Grindelwald thoughts (was Re: Re: Dumbledore is Ron?)

[Jonathan Pessin]

No: HPFGUIDX 53399

Gregory Lynn mused:

What I wonder about this is the whole Grindelwald thing.  It seems like it's a fact just pulled out of nowhere for no purpose.  At least, to this point it does.  But might there not be a larger purpose in there and if so what might it be?

I muse in return:

I've heard quite a bit of postulation about this Grindelwald guy.  The theory which sounds best to me of those I've heard is that Grindelwald, who was vanquished in 1945, had something to do with Hitler and/or Nazi Germany.  Here's some support:

The name "Grindelwald" sure sounds German to me.  OK, it's not much, but it's a start.  Add to that the fact that Grindelwald's fall coincides closely with the end of WWII, and the rumors of Hitler's fascination with the occult, and it's not too far a stretch to think that Hitler may have had a Dark Wizard or two on his staff to help him out in things magical and mystical.  With the defeat of Grindelwald (his Minister of Dark Magic?) Hitler lost much of his magical support, resulting in a total surrender by May 9.  

Either that, or he wasn't involved at all.

In any case, I'd sure like to learn more about it, if only because I'd like to learn more about Dumbledore's past.

Hobbit-guy (who wonders if there's an official pronunciation for Grindelwald, but decides not to ask after the recent pronunciation... discussions)