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. ======Xenophilius Lovegood====== =====Introduction===== Xenophilius Lovegood is a wizard, the editor of the eccentric wizarding periodical //[[The Quibbler]]//, and the father of [[Luna Lovegood]]. A staunch, if unconventional, supporter of [[Harry Potter]] and [[Albus Dumbledore]], Xenophilius is best known for his belief in esoteric creatures and conspiracies. His most significant role in the series occurs when he introduces [[Harry Potter]], [[Ron Weasley]], and [[Hermione Granger]] to the legend of the [[Deathly Hallows]]. His unwavering love for his daughter ultimately forces him into a desperate act of betrayal against Harry under duress from [[Lord Voldemort]]'s regime. =====Biography===== Xenophilius married a witch named [[Pandora Lovegood]], and together they had one daughter, [[Luna Lovegood]]. His wife was a witch who, according to Luna, "liked to experiment," and she died when one of her spells went horribly wrong in front of a nine-year-old Luna. After her death, Xenophilius raised Luna on his own in their unique, rook-like home near the village of [[Ottery St Catchpole]]. During the [[Second Wizarding War]], Xenophilius used his position as editor of //[[The Quibbler]]// to publicly support [[Harry Potter]]'s account of [[Lord Voldemort]]'s return, a stance that contrasted sharply with the [[Ministry of Magic]]-endorsed skepticism of the //[[Daily Prophet]]//. In 1996, he published Harry's exclusive interview, conducted by [[Rita Skeeter]], which turned the tide of public opinion in Harry's favor. In the summer of 1997, Xenophilius and Luna attended the [[wedding]] of [[Bill Weasley]] and [[Fleur Delacour]]. He attracted attention by wearing a necklace bearing a strange triangular symbol, which [[Viktor Krum]] angrily identified as the mark of the [[Dark Wizard]] [[Gellert Grindelwald]]. Months later, seeking answers about the symbol, the trio visited Mr. Lovegood's home. There, he explained the symbol represented the three [[Deathly Hallows]]: the [[Elder Wand]], the [[Resurrection Stone]], and the [[Invisibility Cloak]]. During their visit, the trio realized that Luna was not at home. Xenophilius confessed that his daughter had been kidnapped by [[Death Eater]]s in retaliation for his pro-Potter publications. Desperate to secure her release, he had summoned the [[Death Eater]]s, intending to trade Harry for Luna's freedom. He attempted to stun the trio, but his spell missed and struck a nearby [[Erumpent]] horn, causing a massive explosion that heavily damaged the house. The trio managed to escape just as the [[Death Eater]]s [[Travers]] and [[Selwyn]] arrived. Xenophilius was subsequently arrested and imprisoned in [[Azkaban]]. He was presumably released from [[Azkaban]] following the defeat of [[Lord Voldemort]]. He eventually became a grandfather to twin boys, Lorcan and Lysander, after Luna married the magizoologist Rolf Scamander (J.K. Rowling interview). =====Physical Appearance and Personality===== Xenophilius is described as being slightly cross-eyed, with shoulder-length white hair the texture of candyfloss. He has a "vaguely dotty" air about him and dresses in eccentric, often brightly colored, clothing. At Bill and Fleur's wedding, he wore robes of a striking egg-yolk yellow. His personality is as eccentric as his appearance. He is an open-minded and credulous individual who firmly believes in the existence of creatures like the [[Crumple-Horned Snorkack]] and conspiracies such as the Rotfang Conspiracy. Despite his oddities, he is a man of principle and courage, one of the few publishers willing to risk supporting Harry Potter. Above all, he is a deeply loving and devoted father, whose love for Luna is so profound that it becomes a vulnerability the [[Death Eater]]s exploit to force his hand. His betrayal of Harry is not born of malice, but of desperate fear for his daughter's life. =====Magical Abilities and Skills===== While not depicted as a powerful duelist, Xenophilius is a competent wizard. His magical skills are evident in his ability to run his home and operate his magical printing press. * **Magical Lore:** He possesses a significant and deep knowledge of obscure magical history and legends, most notably the lore surrounding the [[Deathly Hallows]], which was considered a fringe theory by most wizards. * **Journalism and Publishing:** As the editor and publisher of //[[The Quibbler]]//, he demonstrates the skills necessary to write, edit, and produce a periodical, even if its content is widely regarded as nonsense. * **Charms:** He attempted to cast a Stunning Spell ([[Stupefy]]) on Harry, though in his panicked state, he missed his target. =====Possessions===== * **//[[The Quibbler]]//:** His self-published magazine, which he used as a platform for his unique beliefs and to support [[Harry Potter]]. * **[[Deathly Hallows]] Necklace:** A silver chain bearing the triangular symbol of the Hallows. He wore it to the wedding to identify himself to other believers in the Hallows' existence. * **[[Erumpent]] Horn:** A highly dangerous, explosive horn that Xenophilius mistook for the horn of a [[Crumple-Horned Snorkack]]. Its detonation led to the destruction of his home. It was classified as a Class B Tradeable Material. * **Printing Press:** A magical, clanking printing press located in his home, used to print copies of //[[The Quibbler]]//. =====Relationships===== * **[[Luna Lovegood]] (daughter):** Xenophilius shares an exceptionally close and loving bond with his daughter. They share the same eccentric worldview and deeply care for one another. His actions in //Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows// are entirely motivated by his desperate need to ensure her safety. * **[[Pandora Lovegood]] (wife):** He was married to Pandora until her death from a magical experiment gone awry. He clearly loved her very much and raised their daughter alone after her passing. * **[[Harry Potter]]:** Xenophilius was a public and important ally to Harry during a time when few were willing to support him. This relationship was severely strained when Xenophilius betrayed him to the [[Death Eater]]s, but Harry understood his motivation was paternal love and desperation, not loyalty to [[Voldemort]]. * **[[The Weasleys]]:** As neighbors in [[Ottery St Catchpole]], the Lovegoods and [[the Weasleys]] were acquainted, though the Weasleys generally viewed them as very odd. =====Etymology===== * **Xenophilius:** The name is of Greek origin. //Xeno-// (ξένος) means "strange" or "foreign," and //-philus// (φίλος) means "lover" or "friend of." Combined, the name means "lover of the strange," a perfect description of his character and interests. * **Lovegood:** A simple English surname that reflects the genuine goodness and powerful love that defines his family, especially the bond between him and his daughter Luna. =====Behind the Scenes===== * **Portrayal:** In the film adaptation //Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1//, Xenophilius Lovegood is portrayed by Welsh actor Rhys Ifans. * **Film Differences:** In the film, the [[Death Eater]]s [[Travers]] and [[Selwyn]] arrive and attack while the trio is still at the Lovegood home. The house is destroyed in the ensuing battle as the trio Disapparates, and Xenophilius is hit by a Stunning Spell. The film visually emphasizes his disheveled and grief-stricken state more so than the book (film).
