Potter Spell Tattoos – Part 1: “Obliviate”
Previously on MuggleNet, we have told the story of many Potter enthusiasts who have gotten a Potter tattoo that represents their pride and passion for the series. Now I want to focus more on Potter spell tattoos and more importantly, what makes them so special to people. All spells in the series have a special meaning, whether it’s because of what the spell can do or because of what the spell means. In this first part of a series, I am going to focus on one of the incantations you see less frequently tattooed on fans, Obliviate.
The Memory Charm comes up many times throughout the Harry Potter series. Whether it is a teacher attempting to use it on his students, Ministry of Magic officials using it on Muggles at the Quidditch World Cup, or Hermione using it to protect her parents, we see many instances where the spell can be used. Even in the new Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them film, the charm is mentioned numerous times in regard to Kowalski.
The charm gives the wand bearer the ability to erase a memory, or memories, from someone, depending on their intent. Once the spell has been performed, the victim may be a little bit foggy. In extreme cases, they may suffer memory loss from times that were not meant to be erased. The use of this spell makes it a unique choice for a tattoo because it can be used for violence and a way to help people. Sometimes, not having to deal with the consequences of something can be the best tool someone can have.
Since we have minimal alternatives for Memory Charms in the Muggle world, the spell can mean something different to us. It can signify overcoming hardship, trauma, or just normal everyday issues. Everyday awful things happen to people, and while it may be easier to forget what happened, sometimes the only option is to push through and learn to live with the results of the event. Whether the strength to overcome your own personal struggles comes from time in therapy or being able to overcome it on your own, it probably took more courage and strength than you previously thought you could muster.
Even if you have never personally worked through a tragedy, the idea of being able to muster the strength to continue life no matter what can be a very important thing. Everyone wants to believe that they will be able to face and overcome whatever comes their way, and an Obliviate tattoo can be a great way to represent that!
No matter what Potter tattoo you may have, or want, they all have a special meaning, and that is something to be proud of. You thought long and hard about what the design meant to you and were able to make it into something that you carry around all the time.
If you have any Obliviate tattoos, please share them with us in the comments. If you have a particular spell you want featured and talked about regarding tattoos, please let us know that as well and maybe that will be our next discussion!
