======Muggle-borns======
=====Definition and Terminology=====
A **Muggle-born** is a term used in the [[wizarding world]] to describe a [[witch]] or [[wizard]] who is born to two non-magical parents, known as [[Muggles]]. The appearance of magical abilities in a child of [[Muggle]] parentage is believed to be the result of the magical gene resurfacing after lying dormant for several generations, often stemming from a [[Squib]] ancestor who integrated into [[Muggle]] society. (Pottermore)
Muggle-borns are often subject to prejudice from witches and wizards who believe in the supremacy of [[pure-blood]] lineage. These bigots use the highly offensive and derogatory slur **[[Mudblood]]** to refer to Muggle-borns. The term implies that they have "dirty blood" and are considered inferior or illegitimate members of the magical community. The use of this word is seen as a sign of extreme prejudice, similar to racial slurs in the [[Muggle]] world.
=====Societal Status and Prejudice=====
The status of Muggle-borns is a central point of conflict within [[wizarding society]], which is deeply divided over the concept of [[blood purity]]. While many in the magical community are accepting of Muggle-borns, a significant and influential faction of [[pure-blood]] families, such as the [[Malfoys]], [[Blacks]], and [[Lestranges]], hold them in contempt. This prejudice is a core tenet of the ideology espoused by [[Lord Voldemort]] and his [[Death Eaters]].
Throughout their time at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]], Muggle-born students like [[Hermione Granger]] and [[Justin Finch-Fletchley]] faced discrimination. [[Draco Malfoy]] frequently targeted [[Hermione Granger]] with the slur [[Mudblood]], most notably in their second year, leading to a furious reaction from [[Ron Weasley]]. The very existence of the [[Chamber of Secrets]] and its resident [[Basilisk]] was a monument to this prejudice, created by [[Salazar Slytherin]] with the intention of purging [[Hogwarts]] of all students who were not [[pure-blood]].
Conversely, many influential figures, including [[Albus Dumbledore]], staunchly defended the rights and legitimacy of Muggle-borns, viewing blood status as irrelevant to a person's worth or magical ability.
=====Magical Ability=====
There is no canonical evidence to suggest that Muggle-born witches and wizards are any less magically powerful or talented than their [[half-blood]] or [[pure-blood]] counterparts. In fact, many Muggle-borns have proven to be exceptionally gifted.
  * **[[Hermione Granger]]** is consistently referred to as the "brightest witch of her age" and demonstrates magical proficiency that often surpasses that of her peers, regardless of their blood status.
  * **[[Lily Evans]]**, [[Harry Potter]]'s mother, was described by [[Professor Slughorn]] as one of the most brilliant students he had ever taught, with a natural talent for [[Potions]].
  * **[[Ted Tonks]]** and **[[Dirk Cresswell]]** were both capable wizards who successfully held positions within the [[Ministry of Magic]] before being forced into hiding.
The belief that Muggle-borns are magically inferior is a baseless prejudice used by blood purists to justify their discriminatory ideology.
=====Integration into the Wizarding World=====
Unlike children from magical families, Muggle-borns grow up with no knowledge of the [[wizarding world]] or their own abilities. When a Muggle-born child approaches the age of eleven, a representative from [[Hogwarts]] (or other magical schools) visits the family to explain the situation and deliver their acceptance letter. [[Professor McGonagall]] notes this as part of her duties. This introduction can be a significant shock to both the child and their [[Muggle]] parents.
Upon entering [[Hogwarts]], Muggle-borns face the challenge of adapting to a completely new culture, learning about subjects, history, and social norms that their peers from magical families have known their entire lives. They must enroll in [[Muggle Studies]] to better understand the world they came from in a magical context, while their peers often need to learn about [[Muggle]] life from scratch.
=====Role in the Wizarding Wars=====
Muggle-borns were primary targets of [[Voldemort]] and his [[Death Eaters]] during both [[Wizarding Wars]].
  * In the **First Wizarding War**, Muggle-borns were frequently attacked and murdered, seen as a blight to be eliminated from the magical population.
  * During the **Second Wizarding War**, this persecution became institutionalized after the [[Death Eaters]] seized control of the [[Ministry of Magic]]. The [[Ministry]] established the **[[Muggle-Born Registration Commission]]**, led by [[Dolores Umbridge]]. Under the false premise that Muggle-borns "stole" their magic and [[wands]] from "real" witches and wizards, the Commission interrogated, persecuted, and imprisoned countless Muggle-borns in [[Azkaban]]. Many, like [[Ted Tonks]] and [[Dirk Cresswell]], were forced to go on the run and were ultimately hunted down and murdered.
Muggle-borns also played a vital role in fighting against [[Voldemort]]. [[Lily Evans]] sacrificed herself to save her son, creating a powerful magical protection. [[Hermione Granger]] was instrumental in the hunt for the [[Horcruxes]] and the eventual defeat of [[Voldemort]]. [[Colin Creevey]], despite being underage, snuck back into the castle to fight in the [[Battle of Hogwarts]], where he was killed.
=====Notable Muggle-borns=====
  * [[Colin Creevey]]
  * [[Dirk Cresswell]]
  * [[Dennis Creevey]]
  * [[Lily Evans]]
  * [[Justin Finch-Fletchley]]
  * [[Hermione Granger]]
  * [[Myrtle Warren]] ([[Moaning Myrtle]])
  * [[Ted Tonks]]
=====Behind the Scenes=====
J.K. Rowling has stated in interviews that the obsession with [[blood purity]] in the [[wizarding world]] was a deliberate parallel to real-world discriminatory ideologies like Nazism. The persecution of Muggle-borns and the use of terms like [[Mudblood]] serve as a central theme of intolerance and bigotry in the series. (J.K. Rowling interview)