Gryffindors by Gryffindors
Sometimes it's hard to define who we are. And with the wide variety of people in Gryffindor, it's hard to see how we can possibly display the same traits. Here are some descriptions of Gryffindors by our very own Gryffindors to help you redefine yourself.
The Sorting Hat sings about traits of "daring, nerve and chivalry", and due to Gryffindor House canonically being the most concretely defined, it's hard not to invoke romantic concepts of Robin Hood-type figures standing alone against oppression and tyrany, recklessly going on sacred quests to vanquish the bad guys. Perhaps because of this, many Gryffindors who come to the Tower don't believe themselves to be a lion at heart. But being a Gryffindor has never really been about shimmying through air vents or being the first on the dance floor.
A true Gryffindor is passionate. When one finds something they believe in-- be it a hobby, a cause, a person or a meaningful project-- they invest their soul into this endeavour, and will continue to drive it forward. We're often the ones still covering your back when others have moved on to new distractions.
A Gryffindor is naturally restless. Their mind is only at rest when their hands are busy; their body will be at rest when their mind is immersed in something captivating. Lions only rest when THEY want to rest. It's not the same as being energetic or active: we just don't like doing nothing for long stretches. We work hard, and play harder. Gryffindors are usually exceptionally good to their word: we repay favours, and are content in doing things for other people without expecting things in return. We give more than we receive, and are just fine with that.
Gryffindors frequently get stereotyped as being extroverted, cocky and a bit stubborn. This is only partly true: the House does often attract that personality type, but correlation never equals causality. Our emblem animal is the lion. Lions live in prides, travelling together to hunt food, chase away predators and guarding their young. But not every lion will front the pack: some will lead, others will follow, and everyone finds a role they're comfortable with. We are the same: Neville Longbottom is as much of a Gryffindor as Fred Weasley. Being an introvert and being a lion aren't mutually exclusive.
We know the rules, and we know right from wrong. However, we've also got a critical edge to our thinking: rules are not always right, and we will challenge ones we feel are wrong (be it an objection to political rhetoric, or a doubt in our minds we can't quite articulate). We won't just follow the crowds unthinkingly. If we find things that don't stand to logic, we are prepared to brush them aside and do what we feel ought to be done. This is one of the reasons Gryffindors and Slytherins are considered kin. However, we tend to do so to satisfy our sense of morality more than to honour a particular purpose.
Lastly, Gryffindors are all about potential. We like personal growth, be it within ourselves, or within our friends, lovers or communities. This is why a Gryffindor may not realise they are a Gryffindor at first: they're yet to tap into that potential. However, when they do discover that side of the psyche, the sky is the limit.
Today, a cub will mewl. Tomorrow, she will roar.
-Rob anbyrobanby, Gryffindor since January 11, 2011.
The Sorting Hat sings about traits of "daring, nerve and chivalry", and due to Gryffindor House canonically being the most concretely defined, it's hard not to invoke romantic concepts of Robin Hood-type figures standing alone against oppression and tyrany, recklessly going on sacred quests to vanquish the bad guys. Perhaps because of this, many Gryffindors who come to the Tower don't believe themselves to be a lion at heart. But being a Gryffindor has never really been about shimmying through air vents or being the first on the dance floor.
A true Gryffindor is passionate. When one finds something they believe in-- be it a hobby, a cause, a person or a meaningful project-- they invest their soul into this endeavour, and will continue to drive it forward. We're often the ones still covering your back when others have moved on to new distractions.
A Gryffindor is naturally restless. Their mind is only at rest when their hands are busy; their body will be at rest when their mind is immersed in something captivating. Lions only rest when THEY want to rest. It's not the same as being energetic or active: we just don't like doing nothing for long stretches. We work hard, and play harder. Gryffindors are usually exceptionally good to their word: we repay favours, and are content in doing things for other people without expecting things in return. We give more than we receive, and are just fine with that.
Gryffindors frequently get stereotyped as being extroverted, cocky and a bit stubborn. This is only partly true: the House does often attract that personality type, but correlation never equals causality. Our emblem animal is the lion. Lions live in prides, travelling together to hunt food, chase away predators and guarding their young. But not every lion will front the pack: some will lead, others will follow, and everyone finds a role they're comfortable with. We are the same: Neville Longbottom is as much of a Gryffindor as Fred Weasley. Being an introvert and being a lion aren't mutually exclusive.
We know the rules, and we know right from wrong. However, we've also got a critical edge to our thinking: rules are not always right, and we will challenge ones we feel are wrong (be it an objection to political rhetoric, or a doubt in our minds we can't quite articulate). We won't just follow the crowds unthinkingly. If we find things that don't stand to logic, we are prepared to brush them aside and do what we feel ought to be done. This is one of the reasons Gryffindors and Slytherins are considered kin. However, we tend to do so to satisfy our sense of morality more than to honour a particular purpose.
Lastly, Gryffindors are all about potential. We like personal growth, be it within ourselves, or within our friends, lovers or communities. This is why a Gryffindor may not realise they are a Gryffindor at first: they're yet to tap into that potential. However, when they do discover that side of the psyche, the sky is the limit.
Today, a cub will mewl. Tomorrow, she will roar.
-Rob anbyrobanby, Gryffindor since January 11, 2011.