Deep in the mist-covered peaks of Mount Greylock in Massachusetts stands Ivermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, North America’s answer to Hogwarts. Though smaller in fame, Ivermorny carries a legacy of its own, shaped by its unique origin, values, and the culture of the New World. One of its most intriguing features is its four-house system, inspired in part by the founder Isolt Sayre’s memories of Hogwarts but infused with North American magical symbolism. The four Ivermorny houses are Thunderbird, Wampus, Horned Serpent, and Pukwudgie each representing different qualities and strengths in a witch or wizard. These houses aren’t just dormitories or labels they reflect deep magical identities that shape the path of each student.
Thunderbird: The Adventurer of the Soul
Thunderbird is the house that is said to represent the soul and favors adventurers. It was chosen by Chadwick Boot, the intellectual and daring adopted son of Ivermorny’s founders. The Thunderbird is a legendary creature of North American folklore, known to create storms as it flies and awaken power through thunder and lightning. This house tends to attract students who are restless, curious, and drawn to exploration not just of the physical world, but of the spiritual and emotional as well.
Those who belong to Thunderbird often seek meaning beyond the surface. They’re dreamers and risk-takers, unafraid to chase the unknown. Though they may appear impulsive, their choices are often driven by a deep sense of purpose or instinct. In the classroom, Thunderbirds are known for their passionate approach to learning, especially in subjects that involve magical history, Divination, and magical creatures.
Some say the house chooses those who live from their gut and aren’t afraid to fly into the storm when necessary. While not always easy to understand, Thunderbirds bring passion, depth, and fire into everything they do.
Wampus: The Defender of the Body
Wampus represents the body and favors warriors. It was chosen by Webster Boot, Chadwick’s brother, who was known for his physical strength and protective nature. The Wampus is a magical panther-like creature, swift and strong, with piercing eyes that see through deception. It is a symbol of physical skill, bravery, and fierce loyalty.
Students sorted into Wampus are often courageous and action-oriented. They may excel in Defense Against the Dark Arts, magical dueling, and physical spellcasting. While other houses may lean more toward reflection or study, Wampus students feel most alive when they are doing especially when they’re standing up for others or defending what’s right.
Many Wampus students grow into natural protectors. They may not always be the loudest, but they are often the first to act in a crisis. Their strength isn’t just in muscle or magic it’s in their unshakable sense of responsibility and their willingness to put themselves on the line for others.
Horned Serpent: The Thinker of the Mind
Horned Serpent represents the mind and favors scholars. It was chosen by Isolt Sayre herself, the founder of Ivermorny, and is deeply connected to her magical ancestry. The Horned Serpent is a mystical creature found in rivers and lakes, often associated with wisdom, knowledge, and ancient power. It is said that the creature speaks to those with insight and intellectual potential.
This house tends to attract the inquisitive, the analytical, and the visionary. Horned Serpent students love to ask questions sometimes too many and are driven by a desire to understand how magic works beneath the surface. Subjects like Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, Potions, and Magical Theory often appeal to them, as do any areas that require thought and precision.
Some describe Horned Serpent students as “quietly intense.” They’re the ones who lose track of time in the library or stay up late solving magical equations for fun. But their pursuit of knowledge isn’t selfish they often use it to mentor others or advance magical society in new and creative ways.
Pukwudgie: The Healer of the Heart
Pukwudgie represents the heart and favors healers. It was chosen by James Steward, the kind-hearted No-Maj husband of Isolt Sayre. At first, James believed the Pukwudgie a short, grumpy, magical creature was dangerous, but he grew to see their loyalty and surprising warmth. This house represents those who lead with compassion, empathy, and intuition.
Pukwudgie students are often the emotional anchors of Ivermorny. They are the ones who notice when someone’s having a bad day, who offer help without being asked, and who understand that magic is as much about healing and connection as it is about power. Many go on to become skilled in Healing magic, Herbology, or Care of Magical Creatures. But Pukwudgie’s strengths aren’t limited to nurturing roles it also produces quietly determined and resilient leaders.
The house reminds us that strength lies not just in knowledge or might, but in kindness, emotional courage, and the ability to bring people together. While some may underestimate them, Pukwudgie students often surprise others with their quiet power and deep inner balance.
Sorting at Ivermorny: A Ceremony of Choice
The Ivermorny sorting process is unlike any other magical school in the world. When a new student enters the enchanted hall, they step onto the Gordian Knot carved into the floor and wait for a sign. Behind them stand four carvings, each representing one of the houses. If a house wants the student, its carving reacts Thunderbird flaps its wings, Wampus roars, Horned Serpent’s crystal glows, and Pukwudgie raises its arrow.
In rare cases, more than one house will react. In even rarer cases, all four do. When that happens, the student is allowed to choose their own path. This unique tradition honors the idea that magic isn’t one-size-fits-all and that identity is not just assigned it’s discovered.
The Balance of Ivermorny
Each house represents a different aspect of the human experience mind, body, heart, and soul. Together, they reflect the school’s philosophy that magic is a combination of intellect, emotion, strength, and spirit. Unlike the often competitive nature of some other magical schools, Ivermorny emphasizes unity among the houses. Students may sleep and study in their house dormitories, but they learn, grow, and explore together.
This sense of balance and respect is part of what makes Ivermorny special. Every house brings something essential to the school, and no single one is seen as greater than the others.
Conclusion
Ivermorny’s four houses are more than magical categories – they are a reflection of the diverse and dynamic nature of magic itself. Whether you belong to the bold Thunderbird, the powerful Wampus, the wise Horned Serpent, or the compassionate Pukwudgie, your house is a guide, not a limitation.
At its heart, Ivermorny celebrates the belief that every witch and wizard carries a unique spark. And the house you join simply helps you discover how to let that magic shine.