The Significance of the Left Forearm

• Type: Site of the Dark Mark; Symbol of allegiance
• Bearers: Death Eaters
• Originator: Lord Voldemort

The inner left forearm is the specific part of the body upon which Lord Voldemort brands his followers with the Dark Mark. This magical marking serves as an indelible sign of their servitude and allegiance to him. The Dark Mark itself appears as a vivid black tattoo-like image of a skull with a serpent emerging from its mouth like a tongue. When Lord Voldemort lost his powers after attacking Harry Potter in Godric's Hollow, the marks on his followers' arms faded to a faint, scar-like impression that was difficult to see. As Lord Voldemort began to regain his strength, the marks grew progressively darker and clearer, eventually returning to a stark black upon his full return to power.

The Dark Mark on the left forearm is a powerful and sinister piece of Dark Magic. Its primary functions are communication and control.

• Summoning Device: The mark's most prominent feature is its ability to summon Death Eaters. When Lord Voldemort presses his wand to any single Death Eater's mark, the mark on every other follower's left forearm burns intensely and turns black. This burning sensation acts as a signal, compelling them to Apparate to their master's side immediately.
• Status Indicator: The clarity and darkness of the mark serve as an indicator of Lord Voldemort's power and proximity. Igor Karkaroff became increasingly terrified as his own mark grew darker throughout Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, signifying Lord Voldemort's imminent return.
• Mark of Loyalty: Being granted the Dark Mark was considered a high honor among Voldemort's followers, signifying their inclusion in his inner circle. Not all who served him were granted this distinction, such as Fenrir Greyback.
• Indelibility: The mark cannot be removed by any known magical means. It is a permanent brand that binds the bearer to Voldemort.

The left forearm and its associated Dark Mark are a recurring and significant element throughout the series, acting as a source of fear, a plot device, and a symbol of evil.

• In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter first learns of the mark's location on the left forearm when he witnesses Igor Karkaroff's trial in the Pensieve. Later, Karkaroff shows his darkening mark to Severus Snape, foreshadowing Voldemort's return. After his rebirth, Voldemort touches the mark on Peter Pettigrew's left forearm to summon the Death Eaters. To prove Voldemort's return to a skeptical Cornelius Fudge, Snape reveals the starkly black Dark Mark on his own arm.
• In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Draco Malfoy is made a Death Eater and receives the Dark Mark on his left forearm. He shows it to Mr. Borgin to intimidate him into helping repair the Vanishing Cabinet. He later reveals the mark to Albus Dumbledore atop the Astronomy Tower to prove he is capable of murder, though he is ultimately unable to go through with it.
• In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the mark continues to serve as an identifier for the enemy. The trio is careful to check the left forearms of any potential threats, such as when they stun the Death Eaters at the café on Tottenham Court Road.

• J.K. Rowling has stated in an interview that after Lord Voldemort's final defeat, the Dark Marks on the forearms of his surviving followers faded to a scar, much like Harry Potter's lightning bolt scar. They no longer burn or possess any magical power. (J.K. Rowling interview)
• In the film adaptations, the Dark Mark is often depicted as a physically raised, branded scar that sometimes appears to move or animate on the forearm. (film)