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(→‎Known Muggle-borns: evidence regarding Penelope's blood status is conflicting, so she shouldn't be featured on the list)
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[[File:Emma-watson-as-hermione-granger-in-harry-potter.jpg|thumb|Hermione Granger, Muggle-Born Witch]]
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[[File:DH Hermione in her red dress.jpg|thumb|220x220px|[[Hermione Granger]], a Muggle-Born witch]]
{{Dialogue a-b|Lily Evans|Does it make a difference, being Muggle-born?|Severus Snape|No. It doesn’t make any difference.|[[Lily Evans]] asking [[Severus Snape]] about the [[wizarding world]] as a child|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
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{{Dialogue a-b|Lily Evans|Does it make a difference, being Muggle-born?|Severus Snape|No. It doesn’t make any difference.|Lily Evans asking [[Severus Snape]] about the [[wizarding world]] as a child|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
   
'''Muggle-born''' is the term given to a [[Wizardkind|witch or wizard]] who is born to two [[Muggle|non-magical parents]]. Their [[magic]]al abilities do not seem to be at all affected by their Muggle parentage — in fact, many Muggle-borns have been among the most powerful witches and wizards of their time, such as [[Lily Evans]] and [[Hermione Granger]].
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'''Muggle-born''' is the term given to a [[Wizardkind|witch or wizard]] who is born to two [[Muggle|non-magical parents]]. Their[[magic| magical abilities]] do not seem to be at all affected by their Muggle parentage. In fact, many Muggle-borns have been among the most talented witches and wizards of their time, such as [[Lily Evans]] and [[Hermione Granger]].
   
The proportion of the wizarding population that is Muggle-born is on the rise as the [[pure-blood]] families shrink in size and number<ref>[http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/faq_view.cfm?id=100 F.A.Q.: Pure-bloods] at [[J.K.Rowling Official Site|J.K. Rowling's Official Site]]</ref>.
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The proportion of the wizarding population that is Muggle-born is on the rise as the [[pure-blood]] families shrink in size and number.<ref>[http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/faq_view.cfm?id=100 F.A.Q.: Pure-bloods] at [[J.K.Rowling Official Site|J.K. Rowling's Official Site]]</ref>
   
 
==Origin of magical abilities==
 
==Origin of magical abilities==
Muggle-borns inherit [[magic]] from a distant ancestor; they are descended from [[Squib]]s who have married [[Muggle]]s and whose families had lost the knowledge of their wizarding legacy. The magic resurfaces unexpectedly many generations later.<ref>[http://www.bloomsbury.com/harrypotter/default.aspx?sec=3 30 July 2007 Bloomsbury Webchat with J.K. Rowling]</ref>
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Muggle-borns inherit [[magic]] from a distant ancestor; they are descended from [[Squib|Squibs]] who have married [[Muggle|Muggles]] and whose families had lost the knowledge of their wizarding legacy. The magic resurfaces unexpectedly many generations later.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080828113728/http://www.bloomsbury.com/harrypotter/default.aspx?sec=3 30 July 2007 Bloomsbury Webchat with J.K. Rowling]</ref>
   
Because of the heritability of magic, a Muggle-born's siblings can sometimes be [[Wizards|wizards or witches]] as well, as in the case of [[Colin and Dennis Creevey]]. However, this is not always the case, as Lily Evans' sister [[Petunia Dursley|Petunia]] was a [[Muggle]].
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Because of the heritability of magic, Muggle-born siblings are possible, as in the case of [[Colin and Dennis Creevey]]. However, this is not always the case, as Lily Evans' sister [[Petunia Dursley|Petunia]] was a Muggle.
   
When Muggle-born witches and wizards reach the age of eleven in the British wizarding community, their [[Hogwarts acceptance letter]]s are delivered in person by a member of the staff, instead of by [[owl post]] (the usual postal system for wizards and witches). The purpose is to reassure the parents or guardians about the sudden news, and explain to them about the concealed magical society. They would also assist the family with the preparation for going to their desired wizarding school and for the buying of school supplies.<ref name="DH">{{DH}}</ref>
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When Muggle-born witches and wizards reach the age of eleven in the British wizarding community, their [[Hogwarts acceptance letter|Hogwarts acceptance letters]] are delivered in person by a member of the staff, instead of by [[owl post]] (the usual postal system for wizards and witches). The purpose is to reassure the parents or guardians about the sudden news, and explain to them about the concealed magical society. They would also assist the family with the preparation for going to their desired wizarding school and for the buying of school supplies.<ref name="DH">{{DH}}</ref>
   
 
==Attitude towards Muggle-borns==
 
==Attitude towards Muggle-borns==
{{Quote|No one asked your opinion, you filthy little Mudblood.|[[Draco Malfoy]] to Muggle-born [[Hermione Granger]]|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
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{{Quote|No one asked your opinion, you filthy little Mudblood.|[[Draco Malfoy]] to Muggle-born Hermione Granger|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
[[File:Mudblood_sliced_into_Hermione's_arm_by_Bellatrix_Lestrange..jpg|thumb|352px|Mudblood carved into [[Hermione Granger]]'s arm by [[Bellatrix Lestrange]]]]
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[[File:Mudblood_sliced_into_Hermione's_arm_by_Bellatrix_Lestrange..jpg|thumb|249x249px|"Mudblood" carved into [[Hermione Granger]]'s arm by [[Bellatrix Lestrange]]|left]]
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Muggle-born witches and wizards are often derided by [[pure-blood]]s and called disparaging names such as "[[Mudblood]]", a term implying that they are somehow dirty and impure. Many pure-bloods believe that Muggle-borns are unworthy of magic and should not be allowed into the wizarding world. During the period of time where Muggle-Borns were being rounded up, a news article from the Daily Prophet stated that Muggle-Borns could have only obtained magic by force or theft. Those who do not perceive these beliefs, such as the [[Weasley family]], are often labelled as "[[blood traitor]]s".<ref name="CS">{{COS}}</ref>
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Muggle-born witches and wizards are often derided by [[pure-blood|pure-bloods]] and called disparaging names such as "[[Mudblood]]", a term implying that they are somehow dirty and impure. Many pure-bloods believe that Muggle-borns are unworthy of magic and should not be allowed into the wizarding world. During the period of time where Muggle-borns were being rounded up, a news article from the Daily Prophet stated that Muggle-borns could have only obtained magic by force or theft. Those who do not share these beliefs, such as the [[Weasley family]], are often labelled as "[[blood traitor|blood traitors]]".<ref name="CS">{{COS}}</ref>
   
 
===History of persecution===
 
===History of persecution===
[[File:Basilisk.jpg|thumb|250px|right|[[Salazar Slytherin's Basilisk]].]]
 
 
{{Dialogue a-b-a|Remus Lupin|Muggle-borns are being rounded up as we speak.|Ron Weasley|But how are they supposed to have 'stolen' magic? It's mental, if you could steal magic there wouldn't be any [[Squib]]s, would there?|I know. Nevertheless, unless you can prove that you have at least one close wizarding relative, you are now deemed to have obtained your magical power illegally and must suffer the punishment.|[[Remus Lupin]] explaining the Ministry of Magic's attitude while under [[Death Eaters|Death Eater]] control|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
 
{{Dialogue a-b-a|Remus Lupin|Muggle-borns are being rounded up as we speak.|Ron Weasley|But how are they supposed to have 'stolen' magic? It's mental, if you could steal magic there wouldn't be any [[Squib]]s, would there?|I know. Nevertheless, unless you can prove that you have at least one close wizarding relative, you are now deemed to have obtained your magical power illegally and must suffer the punishment.|[[Remus Lupin]] explaining the Ministry of Magic's attitude while under [[Death Eaters|Death Eater]] control|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
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[[File:Writing on wall-pmr.png|thumb|250x250px|The writing on the wall "''Enemy's of the Heir beware''"]]
 
[[Salazar Slytherin]], one of the founders of [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]], argued that the school should only admit pure-bloods as students, as [[Durmstrang Institute]] does. As a result of the disagreement, he left. Before leaving, Slytherin created the [[Chamber of Secrets]], hoping that his true heir would arrive and set the monster on those who he deemed unworthy of magic. [[Tom Riddle|Tom Marvolo Riddle]], having discovered his ancestry, went on and set the basilisk on his fellow Hogwarts students in 1943, finally killing [[Myrtle|one student]].
   
 
Fifty years later in [[1992]], by means of his diary Horcrux, he possessed [[Ginevra Weasley|Ginny Weasley]] and reopened the Chamber of Secrets. The monster [[Petrification|petrified]] several people, including [[Colin Creevey]], [[Penelope Clearwater]], [[Hermione Granger]], [[Justin Finch-Fletchley]], and even the [[Gryffindor]] [[ghost]], [[Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington]], as well as Filch's cat, Mrs Norris.
[[Salazar Slytherin]], one of the founders of [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]], argued that the school should only admit pure-bloods as students, as [[Durmstrang Institute]] does. As a result of the disagreement, he left. Before leaving, Slytherin created the [[Chamber of Secrets]], hoping that his true [[Tom Riddle|heir]] would arrive and set the monster on those who he deemed unworthy of magic. [[Tom Riddle|Tom Marvolo Riddle]], having discovered his ancestry, went on and set the basilisk on his fellow Hogwarts students in [[1940s|1943]], finally killing [[Myrtle|one student]].
 
   
 
Tom Riddle, later known as Lord Voldemort, took this prejudice to an even greater extreme with his followers, the Death Eaters, despite the fact that he himself was a [[half-blood]].
Fifty years later in [[1992]], by means of his [[Tom Riddle's Diary|diary Horcrux]], he possessed [[Ginevra Weasley|Ginny Weasley]] and reopened the Chamber of Secrets. The monster [[Petrification|petrified]] several people, including [[Colin Creevey]], [[Penelope Clearwater]], [[Hermione Granger]], [[Justin Finch-Fletchley]], and even the [[Gryffindor]] [[ghost]], [[Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington]], as well as [[Filch]]'s cat, [[Mrs. Norris]].
 
  +
[[File:Ron as Reg in trial.JPG|left|thumb|250x250px|A Muggle-born witch on trial for "stealing magic" in [[1997]]]]
 
When Voldemort seized control of the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] in 1997, Muggle-borns were required to register with the [[Muggle-Born Registration Commission]]. Political propaganda claimed that Muggle-borns were really Muggles who had stolen magic from "real" witches and wizards, supported by research supposedly carried out by the [[Department of Mysteries]]. The Ministry continued to promote the belief with the distribution of agitprop such as the pamphlet ''[[Mudbloods and the Dangers They Pose to a Peaceful Pure-Blood Society]]''. The Commission punished anyone who could not prove to have wizarding heritage for this alleged action, sentencing them to [[Azkaban]]. Anyone who resisted was threatened with, and perhaps given, the [[Dementor's Kiss]]. They also issued two [[Ministerial Decree|Ministerial Decrees]] stating that it was any wizards' duty to report suspected "Mudbloods" to them and that failure to do so would result in imprisonment.
   
 
This led some Muggle-borns, such as [[Dirk Cresswell]], to forge their family trees. Those who refused to register, such as [[Ted Tonks]], were forced to go on the run and were pursued by [[Snatchers]], sometimes fatally.
Tom Riddle, later known as [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]], took this prejudice to an even greater extreme with his followers, the [[Death Eaters]], despite the fact that he himself was a [[half-blood]].
 
   
 
This was ended with Voldemort's final defeat in [[1998]] and the reform of the Ministry under new [[Minister for Magic]] [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]]. Hermione Granger would be crucial in eliminating pro-pure-blood laws as a high-ranking member of the [[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]].<ref name="DH" />
[[File:Deatheaters1.jpg|thumb|300px|left|[[Death Eaters]] rioting at the 1994 [[Quidditch World Cup]].]]
 
When Voldemort seized control of the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] in [[1997]], Muggle-borns were required to register with the [[Muggle-Born Registration Commission]]. Political propaganda claimed that Muggle-borns were really Muggles who had stolen magic from "real" witches and wizards, supported by research supposedly carried out by the [[Department of Mysteries]]. The Ministry continued to promote the belief with the distribution of agitprop such as the pamphlet ''[[Mudbloods and the Dangers They Pose to a Peaceful Pure-Blood Society]]''. The Commission punished anyone who could not prove to have wizarding heritage for this alleged action, sentencing them to [[Azkaban]]. Anyone who resisted was threatened with, and perhaps given, the [[Dementor's Kiss]]. They also issued two [[Ministerial Decree]]s stating that it was any wizards' duty to report suspected "Mudbloods" to them and that failure to do so would result in imprisonment.
 
 
This led some Muggle-borns, such as [[Dirk Cresswell]], to forge their family trees. Those who refused to register, such as [[Ted Tonks]], were forced to go on the run and were pursued by [[Snatchers]], sometimes fatally. [[File:Trial1.jpg|right|250px]]
 
 
This was ended with Voldemort's final defeat in [[1998]] and the reform of the Ministry under new [[Minister for Magic]] [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]]. [[Hermione Granger]] would be crucial in eliminating pro-pure-blood laws as a high-ranking member of the [[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]].<ref name="DH"/>
 
   
 
===Subtler prejudice===
 
===Subtler prejudice===
{{Dialogue a-b-a|Slughorn|Your mother was Muggle-born of course. Couldn't believe it when I found out. Thought she must have been pure-blood, she was so good... Funny how that sometimes happens, isn't it?|Harry|Not really.|You mustn't think I'm prejudiced! No, no, no! Haven't I just said your mother was one of my all-time favourite students?|[[Horace Slughorn]] and [[Harry Potter]] in [[1996]]|Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince}}
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{{Dialogue a-b-a|Slughorn|Your mother was Muggle-born of course. Couldn't believe it when I found out. Thought she must have been pure-blood, she was so good... Funny how that sometimes happens, isn't it?|Harry|Not really.|You mustn't think I'm prejudiced! No, no, no! Haven't I just said your mother was one of my all-time favourite students?|Horace Slughorn and Harry Potter in [[1996]]|Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince}}
 
[[File:Lily Potter1.jpg|thumb|198x198px|Muggle-born witch [[Lily Evans|Lily Potter]]]]
 
There are also indications that a subtler, less virulent form of prejudice against Muggle-borns is relatively common in the wizarding world. For example, [[Horace Slughorn]] discriminated more on the grounds of talent or fame, rather than [[blood purity|blood status]], and thus included particularly talented Muggle-borns such as [[Hermione Granger]], Lily Evans, and [[Dirk Cresswell]] among his [[Slug Club|favourite students]]. However, he generally expected his more talented students to be [[pure-blood|pure-bloods]] and was surprised when Muggle-borns performed very well. When he remarked upon this to [[Harry Potter]] in 1996 and Harry responded coldly, Slughorn was genuinely surprised, and insisted that he was not prejudiced.<ref name="HBP">{{HBP}}</ref> This may indicate that even among those who do not believe Muggle-borns are inherently inferior or "dirty", there tends to be a false belief that most Muggle-borns are less [[magic|magically]] talented than those with wizarding heritage. However, Slughorn could have also meant that since Muggle-borns are not raised around magic, it is all the more astonishing when they do very well in school.
   
 
The [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] also seemed to have mildly favoured pure-bloods for many years before it was reformed after the [[Second Wizarding War]], as there were still "pro-pure-blood laws" in existence, which Hermione later eliminated. [[Albus Dumbledore]] also once accused [[Minister for Magic]] [[Cornelius Fudge]] himself of placing too much importance on blood purity, as Fudge was sided more with old, wealthy and influential pure-blood families such as the [[Malfoy family|Malfoys]], and looked down upon those who had less wealth and more affiliation with [[Muggle|Muggles]], like the [[Weasley family|Weasleys]]<ref name="GOF">{{GOF}}</ref>.
[[File:Lily Potter.jpg|thumb|150px|right|Muggle-born witch [[Lily Evans|Lily Potter]].]]
 
There are also indications that a subtler, less virulent form of prejudice against Muggle-borns is relatively common in the wizarding world. For example, [[Horace Slughorn]] discriminated more on the grounds of talent or fame, rather than [[blood purity|blood status]], and thus included particularly talented Muggle-borns such as [[Hermione Granger]], [[Lily Evans]], and [[Dirk Cresswell]] among his [[Slug Club|favourite students]]. However, he generally expected his more talented students to be [[pure-blood]]s and was surprised when Muggle-borns performed very well. When he remarked upon this to [[Harry Potter]] in [[1996]] and Harry responded coldly, Slughorn was genuinely surprised, and insisted that he was not prejudiced.<ref name="HBP">{{HBP}}</ref> This may indicate that even among those who do not believe Muggle-borns are inherently inferior or "dirty", there tends to be a false belief that most Muggle-borns are less [[magic]]ally talented than those with wizarding heritage. However, Slughorn could have also meant that since Muggle-borns are not raised around magic, it is all the more astonishing when they do very well in school.
 
   
  +
It was a widely held belief in the wizarding world that Muggle-borns were more likely to produce Squib children and slower to show signs of magic in childhood than pure- or half-blood wizards. These stereotypes were disproven by the [[Institute of Muggle Studies]], though they also disproved the positive beliefs that Muggle-borns have greater immunity to wizarding illnesses and a natural sense of rhythm.<ref>''[[Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Test]] - Grade 1, Question 16</ref>
The [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] also seemed to have mildly favoured pure-bloods for many years before it was reformed after the [[Second Wizarding War]], as there were still "pro-pure-blood laws" in existence, which Hermione later eliminated. [[Albus Dumbledore]] also once accused [[Minister for Magic]] [[Cornelius Fudge]] himself of placing too much importance on blood purity, as Fudge was sided more with old, wealthy and influential pure-blood families such as the [[Malfoy family|Malfoys]], and looked down upon those who had less wealth and more affiliation with [[Muggle]]s, like the [[Weasley family|Weasleys]]<ref name="GOF">{{GOF}}</ref>.
 
   
 
==Known Muggle-borns==
 
==Known Muggle-borns==
[[File:Myrtle1.PNG|thumb|130px|Moaning Myrtle Muggle-born witch]]
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[[File:Myrtle1.PNG|thumb|216x216px|Myrtle Warren, a Muggle-born witch.]]
 
*[[Alderton]]<ref>When he was interrogated by the [[Muggle-Born Registration Commission]] in [[1997]], Alderton claimed to be a [[half-blood]]. He may have been lying in an attempt to save himself, or he may genuinely have been related to [[Arkie Alderton]].</ref>
 
*[[Alderton]]<ref>When he was interrogated by the [[Muggle-Born Registration Commission]] in [[1997]], Alderton claimed to be a [[half-blood]]. He may have been lying in an attempt to save himself, or he may genuinely have been related to [[Arkie Alderton]].</ref>
  +
*[[Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington|Nearly Headless Nick]] (possibly)<ref>It is possible Nick was Muggle-born, due to him having been petrified by the Basilisk</ref>
 
*[[Mary Cattermole]]<ref name="DH"/>
 
*[[Mary Cattermole]]<ref name="DH"/>
 
*[[Colin Creevey]]<ref name="CS"/>
 
*[[Colin Creevey]]<ref name="CS"/>
 
*[[Dennis Creevey]]
 
*[[Dennis Creevey]]
  +
*[[Penelope Clearwater]] (possibly)<ref>There is some confusion over Penelope Clearwater's blood status. In ''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets|Chamber of Secrets]]'', Penelope was [[Petrification|petrified]] along with [[Colin Creevey]], [[Justin Finch-Fletchley]], [[Hermione Granger]], [[Nearly-Headless Nick]], and [[Mrs. Norris]]. The petrifications were described as a series of "four attacks on Muggle-borns" in chapter 14 and Ginny Weasley (possessed by [[Tom Riddle's diary|Tom Riddle's memory]]) was described as having "set the Serpent of Slytherin on four Mudbloods, and the Squib's cat" in Chapter 17. However, it is possible that the fourth Muggle-born in addition to Colin, Hermione, and Justin (who are all definitively identified as Muggle-borns at some point) was Nearly-Headless Nick, and that Penelope was simply petrified because she was with Hermione when she encountered the [[basilisk]]. In ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows|Deathly Hallows]]'', Hermione posed as Penelope when under interrogation by [[Snatchers]], and claimed to be [[half-blood]]. Although, Hermione may have only lied about Penelope's blood status because mentioning she's Muggle-born would have possibly made things worse.</ref>
 
*[[Dirk Cresswell]]<ref name="HBP"/>
 
*[[Dirk Cresswell]]<ref name="HBP"/>
 
*[[Kendra Dumbledore]]<ref name="DH"/>
 
*[[Kendra Dumbledore]]<ref name="DH"/>
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*[[Justin Finch-Fletchley]]<ref name="CS"/>
 
*[[Justin Finch-Fletchley]]<ref name="CS"/>
 
*[[Hermione Granger]]
 
*[[Hermione Granger]]
*[[Nobby Leach]]<ref name="pottermore">[[Pottermore]]</ref>
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*[[Nobby Leach]]<ref name="pottermore">''[[Pottermore]]''</ref>
*[[Myrtle]]<ref name="CS"/>
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*[[Myrtle Warren]]<ref name="CS"/>
 
*[[Garrick Ollivander's mother|Mrs. Ollivander]]<ref name="pottermore" />
 
*[[Garrick Ollivander's mother|Mrs. Ollivander]]<ref name="pottermore" />
 
*[[Ted Tonks]]<ref name="OTP">{{OOTP}}</ref>
 
*[[Ted Tonks]]<ref name="OTP">{{OOTP}}</ref>
  +
*[[Dirk Cresswell]]
 
*[[Donaghan Tremlett]]
 
*[[Donaghan Tremlett]]
 
 
==Behind the scenes==
 
==Behind the scenes==
 
*[[Hannah Abbott]] was originally listed as a Muggle-born on [[J. K. Rowling]]'s draft list of students in [[Harry Potter]]'s class.<ref name="HPM">''[[Harry Potter and Me]]''</ref> However, Rowling stated in an [[J.K. Rowling PotterCast Interview|interview]] that she always considered Hannah to be a [[pure-blood]]. To compromise, she was officially made a [[half-blood]].<ref name="pottercast">[http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/2007/12/23/transcript-of-part-1-of-pottercast-s-jk-rowling-interview PotterCast 130 transcript]</ref>
 
*[[Hannah Abbott]] was originally listed as a Muggle-born on [[J. K. Rowling]]'s draft list of students in [[Harry Potter]]'s class.<ref name="HPM">''[[Harry Potter and Me]]''</ref> However, Rowling stated in an [[J.K. Rowling PotterCast Interview|interview]] that she always considered Hannah to be a [[pure-blood]]. To compromise, she was officially made a [[half-blood]].<ref name="pottercast">[http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/2007/12/23/transcript-of-part-1-of-pottercast-s-jk-rowling-interview PotterCast 130 transcript]</ref>
 
*Another student mentioned as being Muggle-born on Rowling's draft class list, which is not considered [[canon]] due to several contradictions with the novels, is [[Kevin Entwhistle]].<ref name="HPM"/>
 
*Another student mentioned as being Muggle-born on Rowling's draft class list, which is not considered [[canon]] due to several contradictions with the novels, is [[Kevin Entwhistle]].<ref name="HPM"/>
 
*[[Terry Boot]] was listed as a Muggle-born on Rowling's draft class list<ref name="HPM"/>, but in ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'', he was shown to be attending his seventh year at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]] despite Muggle-borns being banned from the school while [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] was in power. This suggests that he is either a [[pure-blood]] or a [[half-blood]], though it is possible that he is a Muggle-born who faked his family tree.
 
*[[Terry Boot]] was listed as a Muggle-born on Rowling's draft class list<ref name="HPM"/>, but in ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'', he was shown to be attending his seventh year at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]] despite Muggle-borns being banned from the school while [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] was in power. This suggests that he is either a [[pure-blood]] or a [[half-blood]], though it is possible that he is a Muggle-born who faked his family tree.
*[[Dean Thomas]] was never certain whether he was Muggle-born or not, since his [[Dean Thomas's father|father]] left his [[Dean Thomas's mother|mother]] when he was very young. His father was in fact a [[Wizards|wizard]], thus Dean is a [[half-blood]], but Dean was not able to prove it, which made him a target of the [[Muggle-Born Registration Commission]] and [[Snatchers]] during the height of the [[Second Wizarding War]].<ref name="DH"/>
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*[[Dean Thomas]] was never certain whether he was Muggle-born or not, since his [[Dean Thomas's father|father]] left his [[Dean Thomas's mother|mother]] when he was very young. His father was in fact a [[Wizards|wizard]], thus Dean is a [[half-blood]], but Dean was not able to prove it, which made him a target of the [[Muggle-Born Registration Commission]] and [[Snatchers]] during the height of the [[Second Wizarding War]]. His Father was also killed for refusing to join the Death Eaters which would not have made him safe with the Death Eaters even if he could prove his heritage. <ref name="DH"/>
 
*A rumour on the [[Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Test|W.O.M.B.A.T.]] was that Muggle-borns have a natural sense of rhythm.
 
*A rumour on the [[Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Test|W.O.M.B.A.T.]] was that Muggle-borns have a natural sense of rhythm.
  +
  +
==Appearances==
  +
  +
*''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'' {{1st}}
  +
*''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)]]''
  +
*''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game)]]''
  +
*''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]''
  +
*''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)]]''
  +
*''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)]]''
  +
*''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]''
  +
*''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)]]''
  +
*''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)]]''
  +
*''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]''
  +
*''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)]]''
  +
*''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (video game)]]''
  +
*''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]''
  +
*''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)]]''
  +
*''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game)]]''
  +
*''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]''
  +
*''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)]]''
  +
*''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (video game)]]''
  +
*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]''
  +
*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1]]''
  +
*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (video game)]]''
  +
*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2]]''
  +
*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (video game)]]''
  +
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Building the Magical World]]''
  +
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Characters of the Magical World]]''
  +
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4]]''
  +
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7]]''
   
 
==See also==
 
==See also==
Line 77: Line 109:
 
==Notes and references==
 
==Notes and references==
 
{{Reflist}}
 
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[[es:Nacido de muggle]]
 
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Revision as of 20:49, 29 June 2015

DH Hermione in her red dress

Hermione Granger, a Muggle-Born witch

Lily Evans: "Does it make a difference, being Muggle-born?"
Severus Snape: "No. It doesn’t make any difference."
— Lily Evans asking Severus Snape about the wizarding world as a child[src]

Muggle-born is the term given to a witch or wizard who is born to two non-magical parents. Their magical abilities do not seem to be at all affected by their Muggle parentage. In fact, many Muggle-borns have been among the most talented witches and wizards of their time, such as Lily Evans and Hermione Granger.

The proportion of the wizarding population that is Muggle-born is on the rise as the pure-blood families shrink in size and number.[1]

Origin of magical abilities

Muggle-borns inherit magic from a distant ancestor; they are descended from Squibs who have married Muggles and whose families had lost the knowledge of their wizarding legacy. The magic resurfaces unexpectedly many generations later.[2]

Because of the heritability of magic, Muggle-born siblings are possible, as in the case of Colin and Dennis Creevey. However, this is not always the case, as Lily Evans' sister Petunia was a Muggle.

When Muggle-born witches and wizards reach the age of eleven in the British wizarding community, their Hogwarts acceptance letters are delivered in person by a member of the staff, instead of by owl post (the usual postal system for wizards and witches). The purpose is to reassure the parents or guardians about the sudden news, and explain to them about the concealed magical society. They would also assist the family with the preparation for going to their desired wizarding school and for the buying of school supplies.[3]

Attitude towards Muggle-borns

"No one asked your opinion, you filthy little Mudblood."
Draco Malfoy to Muggle-born Hermione Granger[src]
Mudblood sliced into Hermione's arm by Bellatrix Lestrange.

"Mudblood" carved into Hermione Granger's arm by Bellatrix Lestrange

Muggle-born witches and wizards are often derided by pure-bloods and called disparaging names such as "Mudblood", a term implying that they are somehow dirty and impure. Many pure-bloods believe that Muggle-borns are unworthy of magic and should not be allowed into the wizarding world. During the period of time where Muggle-borns were being rounded up, a news article from the Daily Prophet stated that Muggle-borns could have only obtained magic by force or theft. Those who do not share these beliefs, such as the Weasley family, are often labelled as "blood traitors".[4]

History of persecution

Remus Lupin: "Muggle-borns are being rounded up as we speak."
Ron Weasley: "But how are they supposed to have 'stolen' magic? It's mental, if you could steal magic there wouldn't be any Squibs, would there?"
Remus Lupin: "I know. Nevertheless, unless you can prove that you have at least one close wizarding relative, you are now deemed to have obtained your magical power illegally and must suffer the punishment."
Remus Lupin explaining the Ministry of Magic's attitude while under Death Eater control[src]
Writing on wall-pmr

The writing on the wall "Enemy's of the Heir beware"

Salazar Slytherin, one of the founders of Hogwarts, argued that the school should only admit pure-bloods as students, as Durmstrang Institute does. As a result of the disagreement, he left. Before leaving, Slytherin created the Chamber of Secrets, hoping that his true heir would arrive and set the monster on those who he deemed unworthy of magic. Tom Marvolo Riddle, having discovered his ancestry, went on and set the basilisk on his fellow Hogwarts students in 1943, finally killing one student.

Fifty years later in 1992, by means of his diary Horcrux, he possessed Ginny Weasley and reopened the Chamber of Secrets. The monster petrified several people, including Colin Creevey, Penelope Clearwater, Hermione Granger, Justin Finch-Fletchley, and even the Gryffindor ghost, Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, as well as Filch's cat, Mrs Norris.

Tom Riddle, later known as Lord Voldemort, took this prejudice to an even greater extreme with his followers, the Death Eaters, despite the fact that he himself was a half-blood.

Ron as Reg in trial

A Muggle-born witch on trial for "stealing magic" in 1997

When Voldemort seized control of the Ministry of Magic in 1997, Muggle-borns were required to register with the Muggle-Born Registration Commission. Political propaganda claimed that Muggle-borns were really Muggles who had stolen magic from "real" witches and wizards, supported by research supposedly carried out by the Department of Mysteries. The Ministry continued to promote the belief with the distribution of agitprop such as the pamphlet Mudbloods and the Dangers They Pose to a Peaceful Pure-Blood Society. The Commission punished anyone who could not prove to have wizarding heritage for this alleged action, sentencing them to Azkaban. Anyone who resisted was threatened with, and perhaps given, the Dementor's Kiss. They also issued two Ministerial Decrees stating that it was any wizards' duty to report suspected "Mudbloods" to them and that failure to do so would result in imprisonment.

This led some Muggle-borns, such as Dirk Cresswell, to forge their family trees. Those who refused to register, such as Ted Tonks, were forced to go on the run and were pursued by Snatchers, sometimes fatally.

This was ended with Voldemort's final defeat in 1998 and the reform of the Ministry under new Minister for Magic Kingsley Shacklebolt. Hermione Granger would be crucial in eliminating pro-pure-blood laws as a high-ranking member of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.[3]

Subtler prejudice

Slughorn: "Your mother was Muggle-born of course. Couldn't believe it when I found out. Thought she must have been pure-blood, she was so good... Funny how that sometimes happens, isn't it?"
Harry: "Not really."
Slughorn: "You mustn't think I'm prejudiced! No, no, no! Haven't I just said your mother was one of my all-time favourite students?"
— Horace Slughorn and Harry Potter in 1996[src]
Lily Potter1

Muggle-born witch Lily Potter

There are also indications that a subtler, less virulent form of prejudice against Muggle-borns is relatively common in the wizarding world. For example, Horace Slughorn discriminated more on the grounds of talent or fame, rather than blood status, and thus included particularly talented Muggle-borns such as Hermione Granger, Lily Evans, and Dirk Cresswell among his favourite students. However, he generally expected his more talented students to be pure-bloods and was surprised when Muggle-borns performed very well. When he remarked upon this to Harry Potter in 1996 and Harry responded coldly, Slughorn was genuinely surprised, and insisted that he was not prejudiced.[5] This may indicate that even among those who do not believe Muggle-borns are inherently inferior or "dirty", there tends to be a false belief that most Muggle-borns are less magically talented than those with wizarding heritage. However, Slughorn could have also meant that since Muggle-borns are not raised around magic, it is all the more astonishing when they do very well in school.

The Ministry of Magic also seemed to have mildly favoured pure-bloods for many years before it was reformed after the Second Wizarding War, as there were still "pro-pure-blood laws" in existence, which Hermione later eliminated. Albus Dumbledore also once accused Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge himself of placing too much importance on blood purity, as Fudge was sided more with old, wealthy and influential pure-blood families such as the Malfoys, and looked down upon those who had less wealth and more affiliation with Muggles, like the Weasleys[6].

It was a widely held belief in the wizarding world that Muggle-borns were more likely to produce Squib children and slower to show signs of magic in childhood than pure- or half-blood wizards. These stereotypes were disproven by the Institute of Muggle Studies, though they also disproved the positive beliefs that Muggle-borns have greater immunity to wizarding illnesses and a natural sense of rhythm.[7]

Known Muggle-borns

File:Myrtle1.PNG

Myrtle Warren, a Muggle-born witch.

Behind the scenes

Appearances

See also

Notes and references

  1. F.A.Q.: Pure-bloods at J.K. Rowling's Official Site
  2. 30 July 2007 Bloomsbury Webchat with J.K. Rowling
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
  5. 5.0 5.1 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
  6. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
  7. Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Test - Grade 1, Question 16
  8. When he was interrogated by the Muggle-Born Registration Commission in 1997, Alderton claimed to be a half-blood. He may have been lying in an attempt to save himself, or he may genuinely have been related to Arkie Alderton.
  9. It is possible Nick was Muggle-born, due to him having been petrified by the Basilisk
  10. There is some confusion over Penelope Clearwater's blood status. In Chamber of Secrets, Penelope was petrified along with Colin Creevey, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Hermione Granger, Nearly-Headless Nick, and Mrs. Norris. The petrifications were described as a series of "four attacks on Muggle-borns" in chapter 14 and Ginny Weasley (possessed by Tom Riddle's memory) was described as having "set the Serpent of Slytherin on four Mudbloods, and the Squib's cat" in Chapter 17. However, it is possible that the fourth Muggle-born in addition to Colin, Hermione, and Justin (who are all definitively identified as Muggle-borns at some point) was Nearly-Headless Nick, and that Penelope was simply petrified because she was with Hermione when she encountered the basilisk. In Deathly Hallows, Hermione posed as Penelope when under interrogation by Snatchers, and claimed to be half-blood. Although, Hermione may have only lied about Penelope's blood status because mentioning she's Muggle-born would have possibly made things worse.
  11. 11.0 11.1 Pottermore
  12. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 Harry Potter and Me
  14. PotterCast 130 transcript