The Four Hogwarts Houses

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was founded over a thousand years ago by four powerful wizards: Godric Gryffindor, Salazar Slytherin, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Helga Hufflepuff. They chose to split students into four 'houses', each bearing their surnames and featuring young wizards and witches who displayed abilities and personalities they wanted to nurture.

To determine which students should go into which house, Godric Gryffindor used his magical hat – now known as the Sorting Hat – to decide. This tradition continues today with a yearly Sorting Ceremony that places each new pupil into their own new home.

The four houses have different entry requirements, and as the Sorting Hat itself explains in its welcoming song:

Gryffindor

"You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart."

— Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Notable members include Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley.

Hufflepuff

"You might belong in Hufflepuff
Where they are just and loyal
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil."

— Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Notable members include Newt Scamander, Cedric Diggory, and Nymphadora Tonks.

Ravenclaw

"Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw
If you've a ready mind
Where those of wit and learning
Will always find their kind."

— Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Notable members include Luna Lovegood, Gilderoy Lockhart, and Filius Flitwick.

Slytherin

"Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends
Those cunning folk use any means
To achieve their ends."

— Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Notable members include Severus Snape, Draco Malfoy, and Lord Voldemort.

Each house has its own unique characteristics, values, and history, including house ghosts, common rooms, and traditions. Finding out which house you belong to is considered an important part of a young witch or wizard's journey at Hogwarts, as it helps define their place in the magical community.

While students cannot choose their house directly, the Sorting Hat does take personal preference into consideration – as Harry Potter discovered when he silently hoped not to be placed in Slytherin.