The Symbolic Link Between Snape's Patronus and Lily Potter

Severus Snape's patronus takes the form of a doe, a symbol that greatly signifies his enduring love for Lily Potter. This connection is deeply rooted in the narrative of the Harry Potter series and represents the pivotal role Lily played in Severus’s life.

Different Symbolisms: Stags, Horses, and Beauty

Stags and horses often symbolize beauty, grace, and chivalry, much like the ballet step called ldquo;pas de cheval,rdquo; which translates to ldquo;step of the horse.rdquo; This intricate and fluid motion is a tribute to the elegance of nature. In the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling, who taught French and was a Classics major, may have drawn inspiration from this step to portray Snape's deep and noble feelings towards Lily Potter.

With the French word for horse tied to the concept of chivalry, it is no surprise that Rowling may have used the horse analogy to showcase the intensity, naturalness, and grace of Snape's devotion. This devotion is a sublimated reflection of his moral values and his hope for the legacy represented by Lily.

The Doe as a Symbol

The doe form in Snape's patronus serves to illustrate the idealization of a pure loved figure, akin to a knight's devotion to his lady. This ideal was a common theme in the series, with magical swords, gilded knights, lineage-based aristocracy, and talking ghosts representing the past. The emotional connection to one's past has been a recurring theme in the narrative, and Snape finds solace and inspiration in his memories of Lily, contributing to his moral evaluations and chivalrous code of conduct.

The doe also symbolizes the interconnectedness between Harry, James, and Lily. All three characters sacrifice their lives to fight against Voldemort, and they are symbolized by chivalrous imagery, further emphasizing their shared ideals and legacies.

The Sublimation of Love and Motivation

Despite Snape's estrangement from Lily and her eventual marriage to James Potter, his love for her remained a central part of his character and influenced his decisions throughout the series. His patronus serves as a poignant reminder of his loyalty to her memory, highlighting themes of love, loss, and regret.

Snape's dedication to Lily is not just emotional, but a transformative force that shapes his moral and ethical values. His love for her has manifested into a more abstract sense of moral valuation of essential goodness, which is what she now symbolizes in his eyes—the embodiment of hope, inspiration, and chivalric ideals. This symbolic relationship between Snape's patronus and Lily is rich with layers of meaning and serves as a testament to the enduring strength of true love.