JKR's idea of horcruxes

[zeldaricdeau]

No: HPFGUIDX 140339

Auria wrote:

<snip>

> where did JKR get the idea of horcruxes?  I mean its a very 
> unusual concept - to split one's soul and 'keep' a piece in a 
> separate place to gain immortality - and I wonder if JKR had 
> gotten this idea from any other literature somewhere or if its 
> entirely unique?

<snip>

zeldaricdeau now:

I'm sure this has been mentioned in a post here somewhere, but as 
there are so very many and this post doesn't yet have a direct 
response I shall try to offer some assistance :).

I believe the idea of sealing a portion of your soul in an inanimate 
object for the purposes of achieving immortality comes from 
mythology. Certain Welsh legends, maybe? Unfortunately, I can't 
remember where exactly although the concept does appear in a young 
adult novel by Lloyd Alexander entitled "Taran Wanderer" (part of a 
series which I highly recommend no matter how old you are 
called "The Prydain Chronicles"). The series is strongly based on 
Welsh myths (specifically many appearing in The Mabinogion) so I 
suspect the idea has an origin there.

Hope that helps,

-ZR