A Profile of Godric Gryffindor
Godric Gryffindor hailed from a moor (according to the Sorting Hat's song) which is now known as Godric's Hollow, a small West Country village.
The name Godric is Anglo-Saxon in form, and can have several meanings, including, "He Who Rules with God" and "He Who Rules Well." Gryffindor is derived from the word Griffin which is a legendary creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. As the lion was traditionally considered the king of the beasts and the eagle the king of the birds, the griffin was thought to be an especially powerful and majestic creature. In antiquity it was a symbol of divine power and a guardian of the divine.
Gryffindor is said to have praised courage, determination and strength of heart above all other qualities. Indeed, he selected students for his house based upon their daring and bravery, according to the Sorting Hat. He also was the most in favor of allowing Muggle-borns into the school.
He has two remaining objects (the Sorting Hat and the Sword of Gryffindor) that still are part of Hogwarts today.
Gryffindor and his house are symbolized by a gold lion on red. He was initially a great friend of Salazar Slytherin, but over time their friendship failed; though never stated, it is likely that the two's differing views on Muggle-borns may have been part of the reason for the split.
A common theory among fans states that either Harry Potter or Albus Dumbledore would be a descendant of Gryffindor's, as both were in his house and it would set them off as a natural foe of Voldemort, the Heir of Slytherin; however, none of the books ever make clear if either of these theories is correct.
Wizard of the Month Information
This information is according to the Wizard of the Month information for July 2007 on JK Rowling's Website:
Medieval (precise dates unknown)
One of the four famous Founders of
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and
Wizardry, Godric Gryffindor was the most
accomplished dueller of his time, an
enlightened fighter against Muggle-
discrimination and the first owner of the
celebrated Sorting Hat.