Bruised and Battered Krums from the Table: Quidditch Symbolism

In this post I noted an observation from my brother Steve, that the fact that you can lose the game but gain the snitch is an example of "losing your life but gaining your soul." Here I'd like to develop this Quidditch symbolism in relation to some of the aspects of book 4 I have been noting recently. And, as is known here, I am a huge fan of U2's latest album - on which one of the songs is entitled "Crumbs From Your Table." This meal image is very closely tied to the Eucharistic imagery I have been noting in the tradition that stands behind the Medieval elements Rowling draws on, and thus the title for this post. Now, we had some discussion a while ago on "Ever-cut" and "Ever-bleeding" as competing meanings of "Sectum Sempra" (from HBP) and it is absolutely clear that the former is the literal meaning. And this is important because the whole range of the concepts of separations and unions is broader than the concept of blood, but I do think that the blood image does have a place ... especially in connection with the heart Image ... but also in connection with the "soul" image/theme/element of alchemy and the connection in Hebrew thought (as part of the Judeo Christian heritage/tradition) between the blood (dam) and the soul (nephesh). In light of some of the Eucharistic imagery and the connections noted to the crucible of pain and the fourth cup, I think it fitting to look at the way she works it out in the Quidditch symbol, especially since (in preparation for the "battle" of the Tri-Wizard Tourney) we have a concrete example of somebody who actually pulled off, "losing his life but gaining his soul" - Victor Krum. What I would draw attention to is the descriptions she gives as Krum pursues the seeker after taking a bludger straight on in the face, how she describes his robe spattered in blood, his face covered. He doesn't even wipe it off to come to the top box for the presentations. To quote Richard Dreyfus again (from Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead) - "The blood is compulsory." This may be one of my favorite quotes in the whole series thus far, on the raw dignity of humanity: "... He wanted to end it on his terms, that's all ... " (Harry on why Krum did it, GOF 114) A Tiny Prediction: For the record I am predicting, or maybe wishing out loud: a final match in book 7, containing the 2 best seekers ever to grace the pitch - Harry and Krum.