HLBoES: History of Magic Quiz (contains spoilers)

Based on your reading of the websites previously listed and your own personal knowledge of Hogwarts history, write a short essay on the meanings of the House symbols. Include all 4 Houses, not just your own.

I have decided to use a different (and perhaps unique) lens to look at through in my analysis of the house animals/mascots. It may not entirely fit the criteria of our History of Magic professor, but it certainly has sated my curiosity.  I will be analyzing the House animals in terms of "Animal Totems."

Ravenclaw
Animal: Eagle
Values: Intelligence, Creativity, Wit, & Wisdom
Totem significance: The eagle is noted as a symbol of strength, ferocity, vision, & endurance.  Vision, in this sense, has dual meaning -- both optical (sight) and mental (foresight & insight).  These characteristics are fitting for Ravenclaw because, though they do not value ambition like Slytherin, they need an outlet for their intelligence and creativity. 
Element: Air; associated with mental realms. This fits naturally with Ravenclaw -- all of their values are related to thought.

Hufflepuff
Animal: Badger
Values: Hardwork, Loyalty, Tolerance, & Fair Play
Totem significance: Badgers are associated with healing (caregiving), tidiness, & organization -- all fitting of Hufflepuffs.  They are also recognized as aggressive, especially in protecting their young. They will fight to the death (like Cederic Diggory ::sniff::) if cornered.  This trait well corresponds with Hufflepuff loyalty & stick-to-it-ness.  Badgers are diggers & create their entire home underground.  Their dens are clean and well-organized.  Such an effort clearly requires hard work.  The one element of the Badger totem that does not seem to fit with the Hufflepuff is that they are often solitary creatures.
Element: Earth; associated with physical realms.  This fits Hufflepuff as their tidiness and organization, as well as many forms of showing tolerance & care for others, play out physically.

Gryffindor
Animal: Lion
Values: Courage, Daring, Nerve, & Chivalry
Totem significance: Courage and family are the two main traits of the Lion totem, as well as an underlying current of female strength.  Lions travel in prides (the name given to a family of lions) and the Gryffindors certainly become a sort of family for Harry -- with all of the emotions and drama of family, as well. Ron and Harry, who share a brotherly bond, have some of the most sensational blow-ups at each other.  Indeed, Ron's sister Ginny literally becomes family when she and Harry marry. Lily, Harry's mother, was also a Gryffindor, she demonstrates lioness-like qualities in her fight for the survival of her young against Voldemort. Finally, lions are also known for their ability to disappear into the scenery and their preference to live a leisurely life.  Harry's adulthood is a testament to these traits.  With his fame, Harry could have easily gone on to be Minister of Magic or another cheeky Gilderoy Lockheart.  Instead, he chooses a (relatively) normal career and family life, in essence disappearing from the spotlight (despite the fact that everyone still acknowledged who he was & the feats he had accomplished).
Element: Fire/Heart; associated with dynamism (change).  The greatest change I've seen amongst the Gryffindors is the evolution from meek to bold, growing from uncertainty to boldness.  A prime example is Neville Longbottom. Originally uncertain & lacking in self-esteem, he first stands up to his friends in their first year at Hogwarts.  In his final year at Hogwarts, Neville becomes the quintessential Gryffindor -- standing his ground against Voldemort himself. As an aside,both  Fire & Passion/Zeal can have dire consequences if they run unchecked.

Slytherin
Animal: Snake
Values: Ambition, Cunning, & Resourcefulness
Totem significance: The Snake totem is associated with rebirth of power, the secrets of the underworld (a trait that it, unexpectedly, shares with the Badger), charm, and the death/rebirth cycle (by shedding of skin).  These elements are definitely seen among prominent Slytherins, especially Voldemort (Tom Riddle); he was easily able to charm a variety of people (Slughorn, Hepzibah Smith, etc.) to get what he wanted, he "died" and then was "reborn" in the cauldron after the Triwizard Tournament, he sought many secrets -- especially those related to death & triumphing over it.
Element: Water; associated with the realm of emotions. The best way to describe the Slytherin relationship to the emotional realm is "extreme."  Pride, Envy, Disgust, the list goes on.  Voldemort himself shows the emotional extreme in the negative.  He is cold, lacking most emotion, from his endeavors to split his soul.

Resources:
eagle - http://www.serioussilver.com/totemenergy/eagle.html
badger - http://www.sayahda.com/cycle.htm
lion - http://www.fortunecity.com/millenium/bertisevil/537/projects/totems/lion.htm
snake - http://dovelove.wordpress.com/2007/09/21/snake-totem-symbol-of-rebirth-wisdom-sexuality-healing/

Comments

[Cheryl]

Beautifully written. I love the examples and contrast. Truly a lover of Harry Potter!