Merope Gaunt

meh·roh·pee gawnt /məˈroʊpi ˈgɔnt/
noun

Merope Gaunt was the unfortunate and mistreated daughter of Marvolo Gaunt, and the mother of one of the darkest wizards in history, Tom Marvolo Riddle, better known as Lord Voldemort. Deeply infatuated with a Muggle, Tom Riddle Sr., she took drastic measures to be with him.

Merope Gaunt Biography & History

Born into the dwindling Gaunt family, a line directly descended from Salazar Slytherin, Merope grew up in poverty and was consistently oppressed and belittled by her family due to her apparent lack of magical aptitude.

Unrequited Love

Merope developed a deep infatuation for Tom Riddle Sr., a handsome Muggle who lived nearby. Desperate for his affection, she used a love potion to ensnare him, leading them to elope.

Motherhood and Tragedy

After becoming pregnant, Merope stopped giving Tom the love potion, hoping he’d stay with her out of genuine affection for their child. Instead, he left her. Heartbroken and alone, she went to an orphanage in London where she gave birth to Tom Marvolo Riddle. She died shortly after, leaving her son to grow up in the Muggle institution.

Merope Gaunt’s Characteristics

Desperation for Love: Her infatuation with Tom Riddle Sr. led her to use dark means to have him.
Tragic Fate: Her life was marked by constant hardship, from her family’s abuse to the tragic outcome of her love affair.

People Close to Her

Marvolo Gaunt: Her oppressive father who consistently belittled her.
Morfin Gaunt: Her equally cruel brother.
Tom Marvolo Riddle: Her son, who would later become the Dark Lord, Lord Voldemort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Merope Gaunt’s infamous son?

Tom Marvolo Riddle, also known as Lord Voldemort.

How did Merope Gaunt ensnare Tom Riddle Sr.?

She used a love potion.

Why did Tom Riddle Sr. leave Merope?

When she stopped giving him the love potion, hoping he would stay for their child, he abandoned her.

Famous Quotes

Merope Gaunt’s dialogues in the Harry Potter series are minimal, but her tragic life story speaks volumes about the dire consequences of desperate acts taken in the name of love.