Did you know, that when you sign up to HarryPotter.com, not only can you find out what your Patronus is, but also what it could mean? Yes, whether it’s a tiny wood mouse or an enormous Erumpent – discover what that may say about you!
With so many wonderful personalities reflected in nearly 150 possible Patronuses, some animal guardians are more common than others. Out of them all, these were the 10 rarest – can you spot your unusual Patronus on this list?
10th: Lion and 9th: Lioness – Roarsome Royalty
These big cats are wildlife royalty. As social animals, they live as prides – family is everything. Notably, lions are also the symbol for Hogwarts house, Gryffindor. A Patronus that perfectly captures your courageous personality.
You probably won’t be surprised to hear that the lion is not one of the 10 rarest Patronuses in Gryffindor. Although, you might be surprised that's also the case for Slytherin. It creeps into the Ravenclaw list at number 10 and is the eighth rarest Patronus in Hufflepuff.
Interestingly, the lioness is a slightly different story. It is not on the Ravenclaw or Slytherin list, but it is the eighth rarest for Gryffindor and seventh for Hufflepuff.
8th: Abraxan Winged Horse – Proud and Powerful
The Abraxan is a breed of magical winged horse, one of a few types in the wizarding world. This particular type pulls the Beauxbatons school carriage, so they are suitably majestic looking and even drink whisky.
While this powerful protector is eighth overall, it is not quite as uncommon in Gryffindor and Slytherin – taking 10th and ninth place. You are even more likely to find a Hufflepuff with this Patronus as it doesn’t make it into their rarest top 10. However, at number five, you will find less Ravenclaws are drawn to this Patronus.
7th: Seal – Fearlessly Theatrical
They might be more clumsy than graceful when stuck on land, but when a seal is in the water? That’s a different story. Seals glide, twirl and dive through water with ease. As a Patronus, a seal could use its splashy skills to dazzle anybody.
At number 13 for Slytherin, the seal isn’t on their list of rarest Patronuses. However, in sixth, fourth and third place, that isn’t the same for Ravenclaw, Gryffindor and Hufflepuff.
6th: Tiger and 5th: Tigress – Wild Majesty
This majestic big cat is strong, fast and an expert at camouflage. Extremely multi-skilled and light on its paws, your tiger Patronus highlights your inner power and protectiveness. Carry its untamed spirit with you!
While this big cat is not one of the 10 most uncommon Patronuses in Hufflepuff, it is the third rarest in Slytherin. You’ll find a few more tigers in Gryffindor and Ravenclaw – taking seventh and ninth place.
This is similar for the tigress. Again, it is not on the Hufflepuff list but is the rarest Slytherin Patronus. Pretty uncommon for Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, it makes their top 10 in sixth and eighth position.
4th: Albatross – Dynamic and Free
This dynamic seabird will proudly soar across the ocean for hours – throwing caution to the wind and hardly bothering to flap its wings. Are you reflected in the adventurous spirit of your rare Patronus?
You will find this seafaring bird on every house’s list. It just makes the cut in Hufflepuff as their 10th rarest. Yet, you will find slightly less of them in the other three – seventh place for Ravenclaw, sixth for Slytherin and fifth for Gryffindor.
3rd: Impala – Lithe Leaper
This graceful antelope happens to be particularly skilled at jumping and can leap large distances. Not only is this a handy way to escape predators but it’s also a fun pastime. Your Patronus exudes joy and should inspire exuberance.
At number three, Gryffindor and Ravenclaw mirror the overall ranking of rarest Patronuses. You’ll find a handful more impalas in Slytherin and Hufflepuff, as they take fourth and sixth place.
2nd: Vulture – Poise and Patience
This bird of prey is excellent when it comes to searching for what it wants. A Patronus that will never be taken off guard by a Dementor. Vultures play a vital role in keeping nature's balance and are known for their poise and patience.
There aren't many Gryffindors with this dignified Patronus – it happens to be their rarest form. In line with the overall ranking, it is number two for Ravenclaw but fifth for Hufflepuff and Slytherin.
1st: Erumpent – Epic and Thunderous
The Erumpent is a large magical creature that can be mistaken for a Muggle rhino. With skin that repels most spells and a horn that has a habit of exploding, your Patronus is particularly unique – Newt Scamander would be impressed!
The larger-than-life Erumpent might take the top spot on the overall rank of rarest Patronuses but not when it comes to the houses. In second place, it just misses the top spot for Gryffindor and Slytherin. It only just makes it into the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw top 10 at number nine.
What about the Hogwarts houses?
As both your house and your Patronus reflect your personality, we’re not surprised to see that different houses find themselves drawn to different animals.
This is certainly the case when it comes to the 10 rarest Patronuses. From their rankings to what form they take – each house has their own distinct list.
So, which house is not such a fan of the Runespoor? Let’s see…
Hufflepuff
4th: Leopard and 2nd: Leopardess – Fierce and Fast
These big cats are fast, excellent climbers and covered in fabulous spots. Fans of their own company, they use creative methods to keep others away. Their fierce nature speaks to yours and reflects your ability to face both danger and Dementors.
These speedy cats are right near the top of the Hufflepuff list, with the leopard in fourth place and the leopardess in second. Curiously, it does not make any other top 10. Both the leopard and leopardess sit outside the 20 rarest Slytherin Patronuses in 22nd and 23rd place. The leopard is the 11th and 14th rarest for Gryffindor and Ravenclaw while the leopardess is 12th for Gryffindor and 13th for Ravenclaw.
1st: Shark – A Dominant Force
These powerful creatures have been around for millions of years – and we can see why. Ferocious and even known to have a ‘sixth sense’ there's a reason why this animal is the sovereign of the seas. A Patronus with a powerful-looking presence.
This mighty Patronus isn’t just slightly unusual for Hufflepuff – it swims into the top spot as their rarest.
Gryffindor
9th: Shark – A Dominant Force
One of the rarer Gryffindor Patronuses, this toothsome creature takes ninth place. At number 12, you will see a few more in Ravenclaw and more again in Slytherin, as it’s their 21st rarest.
Slytherin
10th: Elephant – Majestic and Memorable
They say an elephant never forgets – and it is true that the largest land mammal in the world does have an excellent memory. These social creatures form strong bonds with those they consider family: consider this Patronus part of yours.
You won’t find the elephant in the Gryffindor top 10 – it's their 16th rarest Patronus. The same goes for Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw where it takes 19th place.
8th: Cheetah – Stealthy and Speedy
Cheetahs are skilled hunters – and happen to be the fastest land mammal in the world! Interestingly, these spotted big cats do not roar, but purr and meow instead. Intimidating with a softer side – do you connect with your Patronus?
This ferociously fast cat just breaks into the top 20 unusual Patronuses for Gryffindor and Hufflepuff. It is slightly rarer in Ravenclaw at number 17.
7th: Python – Unyielding and Powerful
This is one of the largest snakes in the world: it lurks in the shadows, calculating its moves before launching on prey. As a key regulator of the ecosystem, the giant python teaches us that even scary-looking beings can be a force for good.
We were quite shocked to see a snake on the list of unusual Patronuses for Slytherin. Intriguingly, it is more popular in the other houses. It is the 18th rarest for Gryffindor and Hufflepuff and 15th for Ravenclaw.
Ravenclaw
7th: Runespoor – Triple Threat
Three heads are better than one, as this magical snake proves. Each head has a role: the planner, the dreamer and the critic. As a Patronus, it reflects your canny ability to adapt your thinking to help any situation, such as fending off Dementors.
For a house that is all about the mind, it is funny to see that this three-headed snake is their seventh rarest Patronus. It is only slightly more common in Gryffindor and Hufflepuff in 14th and 12th place. Interestingly, it is only the 30th rarest Patronus for Slytherin.
Did you know?
In the wizarding world, Patronuses that take the form of magical creatures are considered extremely rare… but is that the same in our Muggle world?
With a few as possible outcomes for your own Patronus, we thought it would be interesting to look at a handful of these magical creatures and just how popular they are.
Dragon – Ferociously Fiery
Possibly the most famous of magical creatures, but interestingly one of the rarest Patronuses in the wizarding world, dragons are deadly yet awe-inspiring and hold the most dangerous Ministry classification. Do not be afraid of these remarkable Patronuses – be...fired up!
Probably the first magical creature to spring to mind, this fiery friend is nowhere near the top of the rarest Patronus list for Slytherin – it’s only 113th! It is middle-of-the-road for Gryffindor and Ravenclaw in 73rd and 43rd place and far more uncommon in Hufflepuff in 25th position.
Unicorn – Rare and Mysterious
This grand, mythological beast has been a mainstay in folklore for centuries. Yet, they like to avoid human contact – fitting for a Patronus that is exceedingly rare in the magical world. A Patronus as mystical as it is impressive.
This beautiful Patronus is one of the less common Patronuses found among the houses – it even breaks into the Slytherin top 20. In 26th place, it is not quite as unusual to see this form in Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. It sits at number 27 for Hufflepuff.
Thestral – All-Seeing and All-Knowing
This black, skeletal winged horse is a unique breed that cannot be seen by all. Fittingly, it happens to be one of the rarest Patronuses in the wizarding world. Intelligent and loyal, this Patronus proves you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.
You are likely to find quite a few Thestral Patronuses among the Slytherins – it is only the 94th most uncommon. In 49th, 44th and 37th place there are not as many in Ravenclaw, Gryffindor and Hufflepuff.
Don’t see your Patronus here? Perhaps that’s because yours is one of the most popular… see if yours is on that list.
If you are yet to discover what your animal guardian might be, you can take the official Patronus quiz right here.
