J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter book series is one of the most beloved fantasy series of all time, with fans all over the world. The books chronicle the adventures of Harry Potter and his friends at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. One of the most iconic parts of the Harry Potter world are the four Hogwarts houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Fans love debating which Hogwarts house is the best and which one they would be sorted into if they went to Hogwarts. But which Hogwarts house is J.K. Rowling’s own favourite? As the creator of the wizarding world, Rowling’s perspective provides unique insight into the qualities and values of each house.
The Origins of the Hogwarts Houses
In the Harry Potter books, the four Hogwarts houses were named after the four founders of Hogwarts:
| House | Founder |
| Gryffindor | Godric Gryffindor |
| Hufflepuff | Helga Hufflepuff |
| Ravenclaw | Rowena Ravenclaw |
| Slytherin | Salazar Slytherin |
The founders chose students for their houses based on values they prized:
– Gryffindor valued bravery, daring, and chivalry.
– Hufflepuff valued hard work, patience, and justice.
– Ravenclaw valued intelligence, wisdom, and wit.
– Slytherin valued ambition, cunning, and pure blood heritage.
When new students arrive at Hogwarts, they are sorted into one of the four houses by the Sorting Hat based on their own individual qualities and values. Their house becomes like their family while they are at school.
The Qualities of Each Hogwarts House
Over the centuries since the founders’ time, each of the Hogwarts houses has developed its own distinct set of traits and values:
Gryffindor
Gryffindors are known for being courageous, brave, and determined. They have a strong sense of justice and are willing to stand up and fight for what they believe in. Gryffindors can sometimes act impulsively without thinking things through. Their daring and nerve often balance out these tendencies though. Famous Gryffindors include Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Albus Dumbledore.
Hufflepuff
Hufflepuffs are known for being loyal, fair, and hardworking. They value friendship highly and are compassionate toward others. Hufflepuffs are accepting of diversity and willing to give people second chances. Their dedication and patience helps them to achieve their goals. Famous Hufflepuffs include Cedric Diggory and Newt Scamander.
Ravenclaw
Ravenclaws are known for their wisdom, wit, and intelligence. They prize learning and education and often have intellectual hobbies and interests. Ravenclaws enjoy philosophizing and analyzing things in depth. Their creative thinking and individuality shine through. Famous Ravenclaws include Luna Lovegood and Garrick Ollivander.
Slytherin
Slytherins are known for being cunning, ambitious, and resourceful. They have a strong sense of fraternity among fellow Slytherins. Slytherins are achievement-oriented and determined to be successful. They can sometimes let their ambitions overpower their moral sense. Famous Slytherins include Draco Malfoy and Horace Slughorn.
J.K. Rowling’s Thoughts on the Houses
J.K. Rowling has shared some insights over the years about how she views the four houses:
On Gryffindor
In an interview, Rowling said “I’d definitely be in Gryffindor,” referring to herself. She said she values bravery and daring, which are Gryffindor traits. She also mentioned feeling a strong affinity for characters like Hermione Granger who embody Gryffindor values.
On Hufflepuff
Rowling has stated that she identifies Hufflepuff as her second favorite Hogwarts house after Gryffindor. She has great admiration for the sense of justice and strong moral compass that defines this house. Rowling also praised Hufflepuffs for being inclusive of diversity and having open minds.
On Ravenclaw
Though Rowling values wit and intelligence, she has said that Ravenclaw would likely not be the Hogwarts house for her due to her impulsiveness and short attention span. She did say that Ravenclaw is her daughter’s favorite house and that Rowena Ravenclaw herself was one of her favorite founders.
On Slytherin
Rowling has acknowledged some common ground with Slytherin in terms of ambition. However, she also noted that her own non-pureblood family origins would likely preclude her from membership in this house. Rowling maintains that not all Slytherins are evil despite a dark reputation.
Key Factors in J.K. Rowling’s Sorting
Based on everything J.K. Rowling has said about the four Hogwarts houses over the years, a few key insights emerge about her sorting:
– Rowling values courage and daring action, which are quintessential Gryffindor traits.
– She admires loyalty and moral virtue, which Hufflepuff exemplifies as her second favorite house.
– While Rowling prizes intelligence, her impulsiveness contrasts with Ravenclaw’s wisdom and patience.
– Slytherin’s obsession with pureblood status clashes with Rowling’s non-pureblood background.
Conclusion
Given her bold spirit, strong principles, and open-mindedness, J.K. Rowling’s own words indicate that her favorite Hogwarts house is Gryffindor. The house of the brave, daring, and chivalrous clearly aligns most closely with both her personality and ideals. Rowling has a special affinity for Gryffindor characters like Harry, Hermione, and Dumbledore who demonstrate the virtues she most admires. Hufflepuff would likely be a close second choice for her due to valuing dedication and compassion. But ultimately, J.K. Rowling embodies the essence of Gryffindor above all. There could be no more fitting house for the legendary creator of the wizarding world.