The Harry Potter series introduced Lord Voldemort, the most evil wizard in the Wizarding World, who spent years plotting to gain power and control over both the Muggle and Wizarding worlds. However, readers and viewers may wonder about Voldemort’s age in the Harry Potter movies. In 1997, the first book in the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, was published, immersing readers in the magical world and the journey of the protagonist, Harry Potter, as he faced off against Voldemort.
The Harry Potter book series became incredibly popular worldwide and was quickly adapted into a successful film franchise. The Harry Potter movies were released from 2001 to 2011, with the final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, split into two films. Like the books, the movies garnered immense success and allowed viewers to immerse themselves in the Wizarding World, its characters, and its events. However, some questions remained unanswered, particularly regarding Lord Voldemort’s age throughout the entire Harry Potter saga, including the flashback scenes.
How Old Voldemort Is When He First Appears In Harry Potter
Lord Voldemort made his first appearance in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, where it was revealed that he had attached himself to Professor Quirrell’s body. He used Quirrell to try and obtain the Philosopher’s Stone, which was kept at Hogwarts. He also resorted to drinking unicorn blood to sustain himself, as his presence was weakening Quirrell’s body. These events took place during Harry’s first year at Hogwarts. However, it’s important to note that the timelines of the books and movies in the Harry Potter series have been a subject of debate. The books cover a span of seven years, from 1991 to 1998, while the movies are believed to take place from 2001 to 2008.
According to the books, Tom Riddle, who later becomes Lord Voldemort, was born on December 31, 1926. So, when he made his first appearance in the Harry Potter series in 1991 (the year Harry arrived at Hogwarts), he was already 65 years old. The exact birthdate of Tom Riddle in the movie timeline is unknown, but if the movies adapted the events to a more modern setting, it can be assumed that Voldemort was also 65 years old when viewers saw him for the first time on the back of Quirrell’s head in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
How Old Voldemort Is When He Dies In Harry Potter
The climax of the battle between Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort occurs in the final book and movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. In the movie series, this moment takes place in Part 2 of Deathly Hallows. During the Battle of Hogwarts, Harry, who is now the master of the Elder Wand, has the advantage over Voldemort, although Voldemort is unaware of this. The duel concludes with Harry, known as “The Boy Who Lived,” finally defeating the Dark Lord. Each Harry Potter book and movie cover one school year, resulting in a series of seven books. In the timeline of the books, Deathly Hallows is set in 1998, while in the movies, it is set in 2008. Therefore, during the Battle of Hogwarts, Voldemort is approximately 71 years old, as the battle takes place in May.
How Old Tom Riddle Is During Harry Potter Flashbacks
While Voldemort’s backstory wasn’t extensively explored, there were glimpses into his troubled childhood and teenage years throughout the Harry Potter series, particularly in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. These flashbacks were facilitated by characters like Dumbledore and Professor Horace Slughorn. Tom Riddle, the young Voldemort, grew up in an orphanage. The flashbacks revealed a significant moment when Dumbledore visited him at the age of eleven, informing him about Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the knowledge he would acquire there. In 1943, when Tom Riddle was 16 years old and already attending Hogwarts, he discovered the Chamber of Secrets and unleashed the Basilisk, resulting in the death of Myrtle Warren. Another flashback showed Tom Riddle as a member of the Slug Club, a group of students led by Professor Slughorn. During his sixth year at Hogwarts, at a dinner with Slughorn and the club, Tom Riddle inquired about Horcruxes, at which time he was 17 years old. Finally, Voldemort was 54 years old when he killed James and Lily Potter and attempted to kill Harry Potter, setting the stage for Harry’s journey as “The Boy Who Lived.”
