Skip to main content

Morfin Gaunt

Morfin Gaunt

mor·fin gawnt /ˈmɔr.fɪn ˈgɔnt/
noun

Morfin Gaunt, a member of the ancient Gaunt family, was the son of Marvolo Gaunt and the brother of Merope Gaunt. Notably, he was the maternal uncle of Tom Marvolo Riddle, or Lord Voldemort. Morfin’s life was marred by violence, dark magic, and a disdain for Muggles.

Morfin Gaunt Biography & History

Morfin was a direct descendant of Salazar Slytherin and, like his father, he held pure-blood supremacist views. Living in a dilapidated house near Little Hangleton, the Gaunt family clung to their pure-blood heritage as a source of pride, despite their wretched conditions.

A Violent Nature

Morfin’s malevolence was evident from a young age. His volatile temper, combined with his disdain for Muggles, resulted in him assaulting several individuals, including Tom Riddle Sr. for his relationship with Merope.

Encounter with Voldemort

Years later, a young Voldemort visited the Gaunt house in search of information about his family. After extracting information from Morfin about his father, Voldemort stole Slytherin’s ring and used it to create one of his Horcruxes. He then modified Morfin’s memory, making him believe he had murdered the Riddle family.

Morfin Gaunt’s Characteristics

Violent Temper: His anger and violent tendencies were well-known in the magical community.
Hatred for Muggles: Like many in his family, Morfin held a deep-seated hatred for Muggles.

People Close to Him

  • Marvolo Gaunt: His father, with whom he shared similar views on blood purity.
  • Merope Gaunt: His sister, whom he despised for her love for a Muggle.
  • Tom Marvolo Riddle: His nephew, who manipulated and ultimately left him to take the blame for the murders of the Riddle family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Morfin Gaunt’s sister?

Merope Gaunt.

What did Voldemort steal from Morfin Gaunt?

Salazar Slytherin’s ring.

Who did Morfin believe he had murdered?

The Riddle family.

Famous Quotes

While Morfin’s utterances in the Harry Potter series were minimal and largely violent, they reflected his unstable nature and the deep-rooted prejudices he held.

Fun Trivia Questions About Morfin Gaunt

Question: Which family member of Morfin was infatuated with a Muggle?
Answer: Merope Gaunt, his sister.

Question: What did Morfin use to communicate with snakes?

Answer: Parseltongue.

Question: Who manipulated Morfin’s memories to escape blame for a crime?

Answer: Tom Marvolo Riddle, his nephew.