Shadow & Bone Characters Sorted Into Their Hogwarts Houses

The Netflix original series Shadow and Bone introduces audiences to the war-torn kingdom of Ravka. The country has the help of the Second Army, which consists of Grisha (humans with magical abilities). Ravka is also the birthplace of the Shadow Fold, a wall of darkness that only a Sun Summoner can destroy.

The show is based on the YA fantasy novel trilogy of the same name and the Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo. There’s a wide array of characters in the Grishaverse. One way to help distinguish the characters of Shadow and Bone from one another is to sort them into their Hogwarts houses.

10 Alina Starkov: Hufflepuff

Hufflepuffs don’t usually seek the spotlight. However, Alina’s abilities as the Sun Summoner put all eyes on her. Alina displays the Hufflepuff traits of hard work and dedication during her Grisha training. She wants to destroy the Fold and provide hope to the people of Ravka.

Alina has a strong moral code, as many Hufflepuffs do. She stands up against the Darkling when she learns of his true intentions. Alina doesn’t let her fear or inexplicable attraction to the Darkling stop her from doing the right thing.

9 The Darkling: Slytherin

The Darkling (otherwise known as General Kirigan) is the most Slytherin-like character apart from Salazar Slytherin. He’s incredibly ambitious, so much so that he’s spent centuries trying to extend the Fold and become the most powerful Grisha. 

Slytherins are also cunning. The Darkling manages to work his way to the King’s side and manipulates people to get what he wants. While not all Slytherins are evil, the house’s central trait of ambition can create a villain like the Darkling when put in the wrong person’s hands.

8 Mal Oretsev: Gryffindor

Mal is best friends with Alina and is a soldier of the First Army. He displays courage on his journey to find the stag and reunite with Alina. His resolve to fight despite whatever odds stacked against him makes Mal a model Gryffindor. 

Gryffindors are known to be chivalrous to others. Mal shows this trait in his friendships. He puts the needs of Alina above his own and protects his fellow soldiers. The sword of Godric Gryffindor would surely find its way to Mal if he ever needed it.

7 Kaz Brekker: Slytherin

Slytherins make great leaders due to their resourcefulness and ambition. Kaz displays these personality traits as the mastermind behind the gang of thieves known as the Crows. His cold and calculated demeanor can make him appear unfeeling, especially when his greed gets the best of him. 

But Kaz doesn’t just steal for himself. He promises his fellow Crow member Inej that he will help pay off her contract with the Menagerie. Slytherins can be ruthless, but their promises are as lasting as an unbreakable vow.

6 Inej Ghafa: Ravenclaw

The Sorting Hat would have a hard time choosing a house for Inej. She’s courageous and determined to pay off her contract so she can be free. One would think these traits would make her a Gryffindor. However, Inej’s strong intellect and intuition would ultimately sort her into Ravenclaw. 

Ravenclaws like Injej take the time to think things through before acting. Her knowledge and know-how often get the Crows out of trouble. Inej also shares the Ravenclaw value of wisdom, as she often looks to her religion for guidance.

5 Jesper Fahey: Hufflepuff

Jesper has the cheer, charm, and positivity of a Hufflepuff. He often cracks a joke to ease the tension. Jesper keeps the Crow crew in good spirits and protects them by using his skills as a sharpshooter.

Hufflepuffs also love animals, as shown by Newt Scamander in the Fantastic Beasts series. Jesper expresses affection for the goat named Milo. He held Milo close for comfort as they went through the Fold. When he has to say goodbye to Milo, he makes sure he goes to a good home.

4 Nina Zenik: Gryffindor

Gryffindors are typically outspoken and bold. The Heartrender Nina displays these Gryffindor traits when some Drüskelle soldiers capture her. Nina’s hands are tied together to stop her from using her powers. But she never cowers to her captors and continuously speaks her mind. 

Nina shows Gryffindor-like valiance when she’s set adrift in the sea with the Fjerdan man named Matthias. Even though he helped capture her, Nina saves his life multiple times. She also keeps Matthias warm by using her abilities as a Heartrender, which leads them to grow closer.

3 Matthias Helvar: Hufflepuff

While Matthias has a tough exterior, he has the heart of a Hufflepuff. He’s loyal to his nation of Fjerda and his duty to capture Grisha. However, Hufflepuffs are accepting of others by nature. As Matthias gets to know Nina, he sees her as a person rather than an evil sorceress. 

Hufflepuffs are revered for their kindness. Matthias shows Nina kindness by giving her food and saving her life. Matthias’s soft side is especially revealed near the end of their journey when he vows to keep Nina warm.

2 Genya Safin: Ravenclaw

Genya, a Grisha Tailor, uses the wit of a Ravenclaw to survive. She makes it appear as if she’s working for the Queen. However, Genya’s true allegiance is to the Darkling. Genya’s also the person Alina frequently turns to for knowledge during her stay at the Little Palace. 

Ravenclaws are imaginative and think out of the box. Genya uses these traits as a Tailor, coming up with unique ways to alter people’s appearances. She can creatively fix one’s faults or entirely change their face into another’s.

1 Zoya Nazyalensky: Slytherin

Zoya is a Slytherin through and through. She’s ambitious and cunning, becoming one of the most acclaimed Etherealki soldiers. However, when a Slytherin feels threatened, they can be vengeful. Zoya uses her powers against Alina out of jealously and is often unkind to her.

Her character arc is reminiscent of Draco Malfoy’s arc in Harry Potter. Both are ambitious but cannot go through with their missions when it engagers their families. When the Darkling threatens Zoya’s family in his attempt to expand the Shadow Fold, she switches sides.

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