What was Gellert Grindelwald's Nationality, What was Gellert Grindelwald's Nationality? |
 Jan 16 2009, 03:58 PM
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Just Through the Brick Wall Posts: 16 Joined: 3:27pm January 16, 2009  |
I have always thought of Grindelwald as being German for several reasons. One, both Grindel and Wald and German names, "Grindel" being old German for bolt and "Wald" meaning forest. Also, Gellert was the last name of a German poet. His physical description of blond hair also gives me that impression, as many Germans are of Scandinavian descent. Besides, JKR said that Grindelwald was supposed to be reminiscent of Hitler, who, of course, was German. What does everyone else think?
-------------------- Sharpay
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Jan 16 2009, 09:55 PM
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Being Eaten by the Pea Soup Posts: 18 Joined: 11:02pm January 3, 2009 Location: The Hog's Head |
Well, I've thought of him as potentially German, but also Scandinavian, because he went to Durmstrang, which is described to be pretty far north.
There is some more evidence that he could have been German though, because JKR has said that major wizarding events often coincide with major muggle world events, and Grindelwalds height of power was during World War II. It doesn't necessarily mean he was German though of course, because more countries were obviously fighting with Germany...but I certainly don't think Grindelwald was Italian or Japanese...perhaps he is Russian, or of some sort of Slavic nationality? Ultimately if I had to take a guess though, I would agree with you on him being German. Because his name just doesn't fit with being Slavic. This post has been edited by Reckoner: Jan 16 2009, 09:56 PM |
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Jan 17 2009, 06:04 AM
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Professional Diagon Alley Window Shopper Posts: 72 Joined: 10:45am November 9, 2008 |
I always assumed that the wizard "Grindelwald War" is the wider-world "WWII".
Dark wizards are suggested to be a really terrible threat. For me that must mean not just to the wizarding community, but to the whole world. If the outside world wouldn't really notice that much, then the rise of a dark wizard wouldn't be that terrible. (Which gives me a problem in how little impact Voldemort is shown to have on the wider world; I am troubled by that, but try to make allowances for the fact that he hadn't really got going yet.) So, without ever considering it in detail, but given the timing, the concentration camps with the mottos over the gates, and I suppose the german elements in the name, I automatically identified Naziism with Grindelwald's party and supposed that the whole conflagration was down to him. |
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Jan 17 2009, 01:04 PM
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Hiding in the Iron Maiden at Borgin and Burkes Posts: 309 Joined: 9:44am November 20, 2007 Location: NC  |
QUOTE His physical description of blond hair also gives me that impression, as many Germans are of Scandinavian descent. Besides, JKR said that Grindelwald was supposed to be reminiscent of Hitler, who, of course, was German. What does everyone else think? His physcial description could definitely support his being German. I can't remember exactly, but didn't Hitler and the Nazis have a vision of a blonde-haired, blue-eyed supreme race? If that's not right, I don't know where I picked that little tidbit up from...
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Jan 17 2009, 01:31 PM
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Monster Book Stacker Posts: 384 Joined: 1:59pm January 14, 2009 Location: Toronto |
Crimson Artist: you're right....Hitler deemed those of Arian blood to be the superior race: Blond with Blue eyes........which completely contradicts Hilter's physical appearance.........just like Voldemort praising pure-blood when he, himself was a half-blood.........anyways........since the first wizard war occured along the same timeline as World War II........I would guess that Grindlewald was Austrian........I'm basing this on the fact that Hitler himself was Austrian (not German)........
--------------------  "The Sign of the Deathly Hallows" |
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Jan 23 2009, 04:00 AM
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Rat Tonic Bottler Posts: 1,100 Joined: 5:49pm July 5, 2005 Location: Melbourne, Australia |
There is a village named Grindelwald in Switzerland, so it is also possible that Gellert Grindelwald is Swiss.
-------------------- I'd give up chocolate, but I'm no quitter!
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Jun 6 2009, 05:20 PM
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Just Through the Brick Wall Posts: 1 Joined: 5:13pm June 6, 2009 Location: Germany |
Personally I see Grindelwald as German, though from Prussia, which is now Poland or Slovakia. Indeed 'Grindelwald' is German and even though I never have heard of this name before, 'Gellert' is an acceptable German name according to my word.
But, as JKR said, he has a close tie with Hitler, he could also bei Austrian, just like him. Though... I somehow doubt it. Maybe it is because I never give much a thought about Austria, except for a great place of skiing. Hm... Switzerland could be as well. -------------------- As the evening breaks
The night awakes And the land is mournfully wrapped in silence Sorrow last And remains the past cause this will be my ending day Haggard - In a Fullmoon Procession |
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Jun 20 2009, 07:20 AM
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Just Through the Brick Wall Posts: 16 Joined: 11:30am June 17, 2009 |
He's OBVIOUSLY Australian.
...Im kidding. He's probably just the Euro exchange kid that everyone falls for 
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Jun 29 2009, 06:34 PM
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Cauldron Bottom Measurer Posts: 123 Joined: 11:54pm April 26, 2009 Location: Eeylops Owl Emporium |
i found Grindelwald on a map of Switzerland. so i'm guessing German / Austrian heritage?
no wait, i bet he comes from Lichtenstein. exotic place, that is. -------------------- "I love you, Hermione," said Ron, sinking back in his chair, rubbing his eyes wearily.
Hermione turned faintly pink, but merely said, "Don't let Lavender hear you saying that." HBP, p. 533 |
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Jul 3 2009, 07:44 PM
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Just Through the Brick Wall Posts: 4 Joined: 11:12am February 19, 2009 |
I always thought of him as Russian, for some reason... I think it's because I connect Durmstrang with Scandinavian or Russian people. I always thought that he came from somewhere in Europe that was really cold, and Austria, Germany, Russia, and Switzerland all fit in that category in my opinion.
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