Here's why Harry Potter's scar is shaped like a lightning bolt

Fans are completely Stupefied...

Author: Emma DoddsPublished 18th Jan 2019
Last updated 23rd Jan 2019

Every so often, a gem of information will crop up about the Harry Potter book and film series - and whilst full-on Potterheads scoff that they've known for years, less die-hard fans are completely taken aback.

For example, remember when author J.K. Rowling revealed last year that the only reason she included THAT scene in The Goblet of Fire where Hermione is telling Viktor Krum how to pronounce her name properly, was so that younger readers would know too? Hands up who else was reading it as 'Herr-me-own'... 👋

But there's a brand new shocker in town for those who aren't absolute experts when it comes to the Killing Curse - or Avada Kedavra, as it's more commonly known, and it's all to do with Harry's famous scar.

As we all know, Harry's parents, James and Lily Potter, were killed by Lord Voldemort in their home in Godric's Hollow - but before old Voldy could perform the curse on Lily and baby Harry, Lily was able to shield Harry with pure love, which cause the Killing Curse to rebound back onto Voldemort and wipe him out of existence for around 10 years.

This just left Harry with a scar on his forehead in the shape of a lightning bolt - and although it looks like one, that's not actually the reason behind its shape.

Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Daniel Radcliffe

The last Harry Potter film was released in 2011. Here's what the main cast of children look like all grown up!

Daniel Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe had already starred in David Copperfield when he was cast as the most famous boy in the UK, Harry Potter.

Daniel Radcliffe

Since Harry Potter ended, Daniel has starred in a number of stage productions and films including The Woman In Black, Swiss Army Man and David Copperfield. He starred in the biographical parody film Weird: The Al Yankovic Story in 2022.

Rupert Grint

Rupert had only starred in school plays when he was cast as Harry Potter's best friend Ron Weasley.

Rupert Grint

Rupert has starred in a number of films and TV shows since, with the actor playing the role of Jullian Pearce in TV show Servant, as well as appearing in Snatch, the ABC murders and Sick Note. He will appear in horror film Knock at the Cabin in 2023.


In 2011, Rupert also appeared in Ed Sheeran's 'Lego House' music video!

Tom Felton

Tom was cast as Harry's school nemesis Draco Malfoy. He had already starred in a number of commercials and the film 'The Borrowers'.

Tom Felton

Tom has appeared in a number of high-profile movies since, including Rise of the Planet of the Apes, In Secret and The Forgotten Battle.


He's also shown off his singing voice, and has posted a number of videos to Instagram of him playing guitar.

Emma Watson

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in 2001 was Emma's debut screen performance.

Emma Watson

Emma has starred in a number of films and took on the role of Belle in the live-action version of Disney's Beauty and the Beast in 2017. She has since appeared in Little Women and The Circle.


She is also a huge advocate for women's rights and was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2015.

Matthew Lewis

Matthew Lewis starred as Neville Longbottom, who ended up being one of heroes of the story.

Matthew Lewis

The term 'Longbottoming' was coined to describe people who became extremely attractive when they grew up after Matthew Lewis turned into a hunk!


Since leaving Harry Potter, Matthew has appearing in a number of TV shows including 2016 series Happy Valley.

A Twitter account called Today Years Old revealed to the world that the reason behind the shape of the scar on Harry's forehead is down to the hand motion to cast the spell - which just so happens to be similar to a lightning bolt.

Fans of the series could not believe what they were reading, and responded to the tweet in utter shock. One wrote, 'How did I not know this?!' as another added, 'I think even JK didn't know this.'

NOW WATCH: James Arthur opens up about working with Harry Potter's Tom Felton

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