The Story of Delphini: Voldemort's Daughter - Harry Potter Explained

Welcome to Harry Potter Theory. Today we’re going to be discussing the background of Voldemort’s (& Bellatrix's) DAUGHTER- that’s right you heard me, DAUGHTER- Delphini. Now, if you’ve only read the original books / seen the original films, then you’re probably completely lost right now. BUT, if you’re up to speed on the The Cursed Child- Rowling’s Harry Potter sequel that follows the children of our favourite protagonists, then you might be a little more privy with regards to Voldemort’s unlikely offspring. The most interesting aspect of all of this, however, is that she was purportedly conceived DURING the events of the original books.

The Harry Potter universe is rich with an ever-expanding list of complex characters and intricate storylines, with each new addition to canon adding new layers to the already vast and fascinating world created by J.K. Rowling. One such addition is Delphini, the daughter of the Dark Lord Voldemort AND..drum roll please, the infamous Bellatrix Lestrange. Delphini's existence was revealed in the play "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," and her character has been a source of both fascination and controversy among fans of the series.

One of the main points of contention for fans is that the Cursed Child simply wasn’t well done, and it’s popularity has reflected that.

It’s marketed as the eighth story- a continuation 19 years POST Deathly Hallows which follows the children of the characters that we grew up with. Main characters include Harry Potter- who is now head of the department of magical law enforcement at the ministry of magic, his younger son, Albus Potter, who’s just about to embark on his own journey at Hogwarts, Scorpius Malfoy, the son of Draco Malfoy, and of course Delphini.

But, rather than being made in to a film adaptation, the Cursed Child was made in to a two part play - rather than a feature film. The play primarily comes under scrutiny from Harry Potter fans because of its disregard for the traditional Harry Potter canon. 

Though Rowling has affirmed that the play should be accepted as part of canon- most fans simply won’t put up with this. This is for a couple of reasons, first of all-the storyline truly upsets our perceptions of the traditional Harry Potter universe. The notion that Voldemort could have a child when he was born entirely devoid of certain emotions, is just one example of something The Cursed Child did that didn’t sit well with fans. The next big issue for most fans is that Rowling didn’t write the play all on her own- and because other people had influence on how the play and story would turn out, it seems to be the general consensus that it can’t truly be canon. 

On the front cover, it very clearly reads:

Based on an original new story by

J.K. Rowling

John Tiffany & Jack Thorne

But, just for a moment- let’s entertain the version of ‘canon’ introduced by the Cursed Child- and the absurd notion that Voldemort- devoid of emotion and social graces, could POSSIBLY conceive a child with his right-hand-woman and resident wizarding world LUNATIC- Bellatrix Lestrange. 

In this video we’ll delve deeper into the background and motivations of Delphini, exploring her origins, her actions, and what her character adds to the Harry Potter universe.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices