The Sorting Hat Explained

Introduction | What is it? | How Sorting Works | Can the Hat be Trusted?| Pottermore Insights| Questions?



Perhaps the most perplexing object in Jo Rowling's magical world, the Sorting Hat has been a figure of great mystery ever since it's first introduction to us in the Great Hall, Philosopher's Stone.

What is it?

It can sing, it can think, it's described as having a male voice but seems otherwise genderless... just what - or who - is the Sorting Hat?

How does Sorting work?

What are the benefits and drawbacks of the sorting process? Is it inherently flawed? Can you, in fact, choose where you get sorted?

Can the Hat be trusted?

Mr. Weasley has said you better not trust something if you can't see where it keeps its brain... but can the hat be trusted? Is it not indirectly responsible for producing such villans as Lord Voldemort, by placing him in a house where his hostile nature and racist beliefs could flourish?

Insights From Pottermore

Spoiler Warning. We take a look at the new content Jo has written on Pottermore.

Questions?

We'll try to answer your questions as best we can.

Found an important topic concerning the Sorting Hat that we didn't cover? Would you like to write an addition to this section about it? If so, send an e-mail to Noah@staff.mugglenet.com and follow the submission instructions right here!

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