ravenclaws

Students of Ravenclaw House

Introduction

Ravenclaw is one of the four Houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, founded by the medieval witch Rowena Ravenclaw. Students belonging to this house are known as Ravenclaws and are characterized by their wit, intelligence, creativity, and love of learning. The house emblem is the eagle and its colours are blue and bronze. The Head of Ravenclaw House during Harry Potter's time at Hogwarts is Professor Filius Flitwick, and the house ghost is The Grey Lady, who in life was Rowena Ravenclaw's own daughter, Helena Ravenclaw.

House Information

Characteristics and Reputation

The Sorting Hat's song describes the qualities sought in Ravenclaw students: “Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw, if you've a ready mind, Where those of wit and learning, Will always find their kind.” This highlights the house's primary value for intelligence above all else. Ravenclaws are often academically motivated and are known for being logical, rational, and curious. While they are celebrated for their intellect, Ravenclaws can also be perceived as eccentric and individualistic. The unique personality of Luna Lovegood is a prime example of the house's acceptance of originality. They pride themselves on their cleverness, which is reflected in the riddle-based entrance to their Common Room, a system that rewards intellectual merit over a simple password. Hermione Granger, though sorted into Gryffindor, admitted that the Sorting Hat seriously considered placing her in Ravenclaw due to her sharp mind.

The Ravenclaw Common Room

The Ravenclaw Common Room is located at the very top of Ravenclaw Tower. To enter, a student must knock on a door that has a bronze, eagle-shaped knocker. The knocker will then ask a philosophical question or riddle. There is no set password; one must simply answer the riddle correctly to be granted entry. This security measure ensures that only those with sufficient wit can enter, and it is said that students often stand outside debating the question of the day. The Common Room itself is a wide, airy, circular room with graceful arched windows that provide stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The ceiling is a dome painted with stars, and the room is decorated with blue and bronze hangings. It is filled with tables, chairs, and bookcases, reflecting the house's scholarly nature. A prominent feature is a tall, white marble statue of Rowena Ravenclaw.

Role in the Story

Throughout the series, Ravenclaw House often remains more neutral in the school's inter-house rivalries, particularly when compared to the intense competition between Gryffindor and Slytherin. However, many Ravenclaws demonstrated their courage and loyalty during the Second Wizarding War. Key members like Luna Lovegood and Cho Chang joined Dumbledore's Army to oppose Dolores Umbridge and learn practical defensive magic from Harry Potter. During the Battle of Hogwarts, a significant number of Ravenclaw students chose to stay and fight against Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters, standing alongside the students of Gryffindor and Hufflepuff. It was also through the help of The Grey Lady and the insight of Luna Lovegood that Harry was able to deduce the location of the Diadem of Ravenclaw, one of Voldemort's Horcruxes, which was hidden within the Room of Requirement.

Notable Ravenclaws

Behind the Scenes

  • Film Adaptations: In the Harry Potter films, the Ravenclaw house colours were changed from the book's blue and bronze to blue and silver. Additionally, the house emblem was changed from an eagle to a raven.
  • Sorting: J.K. Rowling has stated that Hermione Granger was a “borderline” case who was nearly sorted into Ravenclaw, but the Sorting Hat ultimately chose Gryffindor.
  • Pottermore: The welcome letter for Ravenclaw on the Pottermore (now Wizarding World) website, written by J.K. Rowling, expands upon the house's reputation for valuing eccentrics and individuals who “march to a different drum” (Pottermore).