I had a family of nine, but was kicked from the house. I'm curiously silent, and ruled by a mouse. Who or what am I?

The answer to the riddle is Pluto, cleverly referring to both the celestial body and the beloved Disney character. The clue "family of nine" points to the historical understanding of our solar system, which for many decades, recognized nine planets. However, in 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) reclassified Pluto as a "dwarf planet," effectively "kicking it from the house" of major planets and reducing the official count to eight. This decision was made because Pluto, while orbiting the Sun and being spherical, had not "cleared its neighboring region of other objects" in its orbit, a key criterion for a full-fledged planet.

The second part of the riddle, "curiously silent, and ruled by a mouse," refers to Pluto, Mickey Mouse's loyal canine companion. Unlike many other Disney characters who speak, Pluto communicates primarily through barks, yelps, and expressive body language, making him "curiously silent." He first appeared as a bloodhound in 1930 and became Mickey's pet in "The Moose Hunt" in 1931, solidifying his role as being "ruled by a mouse."

This dual interpretation makes Pluto a fascinating answer. The dwarf planet, discovered in 1930, shares its name with the Disney dog, who also debuted that same year. While the planet's reclassification sparked considerable debate and public interest, Mickey Mouse's Pluto has remained a steadfast and cherished character, known for his unwavering loyalty and playful antics.