The Harry Potter franchise has been captivating audiences around the world for over two decades. With the release of the first book in 1997, and subsequent movies, video games, and merchandise, the magical world of Harry Potter has become a beloved part of popular culture. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the franchise, outside of it’s core OG fans, particularly among younger generations who are discovering the world of Hogwarts for the first time.
One of the biggest drivers of this resurgence is the release of the Hogwarts Legacy video game. It”s only available to certain games systems right now but it will be available to everyone by the Summer. The game promises to be a fully-realized Hogwarts experience, allowing players to create their own characters, attend classes, explore the wizarding world, and even make choices that affect the outcome of the story. The ability to immerse oneself in the magical world of Harry Potter is a serious draw for fans, both old and new.
However, while the Hogwarts Legacy game has contributed to the rise of new fans, it is not the only factor. Social media, particularly platforms like TikTok, have also played a significant role in introducing younger generations to the Harry Potter universe. Videos showcasing DIY Harry Potter crafts, cosplay, and fan theories have gone viral, spreading the magic of Hogwarts to new audiences around the world.
Hybrid Houses
Another trend that has remerged in recent years is the popularity of Hybrid Houses. While the four Hogwarts houses – Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin – are the established Houses, some fans have created their own hybrid houses by combining the traits of two or more houses. For example, Gryffinclaw combines traits of Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, while Hufflepuffindor combines traits of Hufflepuff and Gryffindor.
There are some benefits to creating and exploring hybrid houses. For one, it allows for more nuanced and complex character development. Characters that possess traits from multiple houses are more multidimensional and interesting, which can lead to more engaging fan fiction and roleplaying games. Additionally, hybrid houses can be more inclusive. This allows for a wider range of personalities and backgrounds to be represented.
While hybrid houses can be fun and creative, it is important to remember the significance of the traditional Hogwarts houses.
Each house has a rich history and set of values that are important to the Harry Potter universe. Gryffindor values courage and bravery, Ravenclaw values intelligence and wit, Hufflepuff values hard work and loyalty, and Slytherin values ambition and cunning. By creating hybrid houses, it is important not to lose sight of these values and to ensure that they are still being represented in the fandom. Furthermore, sticking to one Hogwarts house can be important for fans who are passionate about the Harry Potter universe.
Focusing on one house, fans can develop a deeper understanding of the traits, values, and history associated with that house. This can lead to a greater appreciation for the Harry Potter universe and a deeper sense of community with other fans who share similar values and traits. This doesn’t mean characters or people wont have traits that may align with other houses, but sorting is about what you may value the most and bringing those attributes forward.
Harry, Hermonie, Neville and Cedric are major characters when discussing this. They all could have been sorted into different house because some of their traits may fit other houses. Hermoinie’s intelligence, Nevilles loyalty, Cedrics bravery and with Harry, we know why he could of been a Slytherin. It was about what they valued that kept them to one house.
Consistency is also an important factor to consider when sticking to one house. By maintaining consistency in character development and traits, it is easier to understand and identify with the character. This leads to a more meaningful experience for fans who are passionate about the Harry Potter universe.
Speaking of consistency lets be for real, if we actually existed in the wizarding world when those quidditch matches are about to happen, we’re not rooting for two teams. We’re not sharing no common rooms either. I don’t care how many times that cute mysterious Slytherin boy says “we are one because we share some of the same traits”, nobody’s giving up that common room password.