The Enigmatic Saga of Gellert Grindelwald: Unveiling the Secrets

As Harry Potter fans delve deeper into the series lore and indulge in The Fantastic Beasts series, they uncover more about Gellert Grindelwald, one of the most infamous dark wizards in the wizarding world. While there were others before and after him, Grindelwald's name still evokes fear, much like Voldemort's. Despite his lengthy lifespan, only two wizards were considered more skilled than Grindelwald in the Harry Potter universe, explaining his capability for such atrocities. Though once shrouded in mystery, most of Grindelwald's life is now commonly known, except for a few crucial moments that fans may one day witness.

Young Grindelwald And Dumbledore

Gellert Grindelwald, born between 1882 and 1883, had a mysterious childhood. He later enrolled in the Durmstrang Institute, a renowned wizarding school in Europe where Viktor Krum also studied. Grindelwald's exceptional magical abilities flourished at Durmstrang, fueling his darker desires. However, his journey took a darker turn when he had a prophetic vision of becoming the supreme leader of all wizards.

Obsessed with power, Grindelwald fixated on the Deathly Hallows, the beloved artifacts of power-hungry wizards. His relentless pursuit of power led to his expulsion from Durmstrang. Yet, this expulsion ultimately led him to develop a complex relationship with his closest ally and greatest adversary, Albus Dumbledore.

Meeting for the first time in Goderic’s Hollow while on his quest for information on the Deathly Hallows, Grindelwald and Dumbledore swiftly formed a bond, which evolved into a romantic relationship. Significantly, they made a solemn pact during this period, vowing to never inflict harm upon each other. Initially, Dumbledore intended to accompany Grindelwald in their search for the Hallows, but everything changed dramatically one momentous day. A three-way duel ensued when Aberforth, Dumbeldore's brother, tried to prevent their departure from Goderic’s Hollow. Tragically, Ariana, Dumbedlore's sister, perished under mysterious circumstances, compelling Grindelwald to flee alone and fulfill his destiny of ascending as the leader of the wizarding community.

Grindelwald's War

In order to set the wizarding world ablaze, Grindelwald required a wand of unparalleled might. That is where the Elder Wand enters the picture. Under the cover of darkness, he cunningly infiltrated the workshop of the renowned wandcraftsman Gregorovitch, pilfering the wand and swiftly assuming its mastery. With one of the most formidable wands ever created now in his possession, Grindelwald commenced his wicked reign and commenced his relentless march towards all-out war.

Starting in the 1920s, his reign of terror stretched until 1945, when he was finally defeated. Grindelwald's relentless rampage caused immense chaos and claimed countless lives, transcending beyond the wizarding community, catching the attention of even muggles. During this period, Grindelwald established his army, constructed the castle Nurmengard, and embarked on a quest to eliminate the sole individual capable of halting his reign – Dumbledore.

The Fantastic Beasts films extensively cover this chapter in Grindelwald's life, including his guise as Percival Graves to gain influence in America. His objective was to locate an Obscurial, a dangerous wizard suppressed by their own magical abilities, whom he believed had the potential to kill his former lover. Despite being apprehended due to Newt Scamander's intervention, Grindelwald swiftly escaped to resume his pursuit. Eventually, he successfully converted the Obscurial Creedence to his cause, seized control of the German Ministry of Magic, and even triumphantly campaigned for magical office. It was during this period that Dumbledore managed to break free from the pact between them, leading to a climactic dual that ended in a stalemate. Not until 1945 would the wizard once again face his most formidable adversary.

The Fall Of Grindelwald

Content: In 1945, Dumbledore finally located and confronted Grindelwald in what would turn out to be their last duel. The details of this intense battle remain unknown, but it is widely recognized as one of the most monumental and significant wizard duels in history. Despite Grindelwald still possessing the powerful Elder Wand, Dumbledore somehow emerged victorious. Following his defeat, Grindelwald was confined to Nurmengard, a secure facility of his own design. He would spend the rest of his days there, and it is rumored that he may have experienced a change of heart during his captivity.

The Death Of Grindelwald

Grindelwald served his 53-year sentence from 1945 to 1998, longing for freedom. However, his encounter with the even more despicable dark wizard, Voldemort, brought about a potential opportunity for release. Despite the option to aid Voldemort in acquiring the Elder Wand's whereabouts, Grindelwald merely laughed in the face of the malevolent wizard. Consequently, Voldemort, enraged by the display of disrespect, put an end to Grindelwald's life by casting the killing curse.

Although Grindelwald met his demise within the walls of Nurmengard, he could take solace in the fact that he remained loyal to the man he loved, even in the face of certain death. This final act provides evidence to support the authenticity of Grindelwald's remorse for the actions of his youth, instead of it being a clever ruse to deceive others and secure his own escape. Though his sacrifice proved ultimately futile, there remains the possibility of Grindelwald reuniting with Dumbledore in some form of wizard afterlife within the magical world.

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