Grindelwald, WHose he Options

[briana]

[code]WHo is Grindelwald (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/gryffindor.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/hermione.gif)

[Fizzing_Whizzbee]

There is alot of speculation that because of the time frame and the German-sounding name that Grindelwald was actually Hitler or at the very least someone within the Third Reich. I doubt Jo would actually make Grindelwald and Hitler one in the same, but I certainly would buy the Third Reich explanation.

I think it is fairly well known that Hitler and his inner-circle had a high interest in mysticism and the occult. So with that link, I wouldn't see it as a stretch that some German sorcerors came forward (or were sought/found out) and worked as spiritual advisors.

All of that really shouldn't be relevant other than some trivial info though.

I don't think it is as important to know who the wizard was, merely that we know Dumbledore has been tried and tested against dark wizards in the past. This is just a literary device used to give Dumbledore more credibility as a mentor. We know he is brilliant, but being brilliant in research and being brilliant in the field are two vastly different things, and the fight against Gridelwald shows this.

Afterall, back in 'Philosopher's Stone' we are told that Quirrel (before being posessed) was a brilliant wizard in his own right. He just couldn't transfer his booksmarts to the real world when going against a vampire. This left him so shaken that Voldemort got to him easily.

So again, it is not really historically important to know the reference as to who Grindelwald was, but rather why he was defeated.