...Grindelwald

[jeddy83au]

No: HPFGUIDX 31916

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "raolin.rm" <raolin1 at h...> wrote:
 
> Actually, it sounds like it means "fence-wood."  However, as you 
very 
> correctly point out, anyone who can't tell you if the word is 
Celtic 
> or Germanic may not be the best translator you can find.  I happen 
to 
> have Indo-European linguistics as a hobby of mine, and I guarantee 
> that they two language families are not closely related!
> 
> Perhaps JKR just found it on a map an -- maybe even subconsciously -
- 
> the resemblance to Grendel from Beowulf struck a chord, and in it 
> went!
> 
> Joshua Dyal


It isn't impossible for the word to appear in both the Celtic and 
German languages even if they aren't closely related because words 
are incorporated into other languages.  Celtic settlements have been 
found in Switzerland and Austria and it is becoming apparent that the 
Celts liked to trade so perhaps this is why Grindel appears in both 
languages.

Melanie

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[Moderator note to all: Please move any further discussion of general linguistics to OT Chatter. Thanks!]