Narnia: An Inspiration for the Hogwarts Houses?
Many people have noted the various similarities between the Chronicles of Narnia and Harry Potter, and J.K. Rowling herself has admitted that Narnia was one of her favorite series growing up. In fact, the personalities of the four Pevensie children map perfectly onto the four founders of Hogwarts. Could they have been Rowling’s inspiration?
Lucy Pevensie → Helga Hufflepuff
Lucy is clearly a Hufflepuff. She is one of the most kind-hearted characters in the series, which she shows through her loving acceptance of everyone they meet, from Mr. Tumnus to the beavers. Lucy forgives easily and is loyal to the people she loves. Her faith in Aslan and in Narnia is unwavering. Lucy is incredibly brave and is given the title “the Valiant,” but she has a specific strain of Hufflepuff bravery. Unlike Peter, who jumps at the chance to run into battle, Lucy is motivated by people who are in need.
Susan Pevensie → Rowena Ravenclaw
Susan is a practical and intellectual Ravenclaw. She is the most cautious of the four, always wanting to get all of the information and create a plan before acting. Unlike Lucy, Susan needs proof before believing anything and is always the most skeptical of anything they encounter. In later books, Susan stops believing in Narnia because it does not fit with the logical principles of what she has experienced in the real world.
Peter Pevensie → Godric Gryffindor
Peter is a brave and rash Gryffindor, a natural fighter and leader. As the oldest, he is used to being in charge, although he doesn’t always plan before charging into action. He sometimes gets blinded by his own pride and will challenge anyone who insults it. As his gift from Santa, he is even given a sword, like the sword of Gryffindor.
Edmund Pevensie → Salazar Slytherin
Edmund, like Slytherin House, is a complicated character with more than meets the eye. Similar to the four Hogwarts founders, he experiences a rift with his three siblings, particularly Peter (Gryffindor). His Slytherin ambition for power and recognition allows the White Witch to easily manipulate him into betraying his siblings. Once reunited with his family, however, Edmund remains loyal to them throughout the rest of the series and never hesitates to make brave sacrifices on their behalf. Edmund tends to work independently, and sometimes even secretly, in order to achieve his goals.
J.K. Rowling has been known to borrow themes, ideas, and myths from the stories she’s read, and the Pevensie children are the perfect inspiration for the four founders of Hogwarts.
