Hogwarts

Hogwarts school of magic in late 1800s according to Hogwarts Legacy

Coat of arms Hogwart with motto

Gryffindorcolours

Hufflepuff colours

Ravenclawcolours

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, commonly referred to simply as Hogwarts, is a fictional British school of magic for students aged eleven to eighteen, and is the primary setting for the first six books in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series.

History

Hogwarts was founded over a thousand years ago by four powerful wizards and witches: Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin. They each represented an aspect of personality that they wanted to bring out in new students. However, shortly after founding the school, Slytherin had a falling out with the other founders due to his belief that only those of "pure" wizard blood should be admitted to Hogwarts. He left the school, but not before secretly building the Chamber of Secrets, which was later opened by Tom Riddle (later known as Lord Voldemort) to purge the school of students who were not of pure wizard blood.

Houses

The school is divided into four Houses, each bearing the last name of its founder: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Upon entering Hogwarts, students are sorted into one of the four houses by the Sorting Hat based on their characteristics and preferences. Each house has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. The houses compete throughout the school year, by earning and losing points for behaviour. The house with the most points wins the House Cup.

Location and Architecture

Hogwarts is located in the highlands of Scotland. Its exact location is hidden with numerous spells and enchantments which make it impossible for a Muggle (non-magical person) to locate it. Hogwarts is a large castle with several towers and extensive grounds, including a Forbidden Forest, a lake, and several greenhouses and other outbuildings.

Curriculum

The curriculum at Hogwarts includes a wide variety of magical subjects. First-year students are required to take Potions, Herbology, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, Charms, Astronomy, and History of Magic. As students progress through their years at Hogwarts, they are allowed to choose additional subjects from options such as Arithmancy, Muggle Studies, Divination, and Care of Magical Creatures.

Faculty

The headmaster or headmistress oversees the entire school and its operations. The most famous headmaster of Hogwarts was Albus Dumbledore. Each house has its own head, who is responsible for the students in their house. In addition to the heads of house, there are numerous other faculty members who teach specific subjects.

Transportation

Students travel to Hogwarts via the Hogwarts Express, which leaves from Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station in London. The train takes students to Hogsmeade Station, near Hogwarts. First-year students are then taken to the castle by boats, while returning students travel by carriages pulled by Thestrals, invisible to those who have never witnessed death.

Magical Protection

Hogwarts is protected by numerous spells and magical enchantments. Some of these include the Anti-Apparition Charm, which prevents Apparition or Disapparition within the castle grounds, and the Fidelius Charm, which protects the location of the school itself. Additionally, the castle's magic is designed to repel Dementors and other dark creatures.

In Popular Culture

Hogwarts has become an iconic symbol in literature and popular culture. It has inspired numerous books, films, and merchandise, making it one of the most recognizable elements of the Harry Potter franchise. The school's emphasis on friendship, bravery, and the importance of education has resonated with fans around the world.