Peverell]] Grave:// The ancient, weathered grave of [[Ignotus Peverell]]. The name was difficult to read, but it was clearly marked with the triangular symbol of the [[Deathly Hallows]]. * //[[Abbott]] Grave:// [[Harry]] and [[Hermione]] briefly noted a grave belonging to the [[Abbott]] family, possibly distant relatives of their [[Hogwarts]] classmate, [[Hannah Abbott]]. =====Behind the Scenes===== * The epitaphs on the [[Potter]] and [[Dumbledore]] graves were chosen personally by J.K. Rowling. "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death" is from the Bible (1 Corinthians 15:26), and "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" is also a biblical quote (Matthew 6:21 and Luke 12:34). Rowling stated these quotes summed up the entire series. (J.K. Rowling interview) * In the film adaptation of //Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire//, the churchyard is depicted with a large, dramatic angel of death statue that comes to life and traps [[Harry]] during the duel with [[Voldemort]]. This is a cinematic addition not present in the novel. (film) * The film depiction of the [[Godric's Hollow]] churchyard in //Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1// closely follows the book's description, capturing the snowy, quiet, and melancholic atmosphere. (film)
