Snape's chanting was: Re: CHAPDISC: HBP24, Sectumsempra

[a_svirn]

No: HPFGUIDX 161272

Potioncat:
Wait a minute...are we agreeing or disagreeing ;-) <snip-snip>

a_svirn:
I agree that the song-like quality is important, but I disagree that 
it's anything like Phoenix's song. For Snape, and I guess for any 
other human magus, language is as essential for magic as it is 
essential for cognition. His "song" is first and foremost an 
*incantation*, albeit performed in a somewhat musical fashion. 
Fawkes's song is pure music, because the nature of his magic is 
different. 

Carol:
But what I was wondering when I wrote the question is why the spell
requires a chantlike countercurse rather than a single word or phrase
(contrast Levicorpus/Liberacorpus). <snip>

a_svirn:
Mostly I think that the curse is so nasty and so dangerous that it 
requires some arcane knowledge to counteract it. Like some ancient 
language, for instance. It does seem that particularly gruesome dark 
curses and potions are ancient rather than recent. Also the "blood 
magic" is ancient, and sectumsempra causes a severe blood loss. 

Carol, who was reminded of Gregorian chant when she read the
description of the countercurse

a_svirn:
I am more reminded of some indigenous healing practices or rituals. 
Although there is of course a certain kinship to any ritual chant, 
Georgian included. 

Kemper now:

Addressing a_svrin, Fawkes heals physical woulds with tears. Though, 
I
can see how his song heals despairing spirits by inspiring courage 
and
hope.

a_svirn:
Well, he does of course, but since he invariably produces tears 
*after* completing the song I'd say it is important, if not crucial 
part of the treatment. 

Kemper:
I think Snape composed the song-like incantation to mend the rending
curse he contrived or conknifed (get it?).

a_svirn:
Eh.. no, sorry.