There have been many exciting developments in the "Harry Potter" world this year, but the most recent information released discussed the North American wizarding school named Ilvermorny. The name of the school was announced in January, and last week J.K. Rowling released an entire story surrounding the origins of the school, as well as a quiz to sort you into one of its four houses (sounds familiar, doesn’t it?). Here’s a rundown on Ilvermorny, the school that many of us would have attended if we were witches or wizards.
Ilvermorny was founded in the 17th century on a mountain in Massachusetts, hidden by enchantments much like the ones that protect Hogwarts from Muggle eyes. The woman who founded the school was named Isolt Sayre, who was born in Ireland. The names of the houses were chosen by Isolt, her Muggle husband, and their two adopted sons. Her sons grew up with stories of Hogwarts and wanted to model their school after the famous school in England, but thought that naming the houses after themselves would be foolish. They instead decided to name the houses after their favorite mythical creatures.
The school started as a way for Isolt to teach her sons everything they needed to know about magic and was taught out of their family home. Soon, the small house wasn’t enough and was expanded into a castle. The school recruited new professors, and witch and wizard students were streaming in from all over North America.
Isolt and her husband both lived well past 100 and had set the wizarding school up for success. Today, the students are sorted into one of four houses not by a sorting hat, but by wooden statues that represent each house. Each new student comes into the hall where the statues reside and one by one they stand on the symbol of the Gordian Knot. The enchanted carvings then react to choose each of their students. Sometimes, more than one statue will pick a student. In that case, the student can pick whichever house they would like to join.
Here is the information released on each specific Ilvermorny house.
Thunderbird
- Said to represent the soul of a witch or wizard
- Favors adventurers
- Named by Chadwick Boot, Isolt's adopted son
- The Thunderbird is a magical beast that creates storms as it flies
- J.K. Rowling herself says she would be sorted into this house
Horned Serpent
- Said to represent the mind of a wizard
- Favors scholars
- Named by Isolt herself
- This creature a great horned river serpent with a jewel in its forehead
Pukwudgie
- Said to represent the heart of a wizard
- Favors healers
- This house was named by James, Isolt’s husband
- The Pukwudgie is a short, grey-faced, large-eared creature
Wampus
- Said to represent the body of a wizard
- Favors warriors
- Named by Webster, Isolt’s other adopted son
- The Wampus is a panther-like creature that is quick and almost invincible
You can take the Ilvermorny Sorting Quiz here and see which house you would be in if you attended the North American wizarding school! If you would like to read the entire story surrounding Ilvermorny, you can do so here. Stay tuned to Pottermore to see if any more information about the wizarding world is released.
These stories on Pottermore are not the only things fans of the series have to look forward to this year. The script of "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" is due to be released on July 31, and will be available wherever books are sold. "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," a movie based on a textbook Harry used at school, will be released November 18. It’s a great year to be a "Harry Potter" fan!
