Why Don't Dark Wizards Use Avada Kedavra ALL THE TIME? - Harry Potter Theory

[@MaarvinGaming]

My question is how does this legend still have great video ideas after years and years of uploading reguraly. He is the real wizard here. I watch him for like 3 years now and still with every video I learn something new. Keep it up man

[@HarryPotterTheory]

I appreciate it Maarvin, I’m trying my best!

[@takocat9618]

The answer is "magic" tee-hee 😌

[@bentaylor176]

Indeed. IMHO he's the foremost expert of Harry Potter on KZbin. While he may not now everything, he not only knows more than most, he doesn't give concrete answers lightly.

[@jabr0n1]

they have to wait for the cooldown

[@mogyir]

Too much stamina xd

[@Antonio-t7h9g]

Correct answer

[@wolfsritter8151]

I was gonna say the same thing 😂

[@a.ramosakadrumgrl6677]

😂🤣😂🤣 yes, and they haven’t upgraded their abilities through the Talent points!!

[@noneyabidness9644]

Sebastian uses it once, everyone freaks out...we spam it, no one notices.

[@kacperdadela8538]

Why would they kill someone if they can do something much worse - expel them?

[@thomasharper3338]

Very well played 😂

[@talcat8031]

You need to work out your priorities.

[@rjgaynor8]

She’s a nightmare really.

[@alex_squeezebox]

Underrated comment

[@jimmymcjimface2607]

Hee hee😂

[@ShaHbazKhan-bq7rd]

I always felt that using Avada Kedavra requires sincere intentions and a deep concentration and power. I feel like in the midst of a duel, by the time most Death Eaters would work up the concentration, power, etc. to use the killing curse they’d probably be defeated. Therefore they have to resort to other spells that they can use quickly on offense and defense in duels.

[@Tvaikah]

All of the Unforgivables require pure intention. That's not something you "always felt" -- it's in the text. That's why Umbridge pulling out the cruciatus curse on a student was so especially fucked up. ...And in hindsight, Barty (Mad-Eye) casting it even on bugs like it was nothing should've rubbed some people wrong...

[@non1263]

It’s like what is said in fire arm safety: “If you point a gun at someone you’d better mean it.” Only here it’s less “ought to” and more “required to”.

[@Samrules888]

i thought it was like the makankosappo, so difficult to cast it takes a long time for most people to muster up the energy, and hogwarts legacy kinda? confirms that? it has a very long cooldown but there are ways to mitigate it to almost nothing and even cast it on multiple targets with the mastery skill. i assume someone like voldemort would have obtained such skills

[@cireouslyme]

I don't think it destroys the soul of the victim. We see Harry's parents twice after being killed with it. Once because of priori incantatum and once because of the resurrection stone. As to why it's not used all the time, I always thought they didn't because then it's predictable and while it can't be countered with a spell it can be blocked by an object if you know they're just going to spam it.

[@ceu160193]

It doesn't destroy soul, but it kills body.

[@travishayslip9409]

​@@ceu160193it destroys the killers soul. Turns it black and dusty

[@barbiquearea]

I see the spell more like a knife that snips the thread of our life, killing us instantly.

[@madisonsosa21]

*MC whistles freely, wand tip leaving a trail of green*

[@zi3053]

I always liked the term "Ripping the Soul from the body" it's not total destruction or maiming but not a careful removal either. Like when you rip paper it's not smooth and little bits come off.

[@zi3053]

My understanding was always that Avada Kedavra is incredibly demanding, requiring immense magical power, total focus, and an unwavering personal desire to kill. Unlike most curses, which leave room for any lingering empathy to hope for harm rather than death, Avada Kedavra allows no such ambiguity. It demands not just intent, but a deep, personal desire to see the specific victim dead, both consciously and unconsciously. While many Death Eaters may have been able to cast the curse, doing so in the chaos of a duel is another matter. The mental effort to summon the necessary power, focus, and cold resolve is often too great under pressure. This is why Voldemort, with his immense power, total lack of empathy, and unyielding determination, could execute the curse effortlessly, striking with precision and speed.

[@zi3053]

As to what it does to the Soul I have always liked the term "Ripping the Soul from the body" it's not total destruction or maiming but not a careful removal either. Like when you rip paper it's not smooth and little bits come off.

[@u.v.s.5583]

So Prof. S. S. had all these prerequisites as he casually separated the body from the soul of Prof. A. D.?

[@wanderhillen2435]

​@@u.v.s.5583 Snape would have had the magical power and focus no problem. The empathy is more difficult, but given that he had time to prepare apparently he managed to fully convince himself that killing Dumbledore was the right thing to do in this circumstance. Maybe he even used magic to convince himself to do it, but I think it's better storywise if Snape does some deep soul searching, confronts his inner demons and comes out fully convinced to fight the good fight no matter the cost. It would be a great short story I think, though probably MUCH darker than most HP stories.

[@ceu160193]

@ Well, it was right thing - they planned it. So, Dumbledore gets quick end instead of painful death from someone else, Snape proves his loyalty to Voldemort, even while he wasn't loyal to him, and Draco doesn't have to become murderer. Dumbledore knew, that he will die from curse of that ring anyway, so, his death was certain - may as well use it to make his plans go forward.

[@ggoddkkiller1342]

I have to disagree Avada kedavra destroys souls. For example we see souls of Lily and James even if they were killed by the curse. Also even Aurors were allowed to use it, if it was that evil wouldn't happen. I think it is just forcing soul out of body, it suits every explanation in canon. There might be some damage to soul but this doesn't mean they are doomed to stay in limbo etc. In HP lore soul is a form of energy which can be damaged, split into smaller pieces while they all are same person. Like how horcruxes or ghosts are, a ghost isn't an entire soul rather a piece of it stuck on Earth. Same goes with even portraits, it is never explained how exactly they have memories especially headmaster portraits. But if a piece of their soul is trapped inside, that would explain it.

[@cathygrandstaff1957]

Yeah I agree, it sounds like Avada Kadavra is soul manipulation magic with the ability to yank a soul out of its normal body. Probably a more skilled and less malicious user could use it to do something like transferring a soul to a suit of armor or golem body. My theory with the headmasters for example is the Headmaster forms a contract with Hogwarts and as part of that their soul becomes part of the castle after their death.

[@Tvaikah]

@@cathygrandstaff1957 It kills people. Their souls aren't hanging around to be bound to armor and such.

[@zi3053]

I always liked the term "Ripping the Soul from the body" it's not total destruction or maiming but not a careful removal either. Like when you rip paper it's not smooth and little bits come off.

[@rickardrakkoon2500]

I imagine portraits are kinda like the pensive. You can exact your personality and likeness, into a painting. Like a jar with the pensieve

[@GeneralGroggy]

It's too far in the skill tree. They haven't unlocked it yet

[@quentinweaver8092]

To the point of having to mean it, I'd love to see more instances of using the killing curse but the effect is lesser than that of Death. I know in the movies we really only see this when Harry casts Crucio on Bellatrix (and it's been years since I read the books but I believe that's the only instance in there as well). I want to see the killing curse actually give someone a nose bleed and the moment of surprise/panic when the victim isn't actually dead. I think it'd be a really neat way to convey that magic really does require intention, concentration, etc. that doesn't happen all too often.

[@kitkat6959]

Should have happened when Wormtail used it on Cedric

[@NiNGeXx]

@@kitkat6959 no it shouldn’t he intended to kill Cedric and it did kill him, using the curse damages the users soul not the person it’s casted on

[@chadpeterson5698]

Technically Voldemort always uses Avada Kedarva, it’s one of the only spells we ever see him use.

[@benladd4791]

I dunno, I don't think you could cast AK non verbally,

[@MagusMortloch]

Then you have not read the books nor watch the movies. Voldemort used countless of jinxes and defensive charms like those he placed on his horcruxes and the silver shield he used to block Dumbledore's offensive spells. He used the imperius curse and jinxes to control his followers.

[@SmartK8]

I'm now thinking about how Dumbledore talked to Snape, after the plan to kill Dumbledore by Snape was decided. It almost seems like he was pissing him off, by talking about Harry like "yeah, it was plan all along to sacrifice Harry", "You ask too much of me" met with cold "it was decided", and of course "Severus, please". All to make it easier for Snape to be able to muster the want to kill Dumbledor.

[@richard7199]

I doubt Snape’s AK even killed Dumbles. He likely died when he hit the ground. Snape’s spell probably didn’t have had true murderous intent behind it.

[@SmartK8]

@@richard7199 Yeah, that is an option as well.

[@ceu160193]

I think Dumbledore simply was being honest, since Snape demanded the truth about his plans for Harry. As for "Severus, please" - Dumbledore had to make it look convincing, that he is scared, that Snape killing him is totally not part of the plan, otherwise Draco and other death eaters may get suspicious and Snape's cover will be blown.

[@L_Eres]

1. You need enough desire to kill the person. If there is chance you miss or you have no idea what the person is - you won't have that desire. You have to be a maniac that enjoys killing for the killing itself no matter what that person is... and I'm not sure there was at least one death eater like that. 2. Snape had to really 'make' his emotions to kill Dumbledore. It takes time to get into the mood, you can't really make mood 'I want to kill random guy before me that isn't even a threat' 3. Veil in 5th book suggested that Sirius is there, with other souls, so AK can't destroy soul. Plus J.K. would never suggest Harry's parents, Dumbledore, Fred, Lupin and Tonks, children from Hogwarts, etc are completely wiped out from the world itself. I do think unforgivable curses have impact on the soul, but not in terms of destroying soul.

[@j-rey-]

As for your 3rd point, if I understood you correctly, Bellatrix didn't use AK on Sirius in the books, just knocked him through the veil. That was a show only thing

[@dragondude9637]

The Dementor's kiss destroys the soul, wiping it completely from existence with no chance of restoration. Only a creator God can restore a soul from erasure.

[@ceu160193]

Actually it's possible to repair instability, just like it's possible to assemble your soul back from horcruxes. However, it's very painful and requires to feel true remorse for your actions, and can be deadly for whoever tries to. Also, intent seems to matter, when it comes to damage of the soul - Snape didn't suffer any damage from using it, because death of Dumbledore was part of the plan and he himself prefered quick end, rather than torture by the likes of Bellatrix, so Snape did a good thing. As Dumbledore himself said, when Snape directly asked about it, "only you know, if your soul will be damaged, because you help old man to die quickly and without pain". I think main reason is that it's just too powerful - outside of strongest wizards, even most Death Eaters just can't cast it many times without draining themselves to the point, where they won't be able to stand, let alone cast spells. Also friendly fire considerations - spells can bounce off walls and other things, and Voldemort probably won't be happy, if his followers kill each other by accident.

[@Tvaikah]

"Snape didn't suffer any damage from using it" ...Says who? Do we know that? But the series does say murder is the thing. Although I truly doubt it was thought out this much: Murder is a legal term specifically for unlawful killing, not just killing at all. As Snape and Albus had essentially arranged and agreed on Albus' demise, Snape's usage of the curse would have been 'lawful' in a contractual sense if not a strictly legal one.

[@ceu160193]

@@Tvaikah Snape could refuse at any time, if he was concerned about his soul getting damaged. But he didn't. Which is why it's safe to assume, that damage to caster's soul happens, if victim doesn't want to die - in this specific case Dumbledore wanted to die, so Snape was simply saving him from suffering.

[@u.v.s.5583]

@@ceu160193 Right, and when H. P. went to Mr. V. with a clearly stated and deeply felt desire to die, Avada Kedavra suddenly had no finality at all? It killed A. D. all right, but failed to do so to H. P. because of... reasons? That makes Avada Kedavra an extremely versatile and complex spell with many different outcomes, in very very radical conflict with how the spell is described in this video.

[@ceu160193]

@@u.v.s.5583 Because elder wand recognised Harry as it's actual master, I suppose.

[@Beoke-c1k]

I think bc it’s dangerous for the wizards bc the wand could always just redirect the spell to the owner when it don’t want to perform it

[@manguy01]

It definitely doesn't destroy the soul. Harry's parents were killed by Voldemort's Killing curse and Harry talks to them using the Resurrection Stone. They also didn't seem damaged in any special way. What's more, Sirius Black even tells Harry that dying itself doesn't even hurt (once you're dead, of course)

[@akmoris]

Your description of some of the Death Eaters who try to avoid using Avada Kedavra, reminds me of the episode of the Sopranos where Tony realized that one of his Lieutenants, Bobby Baccalieri, hadn't yet off'd somebody, he gave him the job, the next time it came 'round. It was a comedy of errors, but also kinda sad, as you realized, at the same time "Bobby" did, that he'd just crossed a line from which he cannot return.

[@thunderproductions5115]

I don't know if the theory of damaging the soul or putting somebody in limbo is correct, I just can't see Dumbledore having lent himself die in this manner or even taking that chance of it happening in that manner

[@Marksmaan]

I agree it doesn't damage the soul. The only way to do that is killing. It just rips the soul from the body. But, I dont think Dumbledore died to AK. Snape didn't have the requisite hate to do it. It simply knocked him back like when Harry used Crucio on Bella and the fall killed him.

[@ceu160193]

@@Marksmaan He died to AK, but it was mercy killing, so Snape's soul didn't suffer any damage. However it does damage soul of caster, when one uses it on someone, who isn't willing to die.

[@Tvaikah]

@@Marksmaan You don't need hate to do it. You just need sincere intent to kill. Snape had that because he knew Albus was doomed anyway by the horcrux curse and he knew if he didn't do it, Draco would suffer -- either punishment for failure or having his own soul scarred by pulling through with the kill.

[@LowBudgetGamer-o6l]

@@Marksmaan Looked like Dumbledore was alive as he was falling, and I agree that emotion plays a big part in the killing curse. Listen to Voldemorts voice as he says Avada Kedavra, he really means it.

[@ceu160193]

@ To be fair, Voldemort doesn't show much emotion, while saying it, unless it's aimed at Harry. Since other wizards for him are like dirt - just need to be removed from his ways - while Harry survived way too many times, and Voldemort is very angry about it.

[@Kaos9696]

1. It's terrible in a one vs many situation. It is a single target spell. 2. Other spells don't require precision. The killing curse shoots out a green bolt which can miss and be blocked by physical impairments. 3. The difficulty in casting the spell implies an even greater difficulty casting it nonverbally. Most times Voldemort explicitly casts it, presumably since it's easier to imbue intent when said out loud.

[@ceu160193]

Other spells also require precision, as they also take form of bolts - red bolts in case of paralysing spell. So if you aren't careful, you can AK yourself due to your spell bouncing off walls.

[@Grrymjo]

@@ceu160193 So artillery wins against wizards. Muggles really have it all, haven't we?

[@ElysiaWhitemoonOmega]

at point 2, my hogwats legacy character has homing avada kedavra, cast it and it homes in on the intended target, it cannot miss. i think it even passed right through a wooden baricade once. it can only be blocked by gold right?

[@ceu160193]

@@ElysiaWhitemoonOmega You would probably hate gameplay with passion, if your spells could miss.

[@ElysiaWhitemoonOmega]

@@ceu160193 it snot just missing, the homing can make it even hit people behind you

[@SevenPr1me]

In book 4 mad eye/crouch explained it quite clearly. The killing curse isnt just some spell you can mutter and wave your wand and things die. He said the whole class could point their wands and mutter the curse and it wouldnt give him so much of a nose bleed. Considering its usage in making a hoarcrux ; its logical to assume that it expels the soul out of a person's body. And damages the user's soul as well. So using the spell comes with risk and a great deal of will power

[@A.Martin]

many of the death eaters and even Voldemort don't want to kill other wizards unnecessarily. While they will kill if you get in their way they would rather you join or obey them, or at the very least leave them alone to do their thing.

[@aidaninsask2.0]

1:41 What It Really Does Is Shoot A Beam Of Green Lightning At Whoever Or Whatever You’re Casting It At

[@jacobfreeman5444]

My thoughts are it is just a terribly difficult and power intensive spell to cast. You need skill, focus, and incredible stores of magic to pull on to cast the spell. Lesser spells can do the same job with more roundabout methods that do not require nearly the same amount of power and skill. Maybe most adult mages could cast it but it leaves most vulnerable due to how much they have to devote to casting it. That is something we see in wizard duels. It isn't always the most powerful that wins but the one who can use the right spell at the right time. So misusing such a spell may be quite detrimental to most in a dueling setting. If the caster has all the time in the world to prepare then it is fine. But when they need to fling spells like a machine gun flings lead then most can't risk calling on the killing curse. It is just too dangerous. Better to use something clever then something powerful.

[@RaynmanPlays]

There's a series that I quite enjoy called The Sword of Truth. One aspect of the titular sword is that, with one intentional exception, it cannot be used against someone that the wielder does not consider to be their enemy. Essentially, it cannot be used to kill a person that the wielder has not fully committed to needing to die. If there is doubt, the sword will act as though a normal sword would act when striking solid armor. This is, in fact, the _only_ armor that is effective against the Sword of Truth. Your explanation makes me think that it is something like that. If there's any doubt, any regret, anything held back, then the Killing Curse cannot function. Voldemort was able to use it so commonly for two reasons: 1. His raw power and 2. His complete disregard for the lives of those he killed.

[@trolletuva]

In the years I've been watching Harry Potter lore, this is the only one channel that has stood unbeaten by time. I always look forward to a new installment! 😊

[@RandoBox]

I wish you talked about when Snape used this. His situation seemed very different from all the other times it was used.

[@nicolaschaigneau2001]

As I see it : Snape is a powerful and focused wizard so the spell itself isn't a problem. He had also embraced the necessity of killing Dumbledore for his plan to work so even if he isn't murderous towards Dumbledore, the intent is present (one could even argue he had some hatred for the one who guilt trapped him into servitude and planned for Lily's son to die). For the morality issues, in his mind he's already tainted by his part in Lily's death and has accepted his role in the plan would more likely lead to his death so the lines have already be crossed.

[@matthewallen3930]

An excellent explanation thank you. Always wondered why it wasn’t used more. You make it clear that it is not so black and white at all. Thank you

[@Avigorus]

I'd say the minimal usage is due to emotional the stress of needing to focus your mind to the point of utter distraction on pure hatred... my headcanon is that the actual trigger is intent to kill and most people can't focus sufficiently without being filled with hate (making those capable of using the AK without pure hate that much scarier because they can utterly focus on the fact that whatever they are pointing their wand at is about to die without any consideration of why beyond the desire to kill, which most people cannot enter a sufficiently psychopathic mindset to pull that off), but either way it still requires a mindset that for most people is utterly alien.

[@JayRocArt]

Okay but wtf did Molly use on Bellatrix? Idk about the books but in the movie she turned the witch into confetti lol

[@madisonsosa21]

Hey Brother!

[@Tvaikah]

@@madisonsosa21 MY PEOPLE!

[@alexsamurai1230]

I'd imagine theres some degree of calculation as regards the punishment as well. The unforgivables are instant life, regardless of circumstance. If a DE wanted to torture someone they might elect to magically fling them about or conjure fire on them or something, if it gives them a chance of getting a lesser sentence. Even Avada Kedavra, they'd probably still get life, but there might be a better chance of parole or something like that.

[@zachrobinson4231]

I think the reason for it not being used more often is because of the risk of a rebound. You have to maintain concentration and have true intentions. One wrong move could mean it is your last.

[@YewNayVerse]

9:21 this is incongruent with Harry being able to resurrect his parents to talk to in the 7th, they also appeared from Tom's wand in the 4th, but these could be explained by echoes. The resurrection stone is tied to death(though could've just been made by a brilliant wizard), regardless it's fetching said soul from "on," if it could fetch a soul from anywhere, the resurrection stone is infinitely more powerful than depicted. Also, harry would not have needed a complete soul to face Voldemort in the Forrest if soul destruction was on the table, Dumbledore seemed to have thought otherwise. This could be like in the case of glass, where a fracture increases the chances of shattering, but soul damage is described as tearing.

[@YewNayVerse]

I'll also point out dying from the curse has been described by those on the receiving end as painless and quicker than falling asleep. Not something you'd expect from an experience of soul destruction.

[@jacegallagher8589]

Minor correction. The use of the Unforgivable Curses ON A FELLOW HUMAN is what gets one a lifetime sentence to Azkaban, NOT using the curse outright. This is mentioned in Goblet of Fire when Barty Crouch Jr. (posing as Mad-Eye) is teaching defense againt the dark arts. This is in both the book and movie.

[@Ascension7707]

I always assumed that it runs the risk of getting deflected back at you if you’re facing a skilled enough wizard. I assume it’s reserved for situations where is absolutely necessary….unless you’re Voldemort since he’s extremely skilled and is nigh invincible due to horcruxes

[@ceu160193]

It's basically unblockable by protective spells, as you need a lot of magical power to block it. Also yes, spells can bounce off walls, so you run the risk of spell hitting your followers or even yourself.

[@Alwarin1]

The thing is that specifically Avada Kedavra cannot be stopped by Protego or other magically defensive measures, other than Ancient Magic (tm) such as Sacrificial Protection (which again requires SOMEONE to die in your place, so Death is not denied either way)

[@ceu160193]

@@Alwarin1 In final book Harry did save some of his friends from it with Protego, so it's more that you need to be quite talented in defensive spells for it to happen. But for your average witch or wizard, it is impossible to stop.

[@jerrykco]

Bellatrix’s expression in that first screen grab is great!

[@Janos_Audryn]

It's probably the toll on the body, both physical and mental. Someone who had already done it may become more afraid of using it again to no lose another piece of themselves. Imagine a constant dread or feeling of something missing or a constant pain from that fragment that was destroyed. You would not want that again. Besides there are plenty other spells that can easily kill.

[@nikolaidetrick7593]

I remember asking myself years ago why not. Besides living with whatever guilt, seems like a quick solution for any problem.

[@stuffingtonjfluffypantsiii]

Moody/Barty Croutch Jr. said in book 4 it takes a lot of magic. I assumed other Death Eaters aren't strong enough magically.

[@octapusxft]

At least a few of them were very strong and dangerous though. Yet they do not use it.

[@InfiniteMonkeysSA]

If avada kedavra destroyed the soul or trapped it in limbo, Harry wouldn't have been able to see his father James in the afterlife with the Philosopher's Stone. Based on Voldemort's description of when his curse rebounded, I think it forcefully tears the soul away from the body, whereas with a "normal" death it gently slips away. This could cause pain after death like Voldemort felt, or even permanently damage the soul like creating a horcrux does, hence it being worse than "normal" murder where at least death would bring peace.

[@InfiniteMonkeysSA]

Or alternatively, it's just unforgiveable because of the intent and malice required, Voldemort felt pain after death because of his damaged soul, and most people don't even when killed with avada kedavra. Both explanations fit all of the facts as far as I'm aware.

[@inventist]

Most are only Level 3 or 4 and Avada Kedavra is a level 6 spell.

[@wingsabre]

I’m thinking it has a double edge sword. For example, it’s a powerful unforgivable curse but using it fractures the soul. It fractured Voldermort’s soul into a Horcrux. Which could mean that it disfigures the user either physically, emotionally or in life expectancy every time it’s used.

[@mecahhannah]

Awesome as always thanks ❤️

[@MadnessHEROReverend]

I have to point out that it's unlikely that the killing curse damages the soul of the victim. We're in fact shown several victims of the killing curse in more than one instance, and none of them seem to be damaged beyond the fact that they're not alive. Both instances of Souls being present are shown in the books include the Goblet of Fire the graveyard scene when the soul of Cedric Diggory and The Souls of Harry's parents are present. The second event that we or aware of that Souls our present in the story is when Harry is being escorted to Voldemort for his death in the Deathly Hallows. In neither instance do we see damaged Souls or Souls that are suffering from the effects of the killing curse beyond their death.

[@stormmaster108]

Avada Kedavra has a lot of drawbacks, even for those who don't care about it being bad. It requires a lot of effort but has to be precisely aimed and can be dodged. Using an area of effect spell could be more effective in getting an upper hand in a fight.

[@TheDodeAbides]

I think it's more aligned with how chantless and wandless casting works; you have to have an intimate knowledge of the spell while also being very powerful. Power and knowledge seem to be the requirements. But as for legal and moral concerns, I believe the wizarding world is likely just afraid of the power of the unforgivable curses. They don't seem to have religion, but they do seem to have cultural beliefs that border on dogma that would lead to them misunderstanding something they are afraid of to an irrational level.

[@ezradanger]

I've got to say I feel like you missed the mark with this one. Some dark wizards don't use it because they're not evil enough. Some don't use it because they're too evil. I mean, I think we all know that the real answer is just because the bad guys would be too OP if they just used it like it was a gun. But there's a few other points you made that I feel need to be addressed as well. There is absolutely no evidence that Avada Kedavra damages the soul, and plenty that it does not. I don't think Harry could have called his parents back with the Resurrection Stone if their souls were somehow damaged or in limbo. Also, I don't think there's any evidence that suggests it's common knowledge that murder splits the soul. We do see a few people discuss it, but all of them are either Hogwarts professors, or a young aspiring dark lord. People who would be more likely to have that knowledge than just the general population. Also to pivot back to using avada kedavra like a gun. For dark wizards who don't mind killing, I feel like a gun curse could be an even more efficient method of killing people. Doesn't have to create some big green light that is relatively slow and easy to block with an object, it can just materialize a small projectile and launch it at a thousand ft per second in the direction of the target. It wouldn't even need to come from the wand, making it even more unblockable.

[@Tvaikah]

"I don't think Harry could have called his parents back with the Resurrection Stone if their souls were somehow damaged or in limbo." He didn't call them back though. That's the whole thing about that stone: The resurrection is false, a shade. That wasn't THEM in any real sense.

[@JRS-j9m]

@@Tvaikah That's like saying the elder wand wasn't the most powerful wand in the world, it only appeared to be. Or that the cloak of invisibility didn't really make you invisible.

[@barbiquearea]

I feel like if a dark wizard is especially sadistic. They would likely prefer to perform curses that would inflict the most pain to their enemies. Being hit with blasting curses such as Bombarda or Confringo for example would be A LOT more painful than the killing curse, while also guaranteeing death or at the very least injure them so severely they won't be able to fight anymore.

[@Cyberlisk]

Any magic system inherently needs to have magic, especially powerful magic, put a strain of some kind on the user. Most video games have mana and/or cooldowns, while the most popular tabletop RPG, Dungeons & Dragons, utilizes "Spell Slots". Although something like this is not explicitly described in the Harry Potter books, there are many hints that this is the case in the Wizarding World as well (for example, the mere existence of a concept of money/wealth requires that there is no magical perpetuum mobile exploit). This is a fundamental of world building, because it mirrors how the real world works. That being said, I believe that a spell like Avada Kedavra is extremely draining, so that nobody (but maybe the most powerful wizards like Voldemort) can just fling that spell around like simple shock curses.

[@zlamanit]

If it was damaging the soul of a victim then it would be an argument to use it more often. We are talking about people motivated by hate to find and eliminate every single mugol born wizard. They didn’t do it because they had to fight for survival but of pure hatred.

[@davidh429]

I would of written that if used on a thinking individual so others apart from humans count. It kill the caster, HOWEVER Voldemort would be the only immune due to his holocroxs making his reputation infamous while preventing the "Why don't all dark wizards use it?" Or "Why is this hard to cast spell so common in the series?"

[@billbaggins7355]

I always kind of assumed they couldn't do it a lot because it takes a lot of focus, is hard to make happen, and probably leaves you open far more than other spells

[@josecuestas7246]

In terms of the lore, perhaps the Avada Kedavra consumes a lot stamina to cast it, or require applies some effort to may cast it. Much like the Cruciatus, that according Bellatrix, it need that the user feels a wicked and cruel wish to inflicts pain to makes it work, otherwise, it won't works to its full potential. In terms of the plot, because it will makes the Death Eaters too much overpowered, if they spam it all the time 😅

[@ceu160193]

Or just friendly fire - with spells bouncing off walls and floors, you would want to be very careful with casting something so lethal.

[@JRS-j9m]

The killing curse and horcruxes seem like plot holes in general. It doesn't make sense that Harry becomes a horcrux by default or that other dark wizards don't make their own horcruxes.

[@TrueHankScorpio]

I always suspected the reason it's not used more has to do with the power it takes to cast it. People joke about the cooldown because of Hogwarts Legacy but I think there's something to that. It's clearly not as easy to casy as just saying the incantation so I would imagine it's difficult to cast for most wizards and even more difficult to cast over and over in a short period of time. I'd imagine there would be a significant physical and mental toll for doing so. I think this is why we see most dark wizards use it only sparingly or in desperate situations. It must deplete them somehow. This would also be why Voldemort can use it so often because he's much more powerful than the average wizard.

[@graemetang4173]

I like the idea that (at least for more people) it requires a REALLY strong and specific purpose and desire to kill a person. You don't have the kind of connection with random enemies, but say, if you're Bellatrix seeing Sirius for example... Dumbledore obviously ain't about that life and I'd like to think that Voldemort is actually intimidated or maybe harbors a bit too much respect for Dumbledore to be able to use it against him (since their fight is probably the best of example of when someone should have used it)

[@u.v.s.5583]

All this didn't deter one of the most beloved heroes of the saga, the Half Blood Prince, to use said spell on his colleague and predecessor in the seat of Headmaster of a wizarding school. We wouldn't think said wizard was super evil or had infinite desire to kill the victim. In fact, he must have lacked the very prerequisites the spell has. Still, the spell worked like a charm.

[@sparticuzj19]

Please do a video theory or hypothesis on why the curse can’t be blocked.

[@pulverize3]

To answer the question, writer skill

[@PolskaHerobrine]

The destruction of the soul part is definitely wrong because Harry spoke to the soul of one just shot with that curse in the graveyard scene.

[@vladimirpain3942]

I was always pretty sure these spells are illegal because they specifically attack soul of the target. What if there is feedback and these curses also damage casters soul as well. I mean, people who were using cruciatus curse are often portaited as partially mad. Maybe there is connection.

[@DefinitelyKnownLuddite]

This isn't my original theory, I read it somewhere a long time ago, so I unfortunately can't give credits to the writer. This particular theory had to do with why the Deatheaters specifically didn't use AK all the time. The theory was basically a combination of the will/intention to kill being a requirement, together with the DEs growing softer with age. In other words, during the 1st Wizarding War, the DEs were all still young, and as such far more fanatical and indoctrinated. But, we don't get many details of the fights that took place back then. We do see however the 2nd WW through the eyes of HP, who was a teenager for most/all of its duration. By this point however, most DEs are themselves parents of teenagers. As such they lack the will to kill teenagers, as in the back of their head the "what if" feeling is nagging them, that these could very well be their own kids standing in the line of fire. This is why, according to this theory, in the fight in the department of mysteries, the DEs weren't really using all too serious dark magic against HP and his friends, with the notable exception of Dolohov, who doesn't have kids as far as we know. In the case of Bellatrix I agree that it is her rampant sadism that stops her from ending things "prematurely". And in Voldy's case we see him use it all the time, as he might be a psycho, but not a sadist.

[@jbtechcon7434]

Such a great play on words, abracadabra + cadaver, but it pre-dates Rowling by decades at least. But the real answer to the question posed is: story convenience, just like how they don't just keep using time turners to fix everything.

[@joshuahenderson3444]

Severus Snape had no desire to kill Dumbledore and yet his killing curse was sort of blueish and green

[@chrystaltemple4818]

Actually, I believe the curse can be blocked. If the intended victim sees it coming and can think fast enough. Dumbledore blocked it at the ministry in his duel with Tom.

[@a_plus_luxe3426]

Doesn’t really make sense that the spell destroys the soul any different from regular death. Harry was able to use the slytherin’s ring to bring back the souls of his parents among others

[@Tvaikah]

"Ending a life is final", he said about a setting that features ghosts... That's a funny thing too: When Voldemort died, because he was so averse to it, he would've just been a ghost. But you need to be a whole soul for that. By ripping his soul for horcruxes, he removed that option and guaranteed himself death absolute. Short-sighted...

[@ceu160193]

As one of Hogwart's ghosts stated, it's not very pleasant existence, and he stayed only because he was afraid of death, so now he is neither alive or dead.

[@TomCroft-l5o]

Power always comes with a price to those who choose it

[@eolendes6432]

Avada Kedavra can still "miss". It can be blocked by physical objects standing in the way or simply dodging the green blast itself.

[@Phoenix-pm2qr]

Gotta delete the wand browser history each time after using it

[@benediktjostingmeier2223]

The souls isn't destroyed bc harry keeps seing his parents and other victims killed by the spell

[@EdwardandJessicaMiller]

Just so we’re clear: Avada Kedavra is an “unforgivable” curse because it’s an absolute instakill. But Molly Weasley’s “freeze you, desiccate you, then blow you up in the most painful way possible” spell is A-OK.

[@one_schizfreud]

I think that it doesn't damage the victims soul. We see a lot of ghosts not lementing to much about being blasted like James, Lily & Sirius. I think as a muggle shooting or killing has always been the only option, a muggle war is waged with death inherently but a dark wizard almost never has a reason to kill,there goles can circumvent target elimination.

[@WesleyBruce-o9h]

Some Death Eater definitely got bullied and teased for not having enough hate to cast Avada Kedavra a lot. Like frat boys teasing for not chugging bear.

[@MagusMortloch]

The killing curse is most effective in combat but takes a lot of power and concentration which only few dark wizards have been able to d in combat.

[@snoopy1alpha]

1:41 "Burg Eltz" in Germany. Nice photo, although there are more beautiful ones with sunny weather.

[@mekamalice9698]

I don't think it damages the victim's soul, seeing as we see lilly and james (possibly lupin, but he died off screen so idk if he was killed with AK just assume so) when harry uses the stone. Hermione also talks about the soul being unharmed by someone killing you in the DH, and i think she would have brought up the AK exception if it was a thing. I agree with all your other points though! I also think it probably takes alot out of the person who casts it and fatiges them, so it wouldnt be ideal to cast it willy nilly!

[@cecagna]

How was Snape able to use the Killing Curse on Dumbledore?

[@Spartan3D213]

wasn't it blue too, maybe its different if it was a mercy killing?

[@dragondude9637]

He hated himself.

[@u.v.s.5583]

Because Rowling so decided and thusly she wrote..

[@cStatE95]

Something i always thought was that the curse took a lot of stamina or willpower to do nonstop

[@babybruno5098]

In my opinion, the Avada Kedavre spell should also draw energy and life out of the user as well. So as to not be allowed to use all of the time. This would be a waaaay better explanation. The evil user may be ok with the act of killing, but are they willing to sacrifice part of their life to do the deed?

[@Stellarheim]

It's not a theory. Rowling made it perfectly clear that even if she was inspired by Early DnD magic system, she did not want to make it the prime attraction. She weakend it to what was not even a 3rd circle spells for all mages. But empowered some of them instead. And made some of high level spells kind of more accessible. But she left some hints to understand, it being is so. Henceforth quick spoiler. In DnD you can't cast instant kill spell ("Word of power: Kill", for example) without being a very powerfull spellcaster. But even if, you can do it maximum once or twice per day if you are a mere mortal and not some kind of archmage or demigod. And if we dissect Avada Kedavra - this is even more powerful than "Word of Power: Kill". You can survive the latter by sheer force of will. But in Rowlingverse Avada Kedavra surely kills you if it touches you. So basically it is logical that you cannot just shoot such a spell randomly on a whim, even in Rowlingverse. Your own reserves of magic power would not allow it.

[@trevorpetersen9118]

It's the magical equivalent of taking your football and going home.

[@Bastet674]

My current wand is larch wood with unicorn core. 14 1/2 inches surprisingly swishy flexiblity. I wonder what olivander would say about black locust wood. Have a huge black locust tree in my front yard and used it to make a huge staff.

[@TheFantasticlub]

when peter pettygrew used the spell on the guy from twilight he didnt even was concentrated, these reasons arent enought, they dont use de curse more often cause if they do like that there is no dueling or nothing, when dueling dumbledore voldemort just cuold use de curse when dumbledore was just making a monologue .....

[@Tvaikah]

Murder is the act that splits a soul for horcrux creation. There's more to the creation of a horcrux but the murder itself is what splits the soul as the first step. Regular use of the killing curse alone would at least in theory tear the soul and distort the flesh without any of the immortality benefit of creating a horcrux...And Voldemort used the curse sans horcrux a fair bit himself. Think about that: He was so malicious he was tearing apart his soul not just for horcrux-making but the mere thrill of the kill. His soul took far more than seven tears. As a bonus, this puts Draco's hesitation to use the curse (and Snape stepping in, even Albus' making him promise to do so) in a rather heavier and more interesting light. ...Anyway, playing the video now to see if I was original or not. (Addendum: Also, spells are deflectable. Voldemort had his horcruxes but if Death Eater #52 used the killing curse and it rebounded by any means...Oof. I mean, it's said to be unblockable but then Lily deflected it with old magic even Voldemort had forgotten. And priori incantatem does weird stuff with spells too...So it's not a settled fact that it's unblockable.)

[@DJ-1Q84]

Avada Kedavra always seemed like such a stupid spell. As if blowing someone up with Bombarda or burning them to death isn't any less lethal.

[@ceu160193]

With magic, you can heal those supposedly lethal wounds. But with Avada Kedavra, there is no healing, no "undo" spell - target just dies.

[@DJ-1Q84]

@ceu160193 How do you heal getting exploded into multiple pieces? Or being burned to ashes?

[@ceu160193]

@ Pieces can be put back together and healed with magic, if healers make it in time. Same with burns - magic and potions can recover person in very horrible condition. We do not have much information about healing in magic world, but from what books did describe it's fairly advanced, when it comes to treating physical damage.

[@barbiquearea]

Seriously, Sectum Sempra seems a lot worse than the Killing Curse because of how gruesome it is. If Snape hadn't stepped in with his counter curse, Draco would have bled to death.

[@dathancaswell2696]

They can be blocked where Avada Kedavra couldn't be blocked other than Harry and Dumbledore 😛

[@Kane-BOT]

I think a good deal of the death eaters were incapable of casting it as well

[@mukst1o]

Obviously they don't plan to kill everyone. Also, Snape uses it for good reasons, so its not like one must be evil to do it or really despise the target. But still, there are many times in wich evil guys want to kill people, and they still don't use it. A murderer may use non lethal methods. But when a murderer is trading shots with an enemy, if he chooses to change his ammo to non lethal... Its weird Hp always needed a better power system. The spell could cost more mana, be harder to control, take longer to cast, leave the user tired...

[@ryanmoore7098]

So you believe Lily and James are in limbo?

[@JRS-j9m]

...and Cedric.

[@adnanbey4871]

I highly doubt the Killing curse destroys the victim's soul. The proof of this is King's Cross when Harry meets the soul of Dumbledore, who is still whole despite having been hit by the curse (I also doubt Dumbledore would be too crazy about Snape killing him if he was denied an afterlife which Dumbledore was so looking forward to.) And Harry being able to summon the souls of others who were hit by the curse- James, Lily, etc...

[@Spladoinkal]

What about those who'd use it as defense? For instance, a "Good" wizard wanting to take out an evil wizard along the line of Voldemort or Bellatrix and truly desiring to kill them but for the reason of protecting others?

[@RobertLydonReviews]

Doesn’t this spell also have some form of effect on the soul? Maybe part of the hesitation is not wanting to damage it

[@iio_moon]

Nope, The soul is damaged regardless if you murder with malice.

[@u.v.s.5583]

In my head cannon, 1. The magic is very underresearched. Nobody really knows how magic works or how spells work and what they can and cannot do. 2. The Ministry of Magic has the least competence, just like ministries in real life. 3. People are too scared to openly challenge and doubt laws. 4. Avada Kedavra has some potential to kill the victim but it can do many other things instead as well. 5. J. K. Rowling does not know what magic in her world does. She makes it up as she goes.

[@Autoxmanic]

Not every villain is the joker who does things just to watch it

[@zlamanit]

It’s same as with nukes, they could use them but the other side would quickly be forced to do the same

[@Khalith]

Pitch meeting guy voice: “so the story can happen”

[@Ricochet5095]

I would have liked if there was a consequence to using it, like draining your life force, it would litterally take time off your life to use it. Which is why Voldemort could have it be his signature spell, if he was immortal he could use it freely.

[@ceu160193]

Breaking your soul into pieces can be viewed as such - you are losing pieces of yourself, essentially, while using it.

[@grovePS3]

I doubt Snape would have used it on Dumbledore if they thought there was a chance it destroyed the soul.

[@graemetang4173]

Oh my god, I almost just started crying thinking of Snape again

[@SoundSpeeds]

It's always funny to me how people like Minerva casts Imperio in Cursed Child and how Harry is underaged when he casts Crucio in Order of the Phoenix yet nobody cares.

[@dervakommtvonhinten517]

so if mindcontrol and torture are unvorgivable, then why are love potions legal? torturing spells like ripping someone open with victusempra or having them spew slugs or a quill that rips open your hand legal?

[@beaten_tech]

If AK destroyed or displaced the soul only, then the body would be still alive, as if a dementor had consumed the soul. So it's my opinion the curse must be damaging the body in some way that is undetectable by muggle means.