Slytherin house, one of the four houses at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, is known for having members that exhibit ambition, cunning, leadership, and resourcefulness. Slytherins highly value tradition, ingenuity, and fraternity. The house colors are green and silver, and the house is symbolized by a serpent.
The History of Slytherin House
Slytherin house was founded by Salazar Slytherin, one of the four founders of Hogwarts, around 990 AD. According to legend, Slytherin wanted to be more selective about which students were admitted to Hogwarts, favoring those from all-magic families rather than those from non-magical Muggle families. This controversy over blood purity is said to have contributed to Salazar Slytherin leaving Hogwarts and the rift between Slytherin and the other founders.
Over the centuries, Slytherin house developed a reputation for producing dark witches and wizards, though as Albus Dumbledore noted, there are examples of outstanding Slytherins throughout history. Prominent Slytherins include Merlin, a famous wizard from medieval times, and Horace Slughorn, former Hogwarts Potions master and Head of Slytherin House.
In the 1940s, Slytherin briefly changed its name to Snape House at the request of new Head of House, Severus Snape. However, students revolted at this change and the house name was quickly restored to Slytherin.
Traits of Slytherin Students
Students sorted into Slytherin house often exhibit the following traits:
- Ambition
- Cunning
- Resourcefulness
- Fratenity
- Leadership
- Self-preservation
- Cleverness
- Determination
Slytherins tend to be ambitious and achievement-oriented. They have a strong sense of fraternity and loyalty among fellow Slytherins. Slytherins are known for being resourceful and thinking outside the box to achieve their goals. Self-preservation is also a common Slytherin trait.
However, Slytherins often get a bad reputation for being cunning, devious, and power-hungry. While some Slytherins do exhibit those darker traits, many are simply ambitious, clever, and determined students.
Notable Slytherins
Some of the most famous wizarding figures throughout history have come from Slytherin house. Below are a few noteworthy Slytherin alumni:
| Name | Occupation |
|---|---|
| Merlin | Medieval wizard |
| Horace Slughorn | Former Potions Master |
| Tom Riddle (Voldemort) | Dark wizard |
| Dolores Umbridge | Ministry bureaucrat |
| Severus Snape | Former Head of House |
As evidenced by this list, Slytherin has produced both heroic and villainous wizarding figures. Their ambition and cunning make them well-suited for positions of power, whether used for good or evil purposes.
The Slytherin Common Room
The Slytherin common room and dormitories are located in the dungeons of Hogwarts Castle. The common room is a long, low, dungeon-style room with greenish lamps and chairs. The room has lots of skulls, and the windows provide views into the depths of the Hogwarts lake, where creatures like the giant squid and grindylows can sometimes be seen.
The dark, atmospheric common room reflects Slytherin’s fraternity and cleverness. Slytherins enjoy the privacy their dungeon common room provides, and the passwords required to enter it. It is both exclusive and mysterious.
Favorite Color of Slytherin House
The favorite and most iconic color for Slytherin house is green. Slytherin colors are green and silver. The green represents the house’s connection to its founder, Salazar Slytherin, while silver represents the ambition and fraternity within Slytherin.
Slytherins wear green-lined robes, green and silver ties, and often green accessories. Emerald green is particularly popular. The Slytherin Quidditch team also wears green robes with silver accents.
Green is thought to represent ambition, cunning, and resourcefulness – all common Slytherin traits. Slytherins identify strongly with the color green and it can be found throughout their common room and apparrel.
Why Slytherins Love Green
There are a few key reasons why green is the favorite color of Slytherin house members:
- Connection to founder Salazar Slytherin – His first name means “green”, so the color pays homage to their house founder.
- Represents ambition and resourcefulness – Green is associated with these Slytherin traits.
- Matches the dungeon atmosphere – The gloomy greenish tinge fits the ambiance of their dungeon common room.
- Sets them apart – Wearing green allows Slytherins to stand out from other houses.
- Looks good with silver accents – The green and silver combination is stylish and sophisticated.
In summary, the color green is intrinsically linked to the identity of Slytherin house. Slytherins take pride in sporting their signature green and silver colors. The connection between Slytherins and the color green runs long and deep at Hogwarts.
Conclusion
Slytherin house has a long and complex history at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Known for cunning, ambition, fraternity, and strong leaders, Slytherins embrace their reputation – for better and worse. Green is their signature color which adorns their robes, accessories, and common room. The color represents their tie to founder Salazar Slytherin as well as Slytherin traits like ambition and resourcefulness.
Green – specifically emerald green – is without a doubt the favorite color of Slytherin house. Slytherins proudly sport green to show their house allegiance and connection to the storied history of Salazar Slytherin at Hogwarts.