What Makes a True Gryffindor?
It’s time to question the wisdom of the Hogwarts Sorting Hat. Wouldn’t it have made sense for some characters to end up elsewhere? Yes, we’re looking at you Peter Pettigrew. Gryffindors are supposed to fit into a mold; they must be “brave,” “chivalrous,” and “bold.” We’ll be talking about several characters who aren’t your typical Gryffindors.
1. Rubeus Hagrid
We’ll be starting with the furry and friendly Rubeus Hagrid. Hagrid definitely has moments of bravery, and one must be brave to own a giant spider. However, Hagrid isn’t your typical Gryffindor. He doesn’t go looking for trouble. He’s down-to-earth and chooses to spend time adopting wild creatures. For these reasons, Hagrid could have easily been Sorted into Hufflepuff. Valuing loyalty and fairness, he’s known for speaking out when he witnesses an injustice.
However, what sets Hagrid apart from the rest of the Gryffindors is that he doesn’t rely on his brute strength and his wand to solve every problem. He doesn’t seek out glory. Instead, he focuses his Gryffindor energy on protecting the people he loves. Hagrid shows us that there’s a quiet kind of courage that comes from standing up for your friends.
2. Hermione Granger
Yet another extraordinary Gryffindor is Hermione Granger. Hermione is courageous when it comes to dueling, but most of her skill is rooted in her intellect. During her first year at school, the Sorting Hat was caught between placing her in Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. Hermione is a bookworm: She spends her time in the library and enjoys correcting people’s pronunciation of spells. She doesn’t rush into dangerous situations but instead takes a moment to plan.
It would be easy to Sort Hermione into Ravenclaw, but she is a Gryffindor. Being Sorted into Gryffindor challenged Hermione and humbled her. She learned that “books and cleverness” weren’t the only important things and that she doesn’t know everything. Hermione teaches us that there’s not just one type of Gryffindor and that bravery is what you make it.
3. Percy Weasley
The members of the Weasley family are also proud Gryffindors, but one of their number has always been on the outside. Percy subscribes to a different set of ideals, privileging ambition over chivalry. After Percy left his family members to side with the Ministry of Magic, many fans were quick to condemn him.
May we not forget that, in the end, Percy returned to his family members and fought by their side against Voldemort. Percy is determined and cunning. Additionally, he also believes in self-preservation. Yes, he could have thrived in Slytherin, but that’s not all there is to his character. He looked out for Ron and Ginny in their early years at Hogwarts and made sure that they were safe. Percy is ambitious but to a point. He made a mistake in his rise to power but then made a brave choice to fight against Voldemort. Percy is an example that even Gryffindors can make mistakes.
4. Minerva McGonagall
Our last Gryffindor is more than just our favorite warrior queen. Minerva McGonagall isn’t your average Gryffindor, even though she’s Head of House! We’ve seen her face off in numerous duels in the Harry Potter series, but her sharp wit isn’t to be underestimated. McGonagall was a Hatstall, and J.K. Rowling revealed that McGonagall was almost Sorted into Ravenclaw. This fits since she is more than just a capable teacher. She’s always one step ahead of the trio and can tell when they are up to no good. She’s a rule-follower and one of the wisest characters in the Harry Potter series, often giving her students kind advice.
Unlike most Gryffindors, McGonagall only charges into danger if there’s a good reason to do so. Her calculated reasoning is to her advantage, but her Gryffindor side comes out when she’s protecting her students. She is brilliant, yet bold. McGonagall teaches us that there’s a time for discussion, and then there’s a time to send off animated statues into battle.
