Gellert Grindelwald

"For the Greater Good"

- Gellert Grindelwald

Gellert Grindelwald was the wizarding world's most infamous dark wizard before Lord Voldemort. He was defeated by Albus Dumbledore in 1945, coinciding with the downfall of Nazi Germany.

Early life
Grindelwald met Albus Dumbledore whilst staying with his great-aunt Bathilda Bagshot in Godric's Hollow. The two teenage boys quickly struck up a close friendship, united by their quest for the Deathly Hallows and their plans to establish a new world order, in which wizards would rule over Muggles. However, Aberforth Dumbledore was opposed to their plans and tried to persuade them that it would not be possible, culminating in a three-way battle in which Albus' and Aberforth's sister Ariana was killed. As a result of this fight, Albus ended his friendship with Grindelwald, returning years later only to defeat him and take the Elder Wand, which Grindelwald had stolen from the famous wand maker Gregorovitch.

Grindelwald attended Durmstrang, where he carved the symbol of the Deathly Hallows into one of the walls. However, his symbol is known to very few British wizards, most of them descendants of those who had been slain by Grindelwald. Due to various dark magic experiments, Grindelwald was expelled from Durmstrang.

Later life
More than half a century after his defeat in the famous duel with Albus, Grindelwald was killed by Lord Voldemort, who wanted the Elder Wand for himself and who was unaware that Albus had claimed it long ago.

It is believed that, towards the end of his life, Grindelwald had felt remorse for all of the evil he had wrought during his reign.

Trivia
Grindelwald is a Germanic name: "Grindel" means "Bolt" and "Wald" means "Forest"; Grindelwald is also a ski resort in Switzerland. The name Grindelwald also bears a resemblance to the mythic Grendel who was defeated by Beowulf. Gellert is the Hungarian version of Gerard.