Hogwarts Houses is part of a legendary fiction based novel series called Harry Potter. The world famous bestseller was written by J. K. Rowling. Her attempt to bring the idealised world of magic into life proved so successful that it actually became more than just a story and part of children’s growing up. Everyone who followed the series can relate to the fact that how they all grew up together with the characters. This attempt to make an unrealistic world come to life has now become a world know phenomenon and the characters have become parts of their fan’s life. Everyone who had been taking leads from the novel know much about the Hogwarts houses and their ensemble.
Hogwarts houses are part of the famous school of England named the Hogwarts School of Whichcraft and Wizardry. This is a well know school in England which takes only the wizards and witches from the muggle world. Muggle world is the non magical world which is less aware of the presence of witches and wizards among them. They have their own portals and ways of getting into their magical world. One classic example of that is the platform 9 3/4. It is at the Grand Central Station in London. Actually there are platforms which are in whole numbers only. But this special platform 9 3/4 comes between platform 9 and 10. The way through this platform is to get through the wall and then all the witches and wizards can easily reach their station for catching the train. In the novel the story follows for the train being caught for the Hogwarts.
What are Hogwarts houses?
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is divided into four Hogwarts houses. These houses are the subunits in a school in which students are divided. These houses partition is meant for different competitions and then also inculcates loyalty and teamwork among the children. In the same way the Hogwarts houses were also meant for wizards and witches to have their groups and then compete with each other in their magical games.
The four Hogwarts houses are
-
Gryffindor
-
Hufflepuff
-
Ravenclaw
-
Slytherin
Let us have a look at them one by one
Gryffindor
Gryffindor is the famous house of Hogwarts because of its leading character Harry Potter himself be becoming part of it and the other leads also being associated with it. It was founded by Godric Gryffindor and its symbol is Lion. The colour for Gryffindor is Scarlet and Gold. The element is Fire while the character it exhibit are chivalry, nerve, determination, daring, bravery and courage. It was headed by Minerva McGonagall. The element of fire is the reason that the house has its colour scarlet and gold. Another reason for having the colour is because of the animal lion. The colour corresponds to the mane and tail if the lion.
The traits of Gryffindor has the main one as bravery. The members if this house show courage at such an extent that it goes till recklessness. The house is famous for its contributions to the Order of Phoenix and the Dumbledore’s Army. That really speaks of the loyalty and bravery. But yes they also have a short temper. Being members of notable house and then also the army to save the magical world they have kept themselves secluded and exclusive of the rest of the groups. Due to this reason many of the other houses especially Slytherins regard Gryffindor as arrogant disregarding the rules and self righteous. Their efforts all seems to be pointless and heroic.
Gryffindor has this rivalry with Slytherin since the beginning because of the different point of views asserted by their founders. Salazar Slytherin emphasised on ‘blood purity’. This was a stance attracted many because they wanted the wizarding world all related to those who have their entire lineage in the same world of magic. Those born with non magical parents are not supposed to be part of the wizards and witches clan. Hence they were referred to as muggle borns or derogatory term as mudblood not referring to as pure blood.
It is true that Gryffindor played a major role throughout the story telling but having all the wins in favour just Gryffindor just seems unfair. For example the last minute point allotment to Gryffindor when Slytherin had a clear win in the first year of Harry Potter. Although they were supposed to deduct points of Harry Potter when he was allowed to have a broomstick when in fact first years were not allowed to have one.
The competition between the Slytherins and Gryffindor seems unfair that the latter gets more favour because of Harry Potter being part of it. The army of Dumbledore did not have any Slytherin. The ones fighting against Voldemort also had no Slytherin. Likewise the Triwizard Championship also had Harry who was there unjustly. Maybe Gryffindor was given the edge because they had Harry Potter who was the chosen one.
Hufflepuff
Hufflepuff was founded by Helga Hufflepuff. Their house colour is yellow and black. The animal is Badger and the element is earth. Their major traits are modesty, loyalty, just, fairness, patience and hard work. The house was headed by Pomona Sprout and Helga Hufflepuff. Hufflepuff was founded by a medieval witch and their entire focus was on playing fair and just no matter what the aptitude of their members is. Their priority has always been to be loyal. Their element is earth and the colour of the house corresponds to it. The yellow being the colour of wheat while black as hue of soil. The students in this house especially show their interest in Herbology because of their element being earth.
Modesty is their trait due to which they are not seen part of competition. It can be attributed to their satisfaction and contentment in whatever they have achieved. They are still hardworking, impartial and loyal towards their institute. They had value of everyone regardless of who they are. They are known for their moral codes that gives them a sense of right and wrong due to which they also believe in equality.
Hufflepuffs did believe in making peace and not becoming part of any competition with any other house but still their Quidditch game was strong. Hufflepuff did hit a rough patch with Gryffindor when the trophy of Triwizard Championship was to be divided among the two houses with Harry Potter and Cedric Diggory both being the champions. But this all came to a peaceful conclusion when many of the Hufflepuffs rose to save Harry from being given away to Voldemort.
Hufflepuff followed the notion of its founder by allowing everyone in their house. Thus brought many of the lesser talented witches and wizards as well but considering that this house lacks talent is just a misunderstanding. All house produced great wizards and witches in their times. This house has also contributed to the wizarding world in the form of their great names in magic. It is just that their nature does not allow them to be part of the boasting campaign rather do their work honestly.
Dark wizards who use their magic for evil purposes can come out of any house. The friendly and cheerful attributes in Hufflepuff makes them the lucky ones who have produced the fewest of dark witches or wizards. Their loyalty to their school is evident from the fact that they made up the second most number of students who took part in the battle against Voldemort to protect their institution.
The reputation of Hufflepuff can be associated with their house animal the badger that it is considered to be one harmless animal but when provoked it can be a vicious one. Especially when it comes to saving the ones it cares about. This is seen in their common room as well in which there was an active defence mechanism which none other house common room had, it was meant for the purpose of keeping it safe from intruders.
Ravenclaw
The Hogwarts house was founded by Rowena Ravenclaw. The colour of the house is bronze and blue and their animal is eagle. Their element is air. The attributes they assert are creativity, intelligence, acceptance, wisdom and learning. Their head was Filius Flitwick and Rowena Rawanclaw. The reason for having the colours blue and bronze was that it had its association with air. The colour blue is for sky and bronze is that of eagle’s wings. They are both linked with air.
For Ravenclaw their students are talented and motivated because they treasure intellect, wisdom and learning. Their ideas and methods are original. This is why they will be practising the kind of magic that other houses will refrain from. Hermione Granger who is also known for her wit was sorted in the Gryffindor house but she also admitted the fact that the sorting hat was considering her to be part if Ravenclaw instead.
They are hard working and intelligent and love to work in order to satisfy their intellectual curiosity. They are also subject to disdain as well for they will shun the conventionality at every step. Initially those bullying them for their ideas will later celebrate them. Like a notable member of the Ravenclaw claw house and part if the war against Voldemort Luna Lovegood was first scorned for her eccentric nature and denying the traditional ideas was later celebrated for her naturalist inclination and valour in the battle.
The members of the house have their live for knowledge so they like paying attention to their surroundings and get the answers for their curiosity. Their talent is exceptional in memorising things for example Garrick Ollivander, the owner at the wand shop remembered every wand he had ever sold. And the notorious Gilderoy Lockhart had his talent in his memory charms.
Maybe the house is not always as good at producing excellent wizards or witches because in case of Gilderoy Lockhart he wasn’t very passionate about learning or intellect rather fame. His ambition was so strong that he would take credit of others work by just removing their memories.
Their ambition for academics is so high that they can even ditch each other to get to the top rank. They are so much indulgent into their intelligence and talent that they will consider any wizard who has the similar level of wisdom to be part of the Ravenclaw.
Slytherin
The Hogwarts house was founded by Salazar Slytherine. Its animal is snake and the colour is green and silver. This is the only house that is infamous for making dark wizards and witches. This could be the reason because they are ambitious and cunning. The members have never refused that fact for their share in the dark witches and wizards. It can be due to the reason that they keep their own interests in the forefront. Slytherin are loyal to their house and keep everyone along. They will also try to be the best just like the Ravenclaw.
Its head was Salazar Slytherin who was the one with Parsalmouth which gives the ability to talk to snakes. He was of the notion that magic world should belong to the pure bloods or those who had their family lineage all belonging to magic rather than those who are offsprings to non magical parents or muggles.
All the Slytherin seem to bear the same idea of pure blood and this mostly turns them into dark witches or wizards. The most notable dark wizard among them was Voldemort himself who had shook the entire magical world and also ended up killing Harry Potter’s parents. The competitor to Harry, Draco Malfoy also belonged to the Slytherin and had his hatred to Hermoine Granger for being a muggleborn. Severus Snape the head of the house also depicted his dislike towards Harry Potter most of the time but turned out to be his protector and well wisher. He was the one who was shown to be with Voldemort but was such a dedicated subordinate to Dumbledore that he was ready to earn bad repute upon headmaster’s wish. So everyone from the house is not supposed to be evil. It was this revelation about Snape’s that led Harry to name his son after him.
What are the Hogwarts houses system?
The Hogwarts houses were the ones which were the subunits of the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Their purpose was to establish the passion for learning and growth through competition among the students. Although the system never emphasised the need to having to put the interest of their house before the larger good. These houses were allotted points upon their conduct. The bad behaviour would deduct the points while the good behaviour would earn the points and also the one with most points shall win the house cup. Students would earn these points through different competitions as well. They would share the same classrooms and dormitories with exclusive common rooms to each house. The competition among the houses yearn growth but the greatest rivalry was seen between the Gryffindor and Slytherin in many terms.
How are the Hogwarts houses sorted?
Earlier with all the founders of the Hogwarts houses used to pick the students for the houses themselves based on their traits they can have or exhibit in themselves. They however did worry that how are the students going to be selected after they are gone. At that time the head of Gryffindor house took his hat off and put it in front of everyone else saying, ‘put some brains’ in it. Thus the sorting hat came into being picking up the students for every house ever since. It works at the time of the Sorting Ceremony when new students are enrolled in the school and each one is placed in their respective house by putting the hat over their heads.
The Sorting ceremony begins with the sorting hat singing a song. The song is about the school and its foundation. The hat has a new song every year and it takes a whole year busy composing it. For the song it takes ideas from the office of Dumbledore as well but sometimes the song is also about the dangers posed to life.
How does the Sorting hat sort the students?
Students can either value some qualities or they can exhibit them. It is unclear that on what basis does the sorting hat select the students. An example of this is Peter Pettigrew who was sorted into the Gryffindor which is the house of bravery and valour but he turns out to be a coward stabbing the back of those who trusted him. His corruption led to selling of Harry’s parents and then ultimately killing them. Another example is that of Gregory Goyle and Vincent Crabbe who were unintelligent and stupid best suited to be in Hufflepuff and were only in the Draco Malfoy’s shadow. They were placed in Slytherin which is a house of ambitious and cunning students. Still they admired the traits of Slytherin. Lastly Hermione Granger a student of intellect a perfect fit for Ravenclaw was put in Gryffindor but these examples make it unclear that what is the criteria for the sorting hat.
Sorting hat can sense the traits in students which may be otherwise unknown to them. This will bring the hidden qualities to test and they will get to know about their qualities. Neville Longbottom appeared under confident and silly but the sorting house could find out that he has bravery in him which he did expressed when he pulled the sword against Voldemort when everyone stood down.
It is not necessary that the decision if the sorting hat has to be the final one but it also takes the wishes of students into account. When Harry Potter was to be put either in Gryffindor or Slytherin then the sorting hat regarded his own wish for not going to Slytherin. Although it did ask him to consider going to Slytherin because his skills can be best utilised there but when Harry didn’t seem convinced then he was put into Gryffindor. With time it was proven that the choice of Harry actually proved to be right in his favour.
Severus Snape also showed the bravery required for being a Gryffindor but his cunning nature, disdain for muggles all took him to Slytherin.
House dynamics
The houses have their own common rooms and their own tables. They show their connection and loyalty with each other. Same is their rivalry with each other. This comes much apparent during their competitions. The Quidditch matches were the place to see this flourishing animosity. They become head to head with each other and leave no stone unturned to make a win.
The rules of the houses are clear to everyone in which the points are earned or lost upon the conduct of students and this authority is given to head boys and teachers. The heads of respective houses do favour their own houses which doesn’t seem anything against the ruled. Like Snape would show favouritism to his own students which was always disliked by rest of the students.
It is not clear if Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff showed favouritism to their houses or not because their aim was actually to win the houses cups rather than getting better from each other. Their goal was to win the competitions and being light hearted they did not give punishments to their students like Snape. Same went for Professor McGonagall who did not show any favouritism rather have seen deducting points for seeing her students breaking the rules.
There had to be one thing common in all the houses that in unfavourable circumstances all the houses have to come together to keep the School safe. All the differences aside but the unity of houses has to be made sure when the school comes in danger. On the contrary it was seen that Slytherin did show contempt towards Gryffindor which was considered inherently good but actually seeing from a neutral point of view none of the house is too good or too bad. They have their own positive or negative qualities and they did show their part in saving the school.
The two houses showing immense dislike for each other were Gryffindor and Slytherin. The reason for this rivalry was told by the sorting hat in which it describes that the two houses’ heads were once best friends but then they parted ways on certain differences. Same goes for Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw. But their rivalry is not as intense as the other two houses. As narrated by the Sorting hat their heads also had exemplary friendship but then it all went down the drain upon a sorting hat song.
The students showed dislike for each other as well when they had differences. The Ravenclaws were known to feel pride in their intellect and knowledge. Hufflepuff were modest and kind so didn’t like Ravenclaws being show off of their intelligence. Nevertheless the Ravenclaws are friends with Slytherin. There are some cases in which there were few exceptions. For example Harry having his inclination towards Luna Lovegood and Cho Chang.
Few still assume that Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff would support Gryffindor and going against Slytherin. This was evident of the fact that the three founders also opposed Salazar Slytherin.
An interesting fact however is that all of these houses represent the elements. Earth, Fire, Water and Air. This is a known fact but they also represent states of matter Plasma as Gryffindor or Fire, Gas as Ravenclaws or Air, Liquid as Slytherin or Water and Solid as Hufflepuff or Earth.
Hogwarts houses has been a great system in invoking loyalty and dedication. Division of students in these houses will be beneficial for making a healthy environment of competition. This enthrals the students to strive to be the best and bringing out the potential unknown to students. There are many examples in Hogwarts that had brought about the greatest of wizards and witches.
Lets not be biased if the outcomes of these houses for few bad examples. It is not that all Gryffindor had been great wizards or witches or all from Slytherin were evil. The resultant of each student came out of their own intentions rather than their houses.
Notable members of each house
Gryffindor
Harry Potter
Ronald Weasly
Hermione Granger
Ravenclaw
Luna Lovegood
Gilderoy Lockhart
Filius Flitwick
Hufflepuff
Newt Scamander
Cedric Diggory
Nymphadora Tonka
Slytherin
Severus Snape
Draco Malloy
Lord Voldemort
There are many characters depicted in the story with much members of the houses but most commonly narrated were Gryffindor and Slytherin. This can be due to their rivalry as well as Harry Potter the protagonist being part of the Gryffindor and Lord Voldemort, Severus Snape and Draco Malloy being part of Slytherin. All the events took place in the school were Marjory surrounding these characters. They had different stances which made them come head to head to each other. Each of the house had their unique qualities but these two houses were opposite to each other. Gryffindor being symbolic of bravery and intelligence while Slytherin becoming those who can do anything to achieve their goal. Lord Voldemort coming too from Slytherin clearly bring the notion that their motive is clear. Although both of the houses gave some of the greatest wizards and witches but again at the end all of this is evaluated on the basis of how the magic is being used. It is the case with every school that the teaching alone does not define the character of the students rather their utilisations of that knowledge. This is what was famously stated by Dumbledore as well that it is not our abilities which make us who we are it is our choices. This is why despite of having many similarities among Lord Voldemort and Harry, Harry still chose to go in Gryffindor and ended up being on the righteous path.
Conclusion
Hogwarts houses are divided into four categories Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaws and Slytherin. All of these houses exhibit different characteristics and all of them are sorted out students. This work is done by the sorting hat which keeps all the qualities in mind before putting then in the houses. The way the events turn and make up a whole scenario it only feels that every student is loyal to their houses and also to their schools. Few cases may seem to have betrayed the very foundation of virtue the school stands on but most of them came up only to defend and protect their institute. There are so many example but one most prominent of them all is when before the final battle the entire school was warned of having any assistance given to Harry Potter will be punished. At that time Harry was actually among them and showed up himself but before that none of the student revealed his presence.
Each and every house had his own shortcomings but none of them try to betray the school grounds. The one given the task to end Albus Dumbledore, the school headmaster was Draco Malfoy. Even he turned among the Harry Potter’s team and fought for the school. Severus Snape who became the Dark Lord’s loyal later turned out to be actually protecting the school and students.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why was Hermoine not a Ravenclaws?
The Ravenclaws exhibited intellect and creativity both. Hermoine did have intellect but lacked creativity thus she was out of the league. Then considering her clarity about the right and wrong brought her to match with the traits of Gryffindor
2. Why were Slytherin hated?
Their traits had cunning and ambition. In addition they were prejudiced and judgemental of others which brings others to hate them.
3. What is the easiest house to get into?
The easiest house to get into is Hufflepuffs because they believe in modesty and bringing everyone in and cannot turn anyone down.
4. Which house is the most rare?
Gryffindor is one house in which intelligent, cunning, brave and loyal people can make way in. This may sound simple but actually these traits are combine not very common. People can be smart, cunning and intelligent but they are rarely brave.
5. What house did Dumbledore belong?
Dumbledore the school headmaster belong to Gryffindor.