ravenclaw

Ravenclaw House

Introduction

Ravenclaw is one of the four Houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, founded by the medieval witch Rowena Ravenclaw. The House values intelligence, learning, wisdom, and wit. Its members, known as Ravenclaws, are typically characterized by their intellectual curiosity and creativity. The emblem of Ravenclaw is the eagle, and its colours are blue and bronze. The House's patron ghost is The Grey Lady, who in life was Helena Ravenclaw, daughter of the founder. The entrance to the Ravenclaw common room requires a student to answer a riddle, reflecting the House's emphasis on intellect over a simple password.

House Information

Founder and History

Ravenclaw was founded by Rowena Ravenclaw, a Scottish witch considered one of the most brilliant of her age. She, along with Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, and Salazar Slytherin, established Hogwarts to create a preeminent school for magic. According to the Sorting Hat's song, Rowena's philosophy was to teach those “whose intelligence is surest.” Her legacy is deeply tied to the pursuit of knowledge and the legendary Diadem of Ravenclaw, a magical artifact she created to enhance the wearer's wisdom. Her personal history is marked by tragedy, as her daughter, Helena Ravenclaw, stole the Diadem in an attempt to surpass her mother's intellect.

Reputation and Traits

Ravenclaw has a reputation for being the home of the most intelligent and scholarly students at Hogwarts. The Sorting Hat praises the House for valuing a “ready mind,” where “those of wit and learning will always find their kind.” Unlike the other houses, which can sometimes exhibit clannish behaviour, Ravenclaws are noted for accepting eccentrics and celebrating individuality, as seen with the acceptance of Luna Lovegood. Students are not chosen for pure intelligence alone, but also for their creativity, originality, and intellectual curiosity. The House's primary focus is on academic achievement and the acquisition of knowledge.

The Common Room and Dormitories

The Ravenclaw common room is located in Ravenclaw Tower on the west side of Hogwarts Castle. To enter, one must approach a door that lacks a doorknob or keyhole, but features a bronze, eagle-shaped knocker. When a person knocks, the eagle asks a philosophical question or riddle. A correct answer grants entry; a wrong answer forces the individual to wait for someone else to solve it. This security measure ensures that only those with sufficient wit can enter. The common room itself is a wide, circular room with graceful arched windows that provide stunning views of the school grounds. The walls are hung with blue and bronze silk banners. The ceiling is a dome painted with stars, which is magically enchanted to mirror the sky outside. The room is filled with tables, chairs, and bookcases, and a white marble statue of Rowena Ravenclaw stands in an alcove opposite the entrance.

House Relic

The primary magical artifact associated with the House is the Diadem of Ravenclaw. It was a beautiful tiara said to grant enhanced wisdom to its wearer. Coveting this power, Rowena's daughter, Helena Ravenclaw, stole the Diadem and fled to Albania. On her deathbed, Rowena sent the Bloody Baron to find Helena, but he killed her in a fit of rage when she refused to return. The Diadem remained hidden in a hollow tree in an Albanian forest. Centuries later, Tom Riddle charmed the story out of Helena's ghost and retrieved the Diadem, turning it into one of his Horcruxes. He later hid it in the Room of Requirement at Hogwarts. The Diadem was ultimately destroyed by Fiendfyre cast by Vincent Crabbe during the Battle of Hogwarts.

Notable Members

Role in the Story

Throughout the series, Ravenclaw House represents the academic and intellectual side of Hogwarts. Its members often provide key information and insights. Luna Lovegood is a crucial ally to Harry Potter, joining Dumbledore's Army and fighting in several major battles. Cho Chang serves as Harry's first love interest and is also a member of the D.A. During the Second Wizarding War, the search for Ravenclaw's Diadem becomes a critical mission for Harry in his quest to destroy Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes. In the final Battle of Hogwarts, the Ravenclaw students, led by Professor Flitwick, stand with Gryffindor and Hufflepuff to defend the castle.

Behind the Scenes

  • Emblem and Colour Dispute: While the books explicitly state Ravenclaw's emblem is an eagle and its colours are blue and bronze, the Warner Bros. film adaptations depict the emblem as a raven and the colours as blue and silver. This is one of the most noted discrepancies between the books and films. (film)
  • Founder's Origins: According to the Pottermore website, Rowena Ravenclaw was from the glens of Scotland. (Pottermore)
  • The Name: The name “Ravenclaw” would suggest a raven as the mascot. J.K. Rowling has explained that the eagle was chosen because it represents a broader scope of intelligence and wisdom, soaring where others cannot climb. (J.K. Rowling interview)
  • Padma Patil's House: In the books, Padma Patil is a Ravenclaw Prefect, while her twin sister Parvati Patil is in Gryffindor. In the film adaptations, both twins are placed in Gryffindor. (film)