Many may think that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named or You-Know-Who (formally known as Lord Voldemort) is the most powerful and despised wizard in the world of Harry Potter. If you’re a part of the “many,” then you’re in for a little surprise. Long before little 11-year-old Harry discovered the reason behind his lightning-shaped scar, the frightening dreams, and why he could magically talk to snakes, the protagonist of J.K. Rowling’s much-acclaimed series was introduced to the most feared and powerful Dark Wizard of all times, Gellert Grindelwald.
He’s relevant in Harry’s fight against the Dark Arts, his efforts in finding the Deathly Hallows, and even Professor Dumbledore. His character materialized later on in series but the author didn’t touch on him too much right from the get-go. Gellert was later introduced as the lead antagonist in ‘Fantastic Beasts,’ J.K. Rowling’s spinoff series, where he got to flourish amongst the pages.
For those who don’t know much about this wizard-turned-villain, tune into the list below for 23 facts about the wizarding world’s very first Dark Lord.
1. He was always lurking in the background
Some of us may have missed it, but Gellert was mentioned right from the get-go. Just as little Harry is getting comfortable in his coach, on his way to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he opens up a Chocolate Frog and reads the card out loud. The card briefly mentions Dumbledore’s duel with Grindelwald, setting the readers up for what’s to come in book number seven. Smartly played!
2. He didn’t die young
Born in 1883, Gellert died in 1998, making him 115 years old at the time of his death. That’s a long time to be haunting other witches and wizards!
3. One of the darkest wizards of all time didn’t graduate – seriously!
His school just couldn’t take it! After attending Durmstrang Institute for a while, the teachers began to catch a whiff of Gellert’s Dark Arts-related activity. His experimentation was so strong and intense that they couldn’t handle it and expelled the ace student. Keep in mind that Durmstrang promoted the practice of the Dark Arts and later went on to become one of You-Know-Who’s biggest supporters, and still for them, Gellert’s practice of the Dark Arts was too much to handle.
4. There’s an overlap of imagery
Gellert’s personal coat of arms and the symbol for the Deathly Hallows was the same thing. Interesting…
5. There was more than one Gellert
Did you know three different actors played Gellert in the film adaptations of the books? Michael Byrne played an aged Gellert in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’; Jamie Campbell Bower played the younger version of the man. Then, makers roped in Johnny Depp to play Gellert for ‘Fantastic Beasts.’ They just can’t make up their minds.
6. The Good and the Evil
Since we’re mentioning Jamie Campbell Bower, here’s something: He was briefly engaged to Bonnie Wright, who on screen is everyone’s favorite Ginny Weasley! We like her with Harry better, what do you think?
7. Something about Gellert wasn’t right, and it wasn’t the Dark Magic
In the film adaptations of the books, the directors just couldn’t get his eye color right. The screenplay of ‘Fantastic Beasts’ described Gellert as a blue-eyed villain, but in the final film, the character was shown with heterochromia iridium where one of his eyes was darker than the other. The books, however, didn’t mention that Gellert ever had this condition.
8. Once a wizard, always a wizard
Don’t mistake Michael Byrne’s appearance in the last movie as his first in the series. Although he didn’t appear on screen, Michael lent his voice for Hagrid’s pet spider, Aragog, in ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.’
9. There’s a reason why he went back to Godric’s Hollow
Gellert went to Godric’s Hollow in search for Ignotus Peverell’s grave. Ignotus was one of the three brothers who were the first owners of the Deathly Hallows; he was also the original owner of the invisibility cloak. Things always end up tying back to Harry Potter, don’t they? Poor guy.
10. Karma at it’s best
One of Gellert’s major accomplishments was building a prison called Nurmengard. He would put all his enemies into this jail, one of his serious acts of terror after he took over as the Dark Wizard. It turned out that after his downfall, Gellert was imprisoned in his very own jail. Oops!
11. Gellert was a thief, too
For anyone wondering how on earth Gellert got the Elder Wand, here’s answering that question right now. He stole it (of course) from Mykew Gregorovitch the wandmaker. It was after getting hold of the Elder Wand that Gellert became the most feared wizard.
12. Yet, he still gets an honorable mention
Gellert Grindelwald becomes the second character in the franchise to be named in the title of a film. Of course, you have Harry Potter in every film’s title, but the upcoming movie, ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald’ features any other character’s name for the first time ever. He should be proud of himself.
13. The friendship that went way back
Albus and Gellert met in Godric’s Hollow years ago. They were friends at first, both the men wanted to join forces and find the Deathly Hallows. Their motive was to bring order and peace to the wizarding world while culminating a strong force of witches and wizards to rule over Muggles.
14. Albus was in love with Gellert
There you have it, Dumbledore’s love story is out in the open. It was during the time that the two men were planning their revolution that Dumbledore developed feelings for his friend.
15. Gellert never felt the same about Albus
Unfortunately, the two weren’t involved in a complex and passionate love story because Albus’ feelings were never reciprocated. Gellert never felt the same about Albus.
16. As they say, all good things must come to an end
This strong bond of friendship didn’t last too long though. Things took a turn for the worst when Albus and Gellert were in a three-way duel with Aberforth, Albus’ brother. Ariana, Albus’ sister was killed in this duel. Following this turn of events, Gellert ran off, stole the Elder Wand, and rose to power.
17. Aberforth versus Albus
Albus graduated from Hogwarts and went back home to look after his sister. He had no intentions of joining forces with Gellert until the latter made Albus realize his potential. It was this bonding between the two that caused Aberforth to speak out against Albus. Aberforth accused his brother of neglecting his family and had tried to convince Albus to stay back and put his plans with Gellert aside. It was then that Gellert reacted with violence and the duel occurred.
18. Gellert left Albus feeling guilty
Albus didn’t know who’s spell killed his sister, he never got the answer to this question. Gellert ran away right after this duel, leaving Albus scarred for life.
19. A controversy surrounded the reel Gellert as well
It was at the time that Johnny Depp was announced as Gellert Grindelwald that allegations of him emotionally and physically abusing his ex-wife surfaced, as well. Many fans were angry at the fact that he was going to be a part of the movie despite these allegations. Both J.K. Rowling and director David Yates maintained that Johnny is a formidable actor and he will remain as a part of the cast.
20. There is a reference to Adolf H****r
The famous battle between Albus and Gellert took place in 1945 and this is no coincidence. J.K. Rowling admits that Gellert had a similar vision to Adolf’s.
21. The meaning behind the name is so accurate
J.K. Rowling is one smart woman because you can dissect the man’s name in whichever shape, way, or form and it will come out to something negative. Grindelwald is very similar to “grindill” which is described as an “Old Norse” term meaning “storm.” “Grindel” simply means angry. I must say, a job well done.
22. Voldemort versus Grindelwald
Remember the moment in the book where Tom Riddle asks Gellert Grindelwald to tell him where the Elder Wand is? It’s a moment that almost goes unseen in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,’ but Gellert refuses to tell You-Know-Who where the wand is, challenging the man to kill him. This scene directly correlates to the moment when Albus had once said that Gellert is guilty of what he’s done.
23. Albus versus Gellert
The two ex-best friends came face-to-face one last time. This time, Albus was trying to fight the good fight, trying to eliminate the evil that Gellert had spread. Albus won this legendary duel, taking the Elder Wand, and sending Gellert to (his own) jail.
Did you know these facts about Gellert Grindelwald? Are there any others you’d want to add to the list? Share them in the comments below!
