Let’s talk about Slytherin, the good, the bad, and the in-between. Because Slytherin is not an evil house, and should not be perceived that way. It is not a house for everyone who roots for the bad guys, or is in love with Draco*. Because if there’s something Slytherin is not, it’s shallow.
As you read this, please be aware that this is my opinion, gathered from other Slytherins and the books/movies/pottermore themselves.
*There may be people in Slytherin who feel this way, but this is not a good way to choose what house you are in. Sorry, guys.
Slytherin traits are traditionalism, resourcefulness, cunning, ambition, leadership, self-preservation, determination, cleverness, and a desire for power (in some form or other).
Slytherins value the past, whether their own or general history. They value long-lost relics, ancient civilizations, and are deeply tied to their own past (especially childhood). This ties in to their interest in mystery, which can take many forms. Slytherins like figuring things out early and using that information to their advantage. They may enjoy reading mystery novels, or playing strategy games such as chess. Slytherins are people that enjoy the challenge, but also the reward.
Slytherins are ambitious. They have big dreams and the determination to see them realized. To them, their visions for themselves are extremely important, and can resort to methods that the other houses might not consider. This, when combined with their natural cleverness and talent for strategy, can be seen as cunning. This is not to say that Slytherins are amoral. In fact, Slytherins often live by their own personal code of morals, and almost universally have a sense of traditional honor (much like Gryffindors). They are very proud, whether for better or worse.
Like Ravenclaws, Slytherins value intelligence. However, while a Ravenclaw might seek a wide understanding, Slytherins are more focused on knowledge that they see as useful. They might be more gifted with their use of language, and might gravitate more towards the humanities. When this is the case, they might be adverse to maths or sciences, subjects which don’t directly help them.
Like Hufflepuffs, Slytherins are loyal. However, Slytherins are very selective on who they are loyal to. They are not quick to like or trust a person, but once they do, they will be extremely loyal to that person. This loyalty is not limited to fellow Slytherins. It can extend very easily to other houses, and even beyond Hogwarts. In the past, Slytherins have had to band together due to prejudice from the other houses, but this need not be the case. To those that they have not accepted, they may be judgmental or close-minded (though they are much more open-minded towards ideas).
However Slytherins also have a strongly-developed sense of self-preservation. This does not mean that Slytherins are cowards. Rather, they know when it’s time to flee from a fight to save their own skin. They are less willing to die for a cause, and will almost always look before they leap. In the end, they will do what is best for them and those they are loyal to (usually family and close friends), whether or not this is seen as the “noble” or “right” thing to do.
Slytherins are natural leaders, though are often content sitting on the sidelines until they feel that they need to intervene.
Slytherin House is linked to the element of water, which is associated with imagination, intuition, nurturing, coldness, and emotion. Slytherins are highly emotional, though they chose to think with their heads. Often times, they see emotion as a sign of weakness, and will do their best to hide their emotions from others. They will also have a hard time apologizing if they have wronged someone, as they also view this as a sign of weakness.
Slytherin typography would be INxJ, on average.
In stressful or hostile situations, Slytherins are gifted with the ability to keep a cool head. They can use their leadership skills to take control of a situation (even if this is only in their mind), and usually come out in one piece.
Slytherins have a taste for elegance. They have little patience for unrefined or unintelligent people. This does not mean that they are wealthy (though they may aspire to be so). They may have a “classy” manner about them. This can lead to elitism on their part, which relates to their association with pure blood. (Though it should be noted that purebloods are a dwindling minority in the wizarding world, and blood is not a factor in sorting- see Snape, etc).
Indeed, despite popular belief, not all Slytherins are obsessed with pure blood. One of the most famous Slytherins, Merlin, was one of the strongest advocators for Muggles and Muggleborns in wizarding history. And Slytherins are proud to be in the same house as him (see the Pottermore sorting test/welcome letter if you have doubts).
In short, Slytherin is a wonderful house to be in. It has produced more than its fair share of dark wizards, as Slytherins can easily aspire for power through deceitful means. However, this stereotype does not account for the depth that this house can have, and Slytherins are so much more.
Please feel free to comment or message me with your own thoughts on this, or on the other houses. I always enjoy discussing this.
ellievsbear
kaledo-art
jacobvanloon
jbbartram-illu
dailybridgerton
origamiaround
baratheonpilled
