Merlin is one of the most famous wizards of all time, renowned due to his work in the Wizarding World as well as the Muggle world.
Not many people know, but this legend actually obtained his education in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry – a point of pride the institution continues to carry to this day.
However, up to this time, people are often shocked when they learn in which House this highly renowned wizard was placed. Merlin is, in fact, a Slytherin.
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Is Merlin a Slytherin?
During his years in Hogwarts, Merlin was sorted into the Slytherin House. Even now, this fact remains to be a great source of pride in the Slytherin House as they continuously proclaim that they housed “the most famous wizard of all time.”
This little piece of information was confirmed by J.K. Rowling herself on the Wizarding World website (previous Pottermore) and is considered one of the most jaw-dropping post-production revelations that the author has dropped.
Why Was Merlin Sorted to Slytherin?
Because Merlin was considered one of Hogwarts’ earliest students, it is assumed that he was hand-chosen by Salazar Slytherin to join his House.
Before the days of the Sorting Hat, back in the earliest days of the institution, it was customary for the founders to select which students would belong to their Houses personally.
Founders would select students based on particular qualities and preferences they had for students. Considering that Merlin was obviously very ambitious and clever, it would make sense that he would catch the eye of the great Salazar Slytherin.
What Makes Merlin a Slytherin?
Merlin was a bit unusual choice for Slytherin from the start, but there is no denying that the famed wizard possessed many traits that a Slytherin student would have.
Merlin was ambitious and determined, as evident by his position as one of the highly regarded advisors to none other than King Arthur.
His continuous involvement in Muggle affairs during his time also shows his certain disregard for the rules as he goes against his House’s strong anti-Muggle beliefs. He was also considered to be very clever and a good leader.
Was Merlin a Dark Wizard?
Merlin was not a Dark Wizard. While the House of Slytherin has a reputation for having produced the most significant amount of dark witches and wizards, it is technically not one of the core values that the Slytherin House stands for.
However, tales of Merlin’s past both in the Muggle and Wizarding world speak of rumors of Merlin’s father being involved in dark magic, thus leading to his lifelong ties to the idea.
Is Merlin Related to Salazar Slytherin?
There is no definitive proof that Merlin was in any way related to Salazar Slytherin. However, it was said that Merlin could have possibly been taught by the founder of the Slytherin household himself during his time in Hogwarts.
There were rumors of a distant connection through one of Salazar Slytherin’s descendants, but this doesn’t seem to have any truth in it.
Final Thoughts
Merlin certainly made a name for himself both in the Muggle and Wizarding world, earning him the title of “the most famous wizard of all time.”
While him being placed in Slytherin is obviously a controversial piece of information, it makes sense when looking at all that he has accomplished.
It even seems that loyalty to his house exceeded even his own life as The Order of Merlin, an award given to the most outstanding witches and wizards, sports green ribbons to symbolize his connection to his Hogwarts House.
Let us allow the life and legacy of Merlin to be a reminder that not all witches and wizards in Slytherin turn out bad.