The Dark Mark in the Harry Potter series and the “Skin of Blackness” in the Book of Mormon | Symbols of Darkness and Choice

As I was reading the Book of Mormon this week and listening to some Cone Follow Me podcasts, I reflected on the idea that the Dark Mark in the Harry Potter series and the Skin of Blackness in the Book of Mormon are both interesting and carry significant meanings within their respective narratives. How are they similar, and how do they differ?

Let’s take a second to review similarities as they use “darkness” as a signifier, and then look at how they differ in their contexts, origins, and implications.

How They Are Similar:

Symbolism of Darkness
Both the Dark Mark and the Skin of Blackness represent a negative or ominous presence within their stories. In Harry Potter, the Dark Mark is a magical symbol associated with the evil wizard Voldemort and his Death Eaters, signaling fear and danger.Similarly, the Skin of Darkness in the Book of Mormon represents a “curse” placed upon a group of people, signifying separation from God and spiritual darkness.
Social Stigma
In both narratives, those marked by darkness face social stigma and discrimination. In “Harry Potter,” individuals branded with the Dark Mark are feared and often ostracized by the wizarding community.Likewise, the Lamanites in the Book of Mormon face prejudice and mistreatment due to their darkened skin, leading to societal divisions and conflicts.

How They Differ:

Origins and Nature
The Dark Mark in Harry Potter is a magical symbol created by Voldemort to instill fear and mark his followers. It is a deliberate choice made by individuals who align themselves with dark magic.On the other hand, the Skin of Darkness in the Book of Mormon is described as a curse placed upon the Lamanites by God as a consequence of their disobedience. Is the mark a choice made by individuals or a divine punishment (perhaps for not keeping covenants)?
Redemption
While redemption is a central theme in both narratives, the paths to redemption differ. In Harry Potter characters marked by the Dark Mark have the opportunity for redemption through acts of courage, loyalty, and repentance. They can choose to reject Voldemort’s ideology and align themselves with the forces of good.In contrast, the Book of Mormon portrays the redemption of the Lamanites as a process tied to their spiritual conversion and reconciliation with God. Their redemption involves turning away from wickedness and embracing the teachings and atonement of Jesus Christ.
Narrative ContextThe Dark Mark in Harry Potter serves primarily as a plot device to signify the presence of Voldemort and his followers, driving tension and conflict in the story.In contrast, the Skin of Darkness in the Book of Mormon is deeply intertwined with the narrative’s themes of faith, repentance, and divine justice. It plays a significant role in the historical and religious context of the Book of Mormon, shaping the identities and destinies of entire civilizations.

Both the Dark Mark and the Skin of Darkness share symbolic associations with negativity and social stigma, they differ in their origins, implications, and functions within their respective narratives. Understanding these differences enriches our appreciation of the complex themes and messages conveyed in the Harry Potter series and the Book of Mormon.