Godric Gryffindor was born in a small village in England that was eventually named in his honor: Godric's Hollow. He was friends with all three of the other Hogwarts Founders but was said to be particularly great friends with Salazar Slytherin -- up until Slytherin severed ties with the founders. Gryffindor valued bravery, determination, and strength of heart above all other qualities and, of the founders, was the most in favor of allowing muggle-born students to attend Hogwarts. He was also an accomplished duelist and was unique in that he chose to wield both a wand and a sword. The goblin-wrought silver sword that later became known as the Sword of Gryffindor was one of the artifacts left behind by Gryffindor; the second artifact was the Sorting Hat, created from Gryffindor's own hat.

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Helga Hufflepuff was born in the broad valleys of Wales and was known to be best friends with Rowena Ravenclaw. Where the other founders of Hogwarts selected students based on specific qualities, Hufflepuff accepted all students equally. However, she was known to value the characteristics of being a hard worker, loyal, and patient. Where Gryffindor had an affinity for combat, Hufflepuff had an affinity for food. She was known to be incredibly talented with food-making charms and her recipes are still used in many Hogwarts feasts. Hufflepuff also arranged an agreement with the house-elves who worked in the kitchens, which gave them a place safe from the abuse they were previously subjected to at the hands of wizarding households. The only relic left behind by Hufflepuff was a small golden cup, said to have magical powers.

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Now, these are only two of the four Hogwarts Founders. But the third and fourth founders, Rowena Ravenclaw and Salazar Slytherin, have had perhaps the greatest impact on wizarding history. You will research this impact as part of your homework!