Those cunning folk use any means to achieve their ends
Famous Slytherin Characters
Slytherin house, founded by Salazar Slytherin, is known for ambition, cunning, leadership, and resourcefulness. While the house has produced its share of dark wizards, it has also given the world heroes like Severus Snape and even the legendary Merlin himself.
The History of Slytherin House
Slytherin House was founded by Salazar Slytherin, one of the four founders of Hogwarts. Salazar was a powerful wizard who valued pure-blood students and eventually left Hogwarts after a disagreement with the other founders about admitting Muggle-born students. Before leaving, he created the Chamber of Secrets, hoping his heir would one day return to purge the school of those he considered unworthy.
Despite this dark legacy, Slytherin House has produced many great witches and wizards. The house values ambition, cunning, and resourcefulness – qualities that, when properly directed, can lead to great achievements. Slytherins are natural leaders who know how to get what they want and aren't afraid to bend the rules when necessary.
The Slytherin common room is located in the dungeons beneath the Black Lake. Its windows look out into the lake's depths, giving the room an eerie green tint as light filters through the water. Despite its cold location, the room is surprisingly comfortable, with green lamps casting warm light and plush furniture arranged around the fireplace.
All Characters
Severus Snape
Potions Master
Played by: Alan Rickman
Complex and mysterious Potions Master. Cold exterior hiding a tragic past and ultimate loyalty.
Draco Malfoy
Slytherin Prince
Played by: Tom Felton
Proud Slytherin from a pure-blood family. Arrogant but struggles with the dark path expected of him.
Bellatrix Lestrange
The Dark Lord's Most Loyal
Played by: Helena Bonham Carter
Fanatical Death Eater and Voldemort's most devoted follower. Known for torturing Neville's parents and killing Sirius Black.
Narcissa Malfoy
The Protective Mother
Played by: Helen McCrory
Draco's mother and Lucius Malfoy's wife. While associated with Death Eaters, she ultimately helped Harry survive by lying to Voldemort to find her son.
Lord Voldemort
The Dark Lord
Played by: Ralph Fiennes
Born Tom Marvolo Riddle, he became the most feared dark wizard in history. Created Horcruxes to achieve immortality and led the Death Eaters.
Was Merlin in Slytherin?
Yes, the legendary wizard Merlin was indeed sorted into Slytherin house during his time at Hogwarts. This fact surprises many, but it demonstrates that Slytherin has produced some of history's greatest wizards. The Order of Merlin, the highest honor in the wizarding world, is named after this famous Slytherin alumni. Merlin's placement in Slytherin shows that ambition and cunning, when directed toward noble goals, can achieve extraordinary things.
Notable Female Slytherins
Slytherin house has produced many notable witches throughout history. Bellatrix Lestrange, though a villain, was undeniably one of the most powerful witches of her era. Narcissa Malfoy demonstrated that a mother's love transcends even house loyalties when she lied to Voldemort to save Harry Potter. Andromeda Tonks, though disowned by her family for marrying a Muggle-born, showed that Slytherins can choose love over tradition. These women demonstrate the complex nature of Slytherin house – their ambition and determination can be directed toward both light and darkness.
Slytherin Redemption
The story of Severus Snape represents the ultimate Slytherin redemption arc. Sorted into Slytherin as a boy, Snape joined the Death Eaters before switching sides to protect the woman he loved. His years as a double agent, enduring suspicion and hatred from both sides, demonstrated courage that any Gryffindor would admire.
Draco Malfoy's story also shows the possibility of redemption. Raised to believe in pure-blood supremacy, Draco found himself unable to commit murder when faced with the reality of Voldemort's evil. His hesitation at crucial moments saved lives and showed that even those raised in darkness can find their way to the light.
These stories remind us that no house is inherently good or evil. Slytherin's traits of ambition and cunning are tools that can be used for any purpose. The choice of how to use them remains with each individual witch and wizard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are famous Slytherin characters?
Famous Slytherin characters include Severus Snape, Draco Malfoy, Lord Voldemort (Tom Riddle), Bellatrix Lestrange, Narcissa Malfoy, Horace Slughorn, and Merlin himself.
Was Merlin in Slytherin?
Yes, Merlin was indeed sorted into Slytherin House during his time at Hogwarts. Despite the house's later association with dark wizards, Merlin is one of Slytherin's most celebrated alumni and received the Order of Merlin, First Class.
Who are notable female Slytherin characters?
Notable female Slytherin characters include Bellatrix Lestrange, Narcissa Malfoy, Pansy Parkinson, and Andromeda Tonks (who later married a Muggle-born).