HBO’s His Dark Materials, based on the book trilogy of the same name by Phillip Pullman, deals with a lot of big moral and philosophical questions. It follows a young girl named Lyra Belacqua as she uncovers secrets about her past and mysteries of the universe at large.
The books were and still are somewhat controversial for the way they tackle philosophical and religious questions. Every character is searching for answers they believe will put everything into its proper place, though their motivations differ. How the characters go about achieving these goals can tell us a lot about them and help answer the most important question of all: Which Hogwarts house do they belong in?
John Faa: Gryffindor
John Faa is the lord of the western Gyptian people. He is an extremely capable leader and the many and varied Gyptian clans trust him to make the right decisions about what course of action to pursue. Faa is a good example of a Gryffindor that, through age and experience, has learned not to be so reckless. He still possesses a firm moral compass and the bravery to face insurmountable dangers but is also willing to listen to his people and take time to decide where his efforts can best be spent.
Ma Costa: Hufflepuff
Ma Costa is the head of a well-respected Gyptian family and has been shown to be perceptive, capable, and stubborn. However, we think her most defining characteristic is her compassion and ability to love. She’s drawn into Lyra’s conflict partially because her son, Billy, is kidnapped by the Gobblers.
She refuses to give up looking for him and is a strong voice in support of the Gyptians going to the north, but she also displays her care and loyalty through her relationship with Lyra, who hasn’t ever experienced a mother’s love.
Farder Coram: Ravenclaw
Farder Coram is an old Gyptian valued by John Faa and the other family heads for his wisdom. He’s lived a long time and seen a lot, observing everything with a sharp and patient eye. He has a scholarly air to him and is often able to perceive things others might miss, or make unexpected connections. It’s with his help that Lyra is able to refine her natural ability to read the alethiometer and he takes her under his wing as a pupil.
Serafina Pekkala: Hufflepuff
Serafina Pekkala almost defies classification, and for good reason. Witches live apart from other people and are not technically human. In Lyra’s world, there were only female witches. They have many magical abilities and keep their own counsel in clans. Because witches exist somewhat outside of human culture, it’s harder to sort her.
However, she routinely displays a vast capacity for compassion and frequently comes to the aid of Lyra and her allies, as well as others in need. She doesn’t want to put her own clan in danger but is happy to give help, comfort, and advice to those seeking it.
Lee Scoresby: Gryffindor
Lee Scoresby is an aeronaut from the country of Texas. He is recruited into Lyra’s mission by the Gyptians when they find him without work in Trollesund. Originally intended just to gather information, Scoresby grew attached to Lyra and fond of the rest of the Gyptians. He pledged his support to help rescue the stolen children because it was the right thing to do. Scoresby isn’t afraid of much and is perfectly willing to put himself in danger to accomplish his mission or protect his allies.
Will Parry: Slytherin
We haven’t seen much of Will in the TV series yet, but he’s a major player in the story of His Dark Materials. He originates in a world very similar to our own but follows a cat through a tear into another world. Will’s life hasn’t been easy; his father has been missing for years and his mother suffers from mental illness that frequently renders her incapable of caring for Will or even herself.
He learned young how to defend himself and is quick to make the first strike—not out of temper, but an understanding that the best way to survive is to end a fight quickly. He’s very reluctant to open up to people or display weakness, but Lyra eventually earns his trust.
Lord Asriel: Ravenclaw
Lord Asriel is a scientist and explorer, constantly searching and seeking new information. His discoveries about Dust and the nature of the universe are what spark the conflict in His Dark Materials. When he glimpsed another world through the veil of the aurora, he dedicated his life to devising a way to tear through whatever separates the worlds. His primary motivation seems to be freedom, specifically the freedom to continue to explore, discover, and invent without the intervention of the oppressive oversight of the Magisterium.
Iorek Byrnison: Gryffindor
If it was difficult to sort Serafina Pekkala, then Iorek is even worse. As a panserbjørn, he isn’t related to humans at all and don’t even have souls in the same way human beings do—if their lack of a dæmon is anything to go by. Supposedly, their armor performs the same function.
But, if anyone can say anything about Iorek, it’s that he’s brave. He never hesitates in battle and will happily fight outnumbered or at a disadvantage. He’s also noble and honorable and fulfills his bargains, sometimes even when they would have negative consequences for him.
Mrs. Coulter: Slytherin
Mrs. Coulter, on the other hand, was very easy. She’s the very picture of a Slytherin. Her ambitions are huge, and her every action is a carefully calculated move on the path to securing more power for herself. She selected her lovers based on their influence and power, but, after being a widow, she joined the Magisterium seeking the same. Unable to follow the route to priesthood, she invested her time into developing a complex web of influence. Eventually, her schemes paid off when she was put in charge of the General Oblation Board.
Lyra Belacqua: Hufflepuff
Our hero Lyra is also known as Lyra Silvertongue, because of her skill at lying and storytelling. This could lend itself to her being a Slytherin as well, but we want to suggest a different house. Consider this: Lyra pursues the Gobblers and initiates the journey to the North because she is determined to find her friend Roger.
She continues even past Svalbard for his sake. This is an extreme loyalty that makes her a Hufflepuff. Furthermore, her skill at lying is based in a deeper instinctive ability to read people. Her empathy makes her skilled at telling people what they want to hear, and also make her one of the few people able to read the alethiometer without training.
