Undeniably, Luna Lovegood is one of the most beloved characters across theHarry Potterfranchise. Ever since the character was first introduced inHarry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, fans have adored Luna for her kindness and eccentric personality. Despite appearing later in the series, Luna is widely regarded as one of the most significantHarry Pottercharacters.
However, the character’s Hogwarts house is a matter of debate among fans. Whilst Luna was sorted into Ravenclaw, some Harry fans argue that the character is better suited to other Hogwarts houses, such as Gryffindor and Hufflepuff. So why was Luna placed in Ravenclaw?
RELATED:Harry Potter: Is Ginny Weasley More Powerful Than Harry?
What are the traits of the Ravenclaw house?
Ravenclaw is home to Hogwarts’ smartest students –besides Hermione Granger. Those who are sorted into Ravenclaw are known for their intelligence and wit. Ravenclaw students will always showcase a willingness to learn and will often be at the top of their class. Notable members of the Ravenclaw house include Cho Chang, Filius Flitwick, and of course, Luna Lovegood.
The house was founded by Rowena Ravenclaw – one of the four founders of Hogwarts. Her infamous quote “Wit beyond measure is man’s greatest treasure” is engraved upon the Diadem of Ravenclaw – showcasing the house’s value of intellect.
Luna is known for her eccentricity, so much so that audiences often accuse her of being away with the fairies. During her time at Hogwarts, Luna could often be found wandering around the forest barefoot and protesting the existence of Nargles. Luna’s obsession with Nargles is a running joke throughout the franchise. Whilst many believe that Nargles are fictionalised creatures, both Luna and her father are adamant about the magical creature’s existence. Some fans would argue that Luna’s odd beliefs make her stand out from Ravenclaws’ sharp wits – deepening the mystery as to why the character was placed in the house.
Does Luna belong in a different Hogwarts’ house?
Fans often argue that Luna truly belongs in the Gryffindor house.Gryffindorsare well-known for their bravery and loyalty– traits which are often associated with Luna herself. Whilst the character is often perceived as a social outcast, Luna greatly values her close friends. DuringHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’book, it’s revealed that Luna had a painted mural on her bedroom wall, which contained the faces of her closest friends. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Neville all featured on Luna’s ceiling, with the words ‘Friends…friends…friends” painted in a golden chain around the characters. In this heart-warming scene, fans can see how much Luna values her friends. Often the butt of bullies’ jokes, Luna expresses an unwavering sense of loyalty to those who are kind to her – a true Gryffindor trait.
Throughout the franchise, Luna is also shown to be a highly courageous character. She was eager to join Dumbledore’s Army and fought bravely against the Death Eaters. Luna’s father,Xenophilius Lovegood, was also a member of the Ravenclaw house. However, unlike his daughter, Xenophilius panicked in the face of danger when he attempted to hand over Harry, Ron, and Hermione to the Dark Lord’s servants. Despite being faced with dangerous situations, Luna’s persistent courage associates her with the Gryffindor house. Her famous hand-made lion-topped hat also shows Luna’s unwavering support of Gryffindor during the Quidditch games.
Some fans also believe thatLuna is the perfect embodiment of a Hufflepuff. Hufflepuffs are known for their kindness towards others – a trait which Luna is famed for. Despite often being picked on, Luna is kind to everyone around her, including magical creatures and house-elves. Even Helena Ravenclaw, the ghost who resides in Ravenclaw’s Tower, notices Luna’s abundance of kindness. A scene fromDeathly Hallows: Part 2features Helena telling Harry that “Luna is kind, unlike so many of the others”. However, despite Luna’s affiliations with both Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, she undeniably possesses some true Ravenclaw traits.
What makes Luna a Ravenclaw?
As previously outlined, Ravenclaws are famed for their intellect. Despite her odd beliefs and strange conspiracy theories, Luna is an extremely intelligent character. InHarry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,it isLuna who teaches Harry about the Thestrals, informing him that “They can only be seen by people who have seen death”.
Just like her late mother, Luna is an exceptionally talented witch.She could successfully cast a Patronusin her fourth year of Hogwarts – a skill which only few witches and wizards could master. Luna could also successfully defend herself against the Death Eaters’ dark magic, and inHarry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, audiences witnessed her perfectly mend Harry’s broken nose – despite never having fixed a nose before.
However, Luna’s most recognizable display of knowledge arose when she guided Harry towards Rowena Ravenclaw’s Diadem –one of Voldemort’s Horcruxes. Inthe Deathly Hallowsbook, Harry fails to recognize Luna’s impressive intelligence. After asking if anybody knows anything about the mysterious Horcrux, Harry “looked hopefully towards the little group of Ravenclaws, to Padma, Michael, Terry and Cho, but it was Luna who answered, perched on the arm of Ginny’s chair”.
A similar scene is featured in theDeathly Hallows: Part 2when Harry attempts to dismiss Luna’s insights, telling her that she’s wasting her time. Ultimately, Luna loses her temper, yelling out “Harry Potter, you listen to me right now!”. In order to discover the Horcrux’s whereabouts, Luna tells Harry that he needs to speak to somebody who has seen the Diadem first hand: “It’s obvious, isn’t it? We have to talk to someone whose dead”. Without Luna’s advice, it’s unlikely thatHarry would have ever found the Horcrux.
Throughout the series, Luna is shown to be incredibly in tune with other people’s emotions. She is a great source of comfort to Harry after the death ofSirius Black. In a heart-warming scene, Luna tells Harry that the “Things we lose have a way of coming back to us in the end, if not always in the way we expect”. Luna’s heart-felt advice proves that the witch is wise beyond her years.
Importantly, Luna is incredibly self-assured in her knowledge. She is never swayed by others’ opinions and refuses to follow the crowd – even if this means facing ridicule from her classmates. In true Ravenclaw fashion, Luna is an independent thinker and is never afraid to correct others. Despite being overlooked and often mocked by her peers, she never once doubts herself. She has the strength to believe in herself and her own wisdom – a trait which makes Luna Lovegood a true Ravenclaw.
