Godric Gryffindor

Godric Gryffindor
Biographical information
Title(s)	Founder Headmaster
Physical information
Species	Human
Gender	Male
Hair colour	Red
Affiliation
House	Gryffindor
Loyalty	Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Godric Gryffindor, one of the four Founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, was hailed from a moor which is now known as Godric's Hollow a small West Country village. Gryffindor is said to have praised courage, determination and strength of heart above all other qualities. Indeed, he selected students for his house based upon their daring and bravery, according to the Sorting Hat. He also was the most in favor of allowing Muggle-borns into the school. He was initially a close friend of Salazar Slytherin, but over time their friendship deteriorated; though never stated, it is likely that the two's differing views on Muggle-borns may have been part of the reason for the split.

Relics

Godric Gryffindor's legacy: the Sorting Hat and sword.

His known relics are a goblin-made sword, adorned with rubies, and the Sorting Hat. The two items share a particular bond; whenever a "true Gryffindor" needs it, the Sword will let itself be pulled out of the hat. Godric's sword was capable of acquiring powers from those it had slain and thus was imbued with venom from Harry Potter's defeat of the Basilisk, making it suitable as a tool for destroying Voldemort's Horcruxes: Albus Dumbledore used it to destroy Gaunt's ring, Ron Weasley used it to eliminate Salazar Slytherin's Locket, and Neville Longbottom used it to kill Nagini.

Wizard of the Month

Gryffindor was named the July 2007 "Wizard of the Month" on Rowling's website. "One of the four famous Founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Godric Gryffindor was the most accomplished duelist of his time, an enlightened fighter against Muggle-discrimination and the first owner of the celebrated Sorting Hat."

Behind the scenes

• It was revealed by J.K. Rowling, that Godric Gryffindor is still alive: he is the Giant Squid that lives in Hogwarts lake, and thus makes him the biggest Animagus (and, quite possibly, the oldest) in the Wizarding World. At the eleventh hour of each night; the Squid transforms back into Gryffindor, who wanders the school grounds before returning to his Squid form. This explains why the Squid, despite its dangerous-looking appearance, is kind and gentle in nature (revealed when he saved Dennis Creevey from drowning). It should be noted that Rowling was making a joke when she revealed this.

• Godric Gryffindor is the only founder who is not mentioned to have any descendants.

Etymology

The name Godric is Anglo-Saxon in form, and can have several meanings, including, "he who rules with God" or "he who rules well". His surname is a reference to the half-lion magical beast, the Griffin. Furthermore, the last part of his surname, "dor", comes of the French d'or, "made from gold", "golden", which is one of the colours of his Hogwarts House.

Appearances

• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Mentioned only)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film) (Mentioned only)
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film) (Mentioned only)
• Wizard of the Month