Reiner Braun vs. Lord Voldemort: A Clash of Ideals and Identity

In the vast landscape of fictional characters, few embody such diametrically opposed worldviews as Reiner Braun from Attack on Titan and Lord Voldemort from Harry Potter. While one seeks to break cycles of violence through painful self-realization, the other clings to purity, fear, and domination. Their disagreements span ideology, identity, and even the nature of evil itself.

## What were Reiner Braun’s motivations?

Reiner Braun was not born a villain — he became one through the weight of his mission. As a warrior of Marley, he believed in the idea that his people were the rightful heirs to the world, chosen by history to reclaim their place. His actions, including donning the Armored Titan and helping to breach the walls of Paradis, were driven by a sense of duty and the belief that the Eldians within the walls were oppressors. But beneath his hardened exterior was a man consumed by guilt and the burden of betrayal — especially toward Eren Yeager, whom he once mentored.

## What were Lord Voldemort’s beliefs?

Lord Voldemort, born Tom Marvolo Riddle, was shaped by rejection and a desperate need for control. He believed in blood purity and the superiority of those who embraced dark magic and strength. He rejected his Muggle heritage entirely, going so far as to erase his birth name and create a new identity rooted in fear and domination. To Voldemort, power was the only truth, and weakness — whether in oneself or others — deserved destruction.

## How did they differ in their views on identity?

Reiner struggled with identity throughout his story. He bore the guilt of being both a mentor and a destroyer, a protector and a traitor. His identity was fractured, and he ultimately confronted the pain of his choices, seeking a kind of redemption through sacrifice. Voldemort, on the other hand, rejected his true identity entirely. He saw his mixed heritage as a stain to be erased and built a new persona based on fear and control. Where Reiner faced his inner demons, Voldemort ran from them.

## Did either of them believe in forgiveness?

Reiner came to believe in the necessity of forgiveness, even if he never truly forgave himself. He tried to atone by protecting those he had harmed and passing on his knowledge to the next generation. In contrast, Voldemort never sought forgiveness — he saw it as weakness. He believed in loyalty through fear and crushed any sign of disloyalty or compassion. To him, the idea of asking for or granting forgiveness was unthinkable.

## What would Reiner say to Voldemort if they met?

Reiner might tell Voldemort that power built on lies and fear is hollow — that no amount of strength can quiet the voice inside that knows the truth. He might challenge Voldemort’s belief in purity, pointing to his own mixed heritage and the pain of denying who he truly was. Reiner, in his brokenness, might remind Voldemort that even the worst among us are still human — and capable of change.

## What would Voldemort say to Reiner?

Voldemort would likely dismiss Reiner as weak — a man who let guilt and emotion cloud his purpose. He might argue that Reiner’s failure came from his inability to fully embrace the role he was given. To Voldemort, Reiner’s internal struggle would be a flaw, not a strength. He might sneer at the idea of atonement, insisting that true strength lies in never doubting one’s path.

Reiner and Voldemort represent two extremes of how individuals deal with power, guilt, and identity. One chose to face his demons. The other became one. To explore these themes more deeply — and perhaps ask Reiner what he would truly say to someone like Voldemort — you can talk to him on HoloDream.