House of Hogwarts
Gryffindor
“Where dwell the brave at heart”
The brave, the bold, the slightly reckless
Gryffindor is the house of the brave at heart. Founded by Godric Gryffindor and ruled by the lion, Gryffindors are the ones who jump first and think second — sometimes to their cost, often to everyone else's benefit.
What it means to be in Gryffindor
Being a Gryffindor isn't about the absence of fear; it's about acting in spite of it. Gryffindors are drawn to causes bigger than themselves and tend to lead from the front. They prize courage, loyalty to friends, and standing up for what's right — even when 'right' is unpopular, exhausting, or both. The shadow side: bravery without thought becomes recklessness, and a strong sense of justice can tip into stubbornness. Most Gryffindors learn this the hard way, usually around their fifth year.
The Gryffindor Common Room
Gryffindor Tower sits high in the castle, behind a portrait of the Fat Lady on the seventh floor. The common room itself is all warm reds, deep golds, squashy armchairs, and a fireplace that always seems to be lit — the kind of place where Quidditch strategy gets debated until two in the morning.
Notable Gryffindors
- Harry Potter
- Hermione Granger
- Ron Weasley
- Albus Dumbledore
- Minerva McGonagall
- Sirius Black
- Remus Lupin
- James Potter
- Lily Potter
- Neville Longbottom
- Ginny Weasley
- Fred and George Weasley
Things to know about Gryffindor
- Gryffindor's element is fire, which suits a house that runs hot in every sense.
- The sword of Gryffindor only presents itself to a true Gryffindor in a moment of need.
- Quidditch is practically a religion in Gryffindor Tower.
Are you a true Gryffindor?
Six questions, one ancient hat. Find out where you really belong.
Gryffindor FAQ
What are the main traits of a Gryffindor?+
Courage, bravery, daring, nerve, and chivalry. Gryffindors lead with heart and tend to choose the harder right over the easier wrong.
Who is the head of Gryffindor House?+
Professor Minerva McGonagall, the Transfiguration teacher and later Headmistress, leads Gryffindor during Harry Potter's time at Hogwarts.
What's the Gryffindor common room like?+
Warm, red and gold, full of squashy armchairs and a permanent fire. It sits behind the Fat Lady's portrait on the seventh floor — and you'll need the password to get in.