Severus Snape is one of the most enigmatic and multi-dimensional characters in J.K. Rowling's magical universe. Behind his stern gaze and unjust remarks towards students lies a story full of pain, love, and self-sacrifice. We’ve gathered 10 interesting facts about the professor that will reveal him in a new light.
1 The Mystery of His Name
J.K. Rowling carefully chose names for her characters, embedding hidden meanings. 'Severus' translates from Latin as 'severe,' and 'Snape' may mean 'dishonorable' in Old Norse. This reflects his complex character: a strict teacher and a man suspected of betrayal after Dumbledore's death.
2 Snape Could Have Been Different
Although it's hard to imagine Snape without Alan Rickman’s accent, the role was initially offered to Timothy Roth. However, he chose to appear in Planet of the Apes. Who knows what Snape would have been like with him in the role?
3 The Patronus — A Symbol of Love
Snape's Patronus — a doe — symbolizes his eternal love for Lily Potter. Among the Death Eaters, he is the only one who uses this spell because he still holds onto the happy memories of their childhood friendship.
4 Inheritance from His Father
Like Voldemort, Severus was born to a Muggle father and a witch mother. His father, Tobias Snape, was cruel and rejected magic in the family, which deeply affected Severus’ feelings about his heritage.
5 Real-Life Prototype
Snape was inspired by J.K. Rowling’s chemistry teacher, John Nettleship, who was strict and sarcastic. Despite the negative portrayal in the books, the real-life prototype took it with humor.
6 A Potions Genius
Snape was not only a master of potions but also an inventor. He improved recipes, created spells (like Sectumsempra), and even impressed Professor Slughorn.
7 His Last Words
In the film, Snape tells Harry, "You have your mother’s eyes." This adds emotional context to his love for Lily. However, in the book, his last words were different: "Look... at... me," showing that until the very end, he sought in Harry a reflection of Lily.
8 Rita Skeeter’s Book
After the war, Rita Skeeter wrote a scandalous book called Severus Snape: The Villain or The Saint? While Harry restored his good name, the journalist, as always, preferred sensationalism.
9 The Smell of Snape
Rowling once described the professor's smell: "bitterness and old shoes." These details emphasize his image as a person who lived a hard and lonely life.
10 Attitude Toward Hermione
Snape did not like Hermione, believing that her successes were solely due to textbooks. He wanted to see creativity in his students, something he himself had displayed in his youth, creating new spells and improving potions.
