Hogwarts History

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry



Hogwarts was founded around 990 A.D. by two wizards and two witches: Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin. They each represented an aspect of personality that they wanted to bring out in new students. 

Gryffindor

Godric Gryffindor valued Bravery, Nerve, Chivalry, Courage, and Daring in the students of his house, his personality reflected these traits. The house colors of Gryffindor are Crimson/Scarlet and Gold, and their House animal is the Lion. The house element of Gryffindor is Fire, which is reflective of the house's traits. Gryffindor's house ghost is Nearly-Headless Nick, known as Sir Nicholas de Mimsy Porpington when he attended the school. Notable members from this house include: Minerva McGonagall, Albus Dumbledore, Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, Lily Evans, James Potter, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and many others. 

Hufflepuff

Helga Hufflepuff valued Dedication, Hard Work, Fair play, Patience, Kindness, and Tolerance for Hufflepuff students, she herself demonstrated the same traits. The house colors of Hufflepuff are Yellow and Black, with the Badger as their House animal. Hufflepuff is most associated with the element of earth due to their hard work and sensibility in most situations. Hufflepuff's house ghost is the Fat Friar. Notable members from this house include: Pomona Sprout, Nymphadora Tonks, Cedric Diggory, Hannah Abbott, and Justin Finch-Fletchley.

Ravenclaw

Rowena Ravenclaw valued Intelligence, Wit, Wisdom, Creativity, Originality, Individuality, and Acceptance for Ravenclaw students, reflecting upon her own personality traits. The house colors of Ravenclaw are Blue and Bronze, with the Eagle as their House animal. Ravenclaw's element is air, reflective of their house animal and their traits. Ravenclaw's house ghost is the Grey Lady, who is actually Rowena Ravenclaw's daughter, Helena Ravenclaw. Notable members from this house include: Filius Flitwick, Luna Lovegood, Cho Chang, Myrtle, Quirinus Quirrell, Garrick Olivander, and Ignatia Wildsmith.

Slytherin

Salazar Slytherin valued Traditionalism, Resourcefulness, Cunning, Ambition, Leadership qualities, Self-Preservation, Determination, Cleverness, Fraternity, and Power for Slytherin students, reflecting upon his personality traits. The House Colors of Slytherin are Green and Silver, and their House animal is the Serpent. Slytherin's element is water, reflective of their houses traits. Slytherin's house ghost is the Bloody Baron. Notable members from this house include: Horace Slughorn, Severus Snape, Phineas Nigellus Black, Tom Marvolo Riddle (Voldemort), Bellatrix Lestrange, Regulus Black, Andromeda Tonks, Draco Malfoy, Lucius Malfoy, Narcissa Malfoy, Vincent Crabbe, Gregory Goyle, Pansy Parkinson, Blaise Zabini, and Millicent Bulstrode.