Ollivanders' origin (the origin of Voldemort and Slytherin? 382 BC?)

[annunathradien]

No: HPFGUIDX 94625

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "nkafkafi" <nkafkafi at y...> 
wrote:
> Carol:
> <snip>
> Also, the sign in Mr. Ollivander's shop
> window says "Makers of fine wands since 382 B.C." (SS Am. ed. 82) so
> there must have been more than one Ollivander. 

I'm sure this has been pointed out at the list before (this is my 
first post btw and hello to you all), despite it's rather obscene 
randomness, but one of the more noteworthy events of 382 B.C. was the 
birthdate of Philip II of Macedon (within the region of Macedonia, 
bordering Greece and Bulgaria).  Philip II was the father of 
Alexander the Great (who, if you know your history, had many 
qualities similar to Voldemort/Tom Riddle.  Ambition for power at a 
very young age.  Crafty and dubious beyond his years.  Gained power 
quickly.  [Possibly] Committed patricide.  Modern opinion is sharply 
divided in regards to Alexander, some viewed him as a great leader 
and builder of an empire... others as a ruthless dictator, not unlike 
Hitler or Napoleon).  As I said, all this is random, but intriguing 
if there are metaphors here between Alexander/Voldemort/Ollivander, 
Ollivander descended from someone of import (Philip II?) of ancient 
Macedon and/or Ollivander himself is an Ancient Macedonian.

Note:  As we know, Bulgaria is the home of Durmstrang which is a 
Wizarding school specializing in teaching the Dark Arts.  Dark Arts 
are synonymous with Voldemort.  

Phonetically, "Alexander" and "Ollivander" sound somewhat similar.  
Same amount of syllables.  Both end in "ander".  Then again, that 
doesn't really say anything specific or go anywhere.  Unless there's 
some implication Alexander the Great and Ollivander are related in 
some form, which could be interesting but not sure how much impact 
that would have over the Harry Potter universe in general (unless 
it's just metaphors and not anything literal).  Ollivander referred 
to Voldemort doing "great" but terrible things.  Random craziness, 
but could there be a possible metaphor here between Voldemort and 
Alexander?  Alexander = Ollivander?  Ollivander = Voldemort?  I 
realize I'm stretching and somewhat vague with all of these comments 
(Some first post!  I'm going off on all these insane tangents), so 
none of these could be considered very sound theories.  Just 
brainstorming.

Hypoethetically speaking, if Ollivander and Voldemort are one in the 
same - even if it's just metaphoric - Ollivander's creation of wands 
for use by most wizards in the wizarding world I could as a different 
take or interpretation of the Rings of Power in the "Lord of the 
Rings" trilogy.  All the "rings" were created by "Sauron the 
Deciever" and all made to subjegate the dominant races of Middle 
Earth.  Ollivander's wands = the rings of power?  What a scary 
thought indeed if Ollivander (aka, an or the origin of evil?) had or 
could have power over all (or most) of the wands in the wizarding 
world in some form.  Obviously, the very major hole in this theory is 
Voldemort himself has only existed for about 50 years (give or take) 
and was an "heir" to "Slytherin's glorious work".  Which would lean 
more towards the metaphoric in regards to any similarity, in theory.  
382 B.C. far outdates Voldemort *and* Salazar Slytherin.  Unless of 
course, Ollivander is the originator and Voldemort and Slytherin are 
descendants from him.  Ollivander himself is the origin of this great 
evil?  Voldemort was continuing Slytherin's work.  Slytherin was 
continuing those before him who originated their work from the 
source, Ollivander?  However, it's awfully late in the ballgame IMO 
to essentially turn Voldemort into the deputy of evil, Slytherin the 
sheriff and Ollivander (who we know almost nothing about) the mayor.  
Which makes this whole heirarchy of evil idea rather grossly 
implausible, but then so are most of my other theories in this post.  

Ollivander, I'll note and I'm sure all of you are aware, is an 
anagram for "An Evil Lord".  Which could automatically imply a 
connection to Voldemort, but not necessarily is Voldemort himself.

> Neri:
> ..."Ollivander" doesn't 
> sound British....

In other thoughts, "Ollivander" initially sounds and looks more 
nordic or germanic to me.  Especially looking at the "van der" 
portion.  "Van der" in Dutch means "from the".  "Olli" is actually a 
form of Olaf (Olaf means "descendant" or "ancestor" in germanic, if 
I'm not mistaken).  Of course, once again, that doesn't seem to go 
anywhere.  

Tying this in to my previous Macedonian comments.  Is it 
possible "Ollivander" changed his name as one (of several?) means to 
hide his true origins or identity?  The shop itself, or his true 
purpose (whatever that may be), has existed since 382 B.C., but it 
wasn't always technically called "Ollivander's", but something 
grammatically/phonetically similar?  Not necessarily saying his 
original name is "Alexander" or he himself is Alexander the Great, 
but that the name could possibly derive from Alexander - as I've 
said - as a metaphor (whether JK is using a literary device and/or 
we're to assume Ollivander is paying homage to another 
conqueror/ruler) to this ancient powerful leader.

Annunathradien