The Harry Potter series is beloved for many, many reasons. The story itself, one of a young, orphaned boy with a lightning scar on his forehead finding true family and strength in the face of ever-mounting adversities, is empowering and reassures that there is hope even in the darkest of times. The characters are dynamic and multifaceted, growing as the books progress into independent, well-rounded young adults. The magic, of course, is another draw, a feat of world-building that makes the series so dazzling.
When first-year students arrive on the sweeping grounds of Hogwarts, they are ushered into the magnificent Great Hall for their first feast where the Sorting Ceremony begins. One by one, the new students try on the Sorting Hat, who decides to which house they belong.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione, the three main characters of the series, are all sorted into Gryffindor, the house known for bravery and chivalry, per the Sorting Hat’s song. Students sorted into Ravenclaw value intelligence and wisdom, seeking knowledge above all else. The Hufflepuffs are loyal, patient, and hardworking. And the most contentious of the houses, the Slytherins, are selected for their cunning nature and their ambition.
What are Slytherins like?
Slytherins in general are known for their cunning nature, ambitious drive, and ruthlessness in their efforts to achieve their goals. They are known for resourcefulness and self-preservation; where Gryffindors might rush into the fray, Slytherins might take a moment to evaluate a situation before deciding what to do. These traits can be seen in a number of great wizards and witches—the Sorting Hat even recognizes some in Harry when he is called to find out his fate, briefly considering placing Harry in Slytherin.
From Chapter Seven: The Sorting Hat
Performed by Jim Dale
From Chapter Seven: The Sorting Hat
Performed by Stephen Fry
Slytherins are ambitious and resourceful witches and wizards, often excelling in leadership and strategy. Their drive has earned them the House Cup seven years in a row by the time Harry arrives at Hogwarts. These traits can be used for great good or ill. While some of the most infamous Dark wizards, including Lord Voldemort, came from this house, these qualities also drive Slytherins to achieve remarkable success and influence.
From Chapter 23: Christmas on the Closed Ward
Performed by Jim Dale
From Chapter 23: Christmas on the Closed Ward
Performed by Stephen Fry
It’s one of the more complex Hogwarts houses, with traits that are often seen as morally gray. Slytherin’s reputation is complicated, shaped by traits that some view as dangerous. But being ambitious and cunning isn't inherently dark, and many Slytherins use these strengths to achieve great things without causing harm. Their skills are as valuable as any house’s, and contrary to old stereotypes, not all believe in ideals like blood purity.
Horace Slughorn demonstrates ambition
Professor Horace Slughorn, a previous head of the Slytherin House, is known for his Slug Club, a chosen group of students whom he sees great potential in. Dumbledore comments that he has an “uncanny knack” for picking those who do end up becoming wildly successful in their careers. His desire to nurture talent is genuine, but it also reflects his ambition to remain connected to influence and prestige.
From Chapter Seven: The Slug Club
Performed by Jim Dale
From Chapter Seven: The Slug Club
Performed by Stephen Fry
Slughorn is also one of the few Slytherins who values talent regardless of blood status, publicly complimenting and rewarding Hermione with points in potions class.
Severus Snape demonstrates cunning and bravery
Professor Severus Snape is one of the more complicated characters in the series. While we won’t spoil too much, Snape time and again puts himself directly in harm’s way to protect the students of Hogwarts, often in ways no one ever knew about. He’s intelligent, cunning, and extremely brave, and he does it all without praise or acknowledgement. That said, he also has a habit of being incredibly insulting toward his students, openly ridiculing them in front of their peers. A most complicated man, indeed.
From Chapter Eight: The Potions Master
Performed by Jim Dale
From Chapter Eight: The Potions Master
Performed by Stephen Fry
Draco Malfoy demonstrates resourcefulness
Draco Malfoy showcases many of the Slytherin House traits with his superiority complex, his sharp tongue, and his ambition to succeed no matter the cost. He’s also incredibly resourceful, keeping pace with Harry, Ron, and even Hermione in cleverness. He is confident and cunning, traits demonstrated throughout the series whether he’s trailing Harry, Ron, and Hermione or undertaking missions of his own.
From Chapter Six: The Journey from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters
Performed by Jim Dale
From Chapter Six: The Journey from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters
Performed by Stephen Fry
Lord Voldemort demonstrates a hunger for power
Lord Voldemort’s every move, it seems, is rooted in a quest for power. There are many examples to pull from, but his initial rise to power and his killing of anyone who stood in his way, including Harry’s parents, is one of the most indicative of this. Without hesitation, Voldemort showed up in Godric’s Hollow on Halloween when Harry was only one year old, murdering both James and Lily Potter. He then attempted to kill Harry, but miraculously, Harry made it out with only a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead. While Voldemort's motivations for this act are fleshed out more as the series progresses, the act alone is one of pure hunger for power, stopping anyone or anything that may stand in his way.
From Chapter Four: The Keeper of the Keys
Performed by Jim Dale
From Chapter Four: The Keeper of the Keys
Performed by Stephen Fry
What is Slytherin’s history?
Sometime around the 10th century in the remote beauty of the Scottish Highlands, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was founded by Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin. Each founder was the head of their eponymous house and selected students for that house based on the traits they most valued and wished to nurture in students.
From Chapter Seven: The Sorting Hat
Performed by Jim Dale
From Chapter Seven: The Sorting Hat
Performed by Stephen Fry
When the question of how to handle sorting in the future arose, a solution came in the form of the Sorting Hat—an enchanted pointed wizard’s hat, imbued with the founders’ knowledge and perception. From then on, the Sorting Hat would perceive and predict the capabilities and potential of students to sort them into one of the four houses. The hat is still in use when Harry takes his first steps into the Great Hall at Hogwarts.
The founder of Slytherin, Salazar Slytherin, has an infamous history with a lasting impact on the house. He was one of the greatest wizards of his age and a noted speaker of Parseltongue, which is why the house symbol is a serpent. Salazar Slytherin also had some strong opinions about who belonged at Hogwarts.
Slytherin believed magical education should remain within all-magic families and distrusted students of Muggle parentage, considering them untrustworthy. His desire to be more selective about admissions created deep divisions among the founders. If he had his way, many powerful and successful witches and wizards, Hermione Granger being one, wouldn't be allowed to set foot on Hogwarts grounds because of their bloodlines.
Who is Slytherin’s house ghost?
The Slytherin House ghost is The Bloody Baron, who is described as having a gaunt face, blank eyes, and robes stained with blood. Given his appearance alone, it’s no wonder he inspires fear among Hogwarts students and other ghosts alike. His personal history is rather bleak, from what we learn later in the series—but you’ll have to listen in to find out more.
The stately Baron haunts the dungeons of Hogwarts, which is where the Slytherin Common Room is located. He is also often called upon by other ghosts for help with controlling Peeves the Poltergeist. Whenever Peeves's pranks are getting out of hand, other ghosts go off to find the Baron to help rein Peeves in. Like many students at Hogwarts, Peeves is terrified of the Baron.
From Chapter Seven: The Sorting Hat
Performed by Jim Dale
From Chapter Seven: The Sorting Hat
Performed by Stephen Fry
Our other favourite notable Slytherins
Dolores Umbridge: After rising to a position of power at the Ministry of Magic, she is sent to Hogwarts to teach, but she wields her influence in rather cruel, oppressive ways. A formidable, memorable adversary for our heroes, Umbridge is a series standout.
From Chapter 11: The Sorting Hat's New Song
Performed by Jim Dale
From Chapter 11: The Sorting Hat's New Song
Performed by Stephen Fry
Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy: Long before Draco arrives at Hogwarts, his family legacy at the school is already one of note. His wealthy, powerful parents are notable figures in the wizarding world—even if some of their allegiances skew toward the darker side. The Malfoys are well-connected, hugely influential, proud, and deeply invested in preserving pure-blood traditions.
From Chapter Eight: The Quidditch World Cup
Performed by Jim Dale
From Chapter Eight: The Quidditch World Cup
Performed by Stephen Fry
Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle: While not known for their kindness or sharpness, Crabbe and Goyle were close friends and allies to Draco Malfloy during his time at Hogwarts. Known as school bullies, they are often seen trailing behind Malfoy, ready to aid in his latest taunts and intimidations.
What is the Slytherin Common Room like?
The Slytherin Common Room is located in the dungeons of the castle. After Harry and Ron sneak their way in in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, listeners get a description of the room for the first time. It’s said to be long and low, with stone walls. From the ceiling hang green lamps on chains. The room is decorated in Slytherin green.
