Did Anyone in Harry Potter Stories Besides Voldemort Make Horcruxes?

The concept of Horcruxes is one of the most intriguing and dark elements in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. While many theories circulate, is it possible that someone other than Voldemort and Dumbledore created Horcruxes? Let's delve into the specific cases of Herpo the Foul and explore the veracity of various theories.

Herpo the Foul and the First Horcrux

Herpo the Foul is known as the first wizard to have made a Horcrux, as well as the first known wizard to hatch a basilisk and possibly even the creator of Parseltongue. This dark wizard is a significant figure in the background of the Harry Potter universe. While the evidence is not explicitly confirmed, strong speculations point to his involvement in this dark magic.

J.K. Rowling, in her Harry Potter books, mentions Herpo the Foul as a dark wizard who created the first recorded Horcrux. This connection is further reinforced by the fact that he is also the first wizard to have ever hatched a basilisk, a rare and powerful magical creature. Furthermore, his creation of Parseltongue is a topic of speculation due to his demonstrated control over basilisks, a connection that implies a deep understanding of this ancient language.

Voldemort: The Horcrux Maestro

While Herpo the Foul is the first known wizard to have created a Horcrux, it is important to note that Lord Voldemort is the only wizard we know of who created more than one Horcrux. His obsession with immortality led him to divide his soul multiple times, a deed so dark and forbidden that it is explicitly forbidden within the wizarding world.

Voldemort’s actions went far beyond simply creating one Horcrux; he deliberately chose to create seven, a feat that required multiple murders and significant magical power. His letters to Tom Riddle in The Half-Blood Prince also suggest he was well aware of the risks and evil involved in Horcrux creation, indicating a level of forethought and ambition that extends beyond even his usual malevolent actions.

Dumbledore: No Horcrux Maker

A common fan theory suggested that Albus Dumbledore could have created a Horcrux. However, this theory is unequivocally debunked by both the J.K. Rowling’s response to a YouTube channel and the context within the books themselves.

In The Half-Blood Prince, Professor Slughorn criticizes Tom Riddle for considering the creation of seven Horcruxes, pointing out that it would be insanity to commit such a heinous act. This statement leaves no room for Dumbledore to have created any Horcrux, as it would surely have been far beyond his capabilities and moral boundaries. Furthermore, Dumbledore is notoriously against the creation of such dark artifacts, and his actions and beliefs are consistent with this stance throughout the series.

Conclusion

While there is little concrete evidence to support the existence of other Horcrux creators beyond Voldemort and Herpo the Foul, the Harry Potter universe is rich with speculative theories. Ultimately, the available evidence strongly supports the claim that Voldemort and Herpo the Foul are the only known wizards to have created Horcruxes. The moral and practical implications of Horcrux creation make it a topic of intense interest and speculation among fans, but the evidence within the canon remains clear.