[HPforGrownups] The Centaurs Take Sides

[Amanda Lewanski]

No: HPFGUIDX 3162

Dave Hardenbrook wrote:

> I recently discovered that the word
> "bane" means someone evil or destructive.

*flip* *flip* *flip* ah, here we are....my, my, not a nice word. "bane.
noun. From Anglo-Saxon bana, murderer. 1. That which destroys life, esp.
deadly poison;--now only in ratsbane, henbane, etc. 2. Obsolete: Murder,
death. 3. Ruin; woe; esp. destroying or ruining cause; source of irreparable
harm. Verb, t. & i. To poison, to harm.

So waving aside any possibility that JKR just liked the sound of the name,
wow, what does this signify? I've heard this mostly used in the expression
"the bane of my existence" as a major irritant, but clearly the word's
mellowed in common parlance.

The centaurs foresaw Voldemort's return. To our knowledge, they are the
Switzerland of the magical world--they stay neutral, don't get involved in
human affairs. Bane was the most vociferous of the three we met that the
centaurs stay out of the whole affair. Perhaps his name reflects his
attitude, or what could happen to the centaurs if they adopt his attitude?

Firenze, who actively befriended Harry and disagreed with Bane--Firenze is
the Italian for Florence. This probably was just a "sounds cool" thing?

Ronan?

Are we overreacting here?

--Amanda.