Character of the Month (October ’20) | Gellert Grindelwald

Note: This post contains spoilers from the Fantastic Beasts franchise.

So, it’s been a while since I’ve written a Character of the Month post, having lost inspiration for these kinds of posts until recently. However, since it’s October and Halloween is upon us, I felt it was about time I discussed one of my favourite villains of all time.

Gellert Grindelwald | Fantastic Beasts Series

Gellert Grindelwald is a very complex and interesting antagonist, due to the fact he isn’t as dangerous as Lord Voldemort was, considering the man was known as ‘The Most Dangerous Wizard of all time’. However, Grindelwald is significantly more powerful than Lord Voldemort.

Considering love is the most powerful force in the Wizarding World, Grindelwald is significantly more powerful than Lord Voldemort because of the fact that he has the capability to be loved. Gellert Grindelwald’s former relationship with Albus Dumbledore is the reason for this, which is alluded to there still being feelings for one another in the second film; ‘The Crimes of Grindelwald’. It isn’t important whether Grindelwald returns those romantic feelings towards Dumbledore, there is a lot to suggest he does and he doesn’t, but what matters is that he’s capable of being loved by someone. Also, potentially due to his feelings for Grindelwald, Dumbledore refuses to duel against him, leaving the task to Newt Scamander and in turn, leaving Grindelwald in more power over the situation.

For this reason, Grindelwald is an incredibly fascinating antagonist, due to his increased power over the entire Wizarding World and with his ever increasing following, it’s only a matter of time before we see Gellert Grindelwald’s true potential at the prime of his reign.

Who is Gellert Grindelwald?

Was a wizard considered to be among the most dangerous Dark Wizards of all time, second to Lord Voldemort.
A student at Durmstrang Institute who was expelled for dark experiments and near-fatal attacks on students.
Was in a romantic relationship with a young Albus Dumbledore.
After leaving Durmstrang, he made plans to find the Deathly Hallows and lead a Wizarding revolution to end the International Stature of Secrecy, in order to dominate over Muggles.
Talented, highly idealistic and dedicated to achieve his ends at any cost.
Defeated by Dumbledore in 1945 in a legendary duel. He was imprisoned in his own fortress for decades.
Killed by Lord Voldemort in 1998 when he refused to give up the location of the Elder Wand.
Harry Potter believed he had “a Fred and George-ish air of triumphant trickery about him.”
A driven, determined, and charismatic individual.
Described by Albus Dumbledore to be extremely charming, and is partly the reason he had been initially blind to how dangerous Gellert truly was.

Note: Gellert Grindelwald is portrayed by Johnny Depp and Jamie Campbell Bower in the Fantastic Beasts franchise.

Favourite Quotes

“Will we die, just a little?”
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

“We want only freedom. Freedom to be ourselves.”
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

“Magic blooms only in rare souls. Still, we must skulk in shadows. But the old ways serve us no longer.“
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

“My brothers… my sisters. The clock is ticking faster. My dream, we who live, for truth, for love. The moment has come, to take our rightful place… in the world, where we wizards… are free. Join me… or die.”
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

[to Queenie] “Queenie, we are not here to hurt you. We only want to help you. You’re so very, very far from home. Far away from everything you love. Everything that was comfortable. I would never see you harmed, ever. It is not your fault that your sister is an Auror. I wish you were working with me now. Towards a world where we wizards are free to live openly, and to love freely.”
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald