Fans of theHarry Pottersaga not only witnessed the Boy Who Lived on his journey to defeat Lord Voldemort, but also the rise and fall of several formidable figures, such as the complex Severus Snape and the relentless Bellatrix Lestrange. J.K. Rowling introduced the world to all different kinds of wizards, varying widely in morality, culture, and values. Each of them has a story, motivations, and secrets of their own. Among these figures stands Viktor Krum, a mysterious Bulgarian wizard known for his Quidditch skills and reserved personality. The introduction of Viktor Krum in the series made many fans wonder if there was a darker secret hidden beneath his tough exterior.
The Goblet of Fire,the fourth installment of theHarry Potterseries,presented two more wizarding schools, the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and the Durmstrang Institute, and several new characters that would go on to play crucial roles in the following entries. Viktor Krum quickly became a memorable character, but beyond his athletic skills, his enigmatic personality and association with Durmstrang’s headmaster Igor Karkaroff sparked speculation about Krum’s true intentions. As the story progressed, one question lingered, was Viktor Krum a Death Eater?
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Who Is Viktor Krum?
Viktor Krum is a Bulgarian wizard who attended the Durmstrang Institute. He is introduced as the star Seeker for the Bulgarian Quidditch team during the 1994 Quidditch World Cup finals at the beginning ofThe Goblet of Fire. He is referred to as one of the greatest Seekers of all time, and his presence on the Quidditch pitch would make even fans of the opposing team cheer for him. Although his team didn’t win the match,Viktor caught the Golden Snitch, ending the game on his terms and further proving his incredible talent.
His celebrity status caught the attention of many wizards as soon as he arrived at Hogwarts, along with his Durmstrang classmates and headmaster Igor Karkaroff,to compete in the Triwizard Tournament. Krum entered his name into the Goblet of Fire, and was chosen as the Durmstrang Champion, set to compete against Beauxbatons’ Fleur Delacour, Hogwarts’ Cedric Diggory, and Harry Potter, the unexpected fourth Champion. Despite his fame, Viktor was reserved, quiet, and spent most of his time alone. He became very close to Hermione Granger during his time at Hogwarts, and she discovered his true nature.
Was Viktor Krum a Death Eater?
The Durmstrang Institute is a wizarding school famous for its emphasis on the Dark Arts and a general prejudice against Muggle-borns. Its former headmaster, Igor Karkaroff, had been a Death Eater during the First Wizarding War, andspent some time in Azkaban afterward. His crimes got pardoned after he turned in several other Death Eaters to the Wizengamot. As Durmstrang’s headmaster, Karkaroff wasn’t exactly known for being kind to his students, instead treating them like servants. The only one he seemed to care about was Viktor Krum, further fueling the questions about Viktor’s true loyalty.
However, Viktor Krum was not a Death Eater. As the tournament progresses, people get to see glimpses of his true personality. Despite Durmstrang’s reputation, Krum showed no prejudice against Muggle-born wizards, as shown in his friendship with Hermione, who ends up becoming one of the few people who get to see Viktor’s nice and kind nature. His actions during the tournament indicate a strong moral compass, and his only instance of messing with another student waswhile he was under the Imperius curse. His character arc throughout the story greatly suggests that he had never been involved with Lord Voldemort or the Death Eaters, but rather a reserved and complex individual with his own set of values and principles regardless of his surroundings.
After the Triwizard Tournament, Viktor returned to Bulgaria and continued his friendship with Hermione through letters. He was invited to Fleur Delacour and Bill Weasley’s wedding, where he noticedXenophilius Lovegood wearing a symbol associated with Gellert Grindelwald, one of the most famous dark wizards. He felt a strong desire to duel Xenophilius, but chose not to make a scene as it was his friend Fleur’s wedding. After the ceremony, though, Krum confronted him, showcasing another glimpse into his character and his principles.
What Happens to Viktor Krum?
Despite his unrequited feelings for Hermione, the two remained great friends through the years, and Krum eventually found love with someone from Bulgaria.His passion for Quidditch remained consistent, and he continued his Quidditch career, representing the Bulgarian team in international matches for several years. Following a heartbreaking defeat at the Quidditch World Cup final in 2002, where Egypt’s seeker Rawya Zaghloul narrowly beat him to the Snitch, Krum announced his retirement from the sport.
However, over a decade later, Viktor’s Quidditch journey took a dramatic turn as he made a comeback at the Quidditch World Cup in 2014, at the age of 38. Despite his age, considered old for a seeker, his Bulgarian team made it all the way to the finals. He gave an outstanding performance in the final match against Brazil, and ended up catching the Golden Snitch, earning his team a victory, achieving his lifelong dream of winning Bulgaria a Quidditch World Cup, and solidifying his status as a Quidditch legend inHarry Potter.
