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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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Rowling Assures French: 'Voldemort' Not a Slight

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(Newser) – JK Rowling cleared up any fuss about her Harry Potter villain’s French name today, as she accepted that country’s Legion d’honneur for her contribution to the arts, Reuters reports. “I can assure you that the decision did not come from any anti-French sentiment,” Rowling said of naming the evil Voldemort, which means “flight of death” in the language. “I needed a name that evoked both power and exoticism.”

At the ceremony, where she received the award from Nicolas Sarkozy, Rowling also revealed her own French roots. Her great-grandfather was French and received the Legion for his service in World War I. “I like to think that he would be happy to know there is a second Legion d'honneur in the family,” the British author said, “and that the books written by his descendant have given some pleasure in his native country.”

Rowling delivers a speech after she was awarded with the medal of Knight in the Legion of Honor.
Rowling delivers a speech after she was awarded with the medal of Knight in the Legion of Honor.   (AP Photo)
A young fan dressed up as Harry Potter character Lord Voldemort.
A young fan dressed up as Harry Potter character Lord Voldemort.   (AP Photo)
Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows.
Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows.   (AP Photo)
British writer JK Rowling receives a bouquet from French President Nicolas Sarkozy during a ceremony at the Elysee Palace in Paris today.
British writer JK Rowling receives a bouquet from French President Nicolas Sarkozy during a ceremony at the Elysee Palace in Paris today.   (AP Photo)
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riffran
Feb 6, 09 4:30 AM CST
first of all, it's the French...big deal...have one of their great writers do something better. second...it's the french whining as always.....voldemort voldemort, oh voldy voldy voldy voldemort...*POP*...doo do doo doo Reply
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