[HPforGrownups] RE: Vol-de-mort (was SV: Re: pronunciations

[Amanda Lewanski]

No: HPFGUIDX 6995

Rita Winston wrote:

> Does everyone know the word 'overdetermined'? Regardless of what it
> sounds like it might mean, it means an effect that has more than one
> cause. Maybe the name Voldemort is overdetermined, by having more
> than one meaning. Maybe the French and German meanings of Vol were
> *both intended by JKR.

A great point, and doubtless true; JKR went for the *effect* of the name, in
my opinion. I think she is a genius at picking names that *sound* and *feel*
right, that aren't planned as much as we think, but which simply turn out to
be perfect. This is akin, for you gamers, to the times when your dice seem
to be perfectly aligned, when you just happen to throw low when a curse is
operating, or that enchanted blade always gets high hits. It just happens.
Part of what makes JKR a great author is that she is plugged in, consciously
or no, to that cultural "feel" for what the name should be. This is not to
say there's not some thought, but I don't think it's anywhere as deep as
we've been delving.

Or have I just espoused heresy? Should I expect coal in my stocking?

--Amanda