[HPforGrownups] OOP: Dumbledore's Middle Names

[Helen R. Granberry]

No: HPFGUIDX 62603


Hi...

We'll dispense with the newbie stuff for the moment--Cass, 23, long 
time lurker, first time poster.  Whatever.  Also, I apologise if 
someone has gotten this before me, I'm still on moderated posting and 
also hopelessly behind on emails, despite my best efforts...


I've seen a lot of consternation in places about Dumbledore's middle 
names, particularly *Brian.*  

Apparently I've just read way too much Celtic Mythology, but the 
first thing in my head was the story of Brian Boru.  He was the 
first, and last "real" High King of Ireland, and is credited with 
breaking the power of the Vikings over the country, if not driving 
them out altogether.

The basic points of the story:

1. Brian is the brother of a king who wishes to make peace with the 
Vikings.  He disagrees and leads a small force against the enemy, 
wining several battles.  His popularity grows. 

2. Brian joins forces with his brother Mahon, the king, and they 
effectively drive the Vikings out of Southern Ireland.

3. Brian is made High King of Ireland.  

4. Approximately 16 years later, the Vikings and their allies attack 
Ireland again, in a huge battle.  They are almost completely 
destroyed, but on the way back to the ship, one of the Viking kings 
and his men stumble upon Brian in his tent.  Happy that they at least 
can kill the king, if not win the war, they kill Brian.  But not, 
mind you, before he has an opportunity to behead the Viking king.


Alright, so as I look at this more, it could apply to either 
VoldieWar I, VoldieWar II, or some combination of both.  Let me just 
say that it wouldn't surprise me to find out there there had been 
some sort of appeasement-based government before Barty Crouch, 
Sr "took over."

There are some good reference sites on Brian Boru here:
http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/people/brianbor.htm
http://www.okelly.net/battles/boru.htm
http://www.irishclans.com/articles/famirish/borub.html

I'm not sure that was who she was referencing, but as I said, it was 
my first thought.


--Cass




Hi Cass, 

I am relatively new myself... I have been dissecting DD's middle names
too. For now, I have four words:

Weasley is Our King

On strictly a name meaning basis, Ronald has similar connotations to
Brian. I have found various 'meanings' and origins -- most having to do
with being a ruler, counsel to the King and wise. Wulfric seems to be
from a St. Wulfric (also Ulric... hmmmm...) whose story sounds eerily
similar to Percy's. And of course... Percival is one of DD's middle
names. We do know now that Percy is indeed Percy's name. It fits in with
his social climber name, since commoners weren't allowed the name
Percival, but could use its short form Percy. 

I find this fascinating, as I am a huge fan of the Ron is Dumbledore
(REDHEAD ALWAYS) theory. However... I also find it interesting that two
of DD's names connect directly to Percy, the brother Ron shares a
likeness with. Sorry if this seems slightly incoherent... but I am
seeing more and more ties between Dumbledore and the Weasley family.
Still processing everything...

Helen