[HPforGrownups] Re: Priori Incantatem -> spell endings

[SnapesRaven]

No: HPFGUIDX 100245

Geoff wrote:
However, there is an element of inconsistency 
here. The tendency is for the casting of the spell to use the Latin 
vocative case (the "speaking case") which usually ends in an "o". 
There are exceptions: "tantallegra" and "serpensortia" come to mind 
and then there are stupefy" and "scourgify" aren't Latin. But then, 
languages tend to break their own rules because of usage anf the fact 
that they are organic, developing entities

Now SnapesRaven:
You are right (as well as Annemehr), but I'd like to add my thoughts to this. 
I dwelled on the forming of curses/incantations/spells and came to the same conclusion - almost.
You pointed out correctly that the vocative case is the one mostly used in a spell. But I think there's an easy explanation as to why for example "serpensortia" and "tarantallegra" (and others) are different. 
You say, "Imperio!" when intending to control another person; you say, "Reducto!" when you want to magically drill a hole into something (if I recall correctly), you say, "Alohomora!" when willing a door to open. 
Do you see what I mean? - Whenever someone intends to do something *himself* with help of the spell, e.g., control another person, there is the use of the 'o' ending. This correlates with the Latin meaning: imperi-o means 'I order', imperi-mus means 'we order' etc. It depends on the individual share the caster has in the outcome of the spell. (Oh dear, I think I'm not very successful at stating my point clearly, am I?) The -a ending is more of an order itself ("Alohomora!" -> order for the door to open [by itself]), it doesn't serve as an expression of the caster's own action but simply makes something happen. 

I hope this helped...


SnapesRaven







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