Did Grindelwald Use Fiendfyre or Something Else at the End of Crimes of Grindelwald?

In the finale of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, Albus Dumbledore faces off against Gellert Grindelwald in Paris. One query fans are particularly interested in is whether Grindelwald employed Fiendfyre or another spell. So, let's dive into what Grindelwald actually used and compare it with Fiendfyre.

What Grindelwald Used: An Unidentified Dark Flame

At the end of the film, Grindelwald does not summon Fiendfyre. Instead, he conjures a powerful blue flame, a form of dark magic closely associated with his occult powers. This fire serves as both a barrier and a weapon, designed to manipulate the environment during the back-and-forth battle with Dumbledore. While Fiendfyre is a magical fire known for its uncontrollable nature and tendency to consume everything in its path, the spell Grindelwald uses is not explicitly identified as Fiendfyre in canon.

What is Protego Diabolica?

On a related note, Protego Diabolica, first cast by Gellert Grindelwald in 1927, is a powerful protective spell that creates a ring of black fire. Similar to Fiendfyre, this spell is renowned for its deadly nature and requires a significant amount of loyalty and harmlessness from those who pass through it.

During the 1990–1991 school year, Professor Albus Dumbledore surmised that Jacob's life-threatening burns at St Mungos were the result of Protego Diabolica. This spell was used by Grindelwald to test the loyalty of his followers, allowing the loyal ones to pass through the fire unharmed while burning those who showed any hint of betrayal. Among these were notable characters like Vinda Rosier, Queenie Goldstein, and Abernathy. Conversely, individuals like Krall who showed doubts about Grindelwald's intentions were incinerated upon entering the ring of flame.

Comparing Fiendfyre and Protego Diabolica

Fiendfyre is a type of dark magical fire that grows beyond the caster's control and consumes everything in its path. On the other hand, Protego Diabolica, while also a dark enchantment, creates a protective barrier and tests loyalty instead. The flames of Protego Diabolica tested those around it, similar to how Fiendfyre can be used to attack enemies.

A fascinating aspect of Protego Diabolica is the fact that it can be manipulated as a weapon. As seen during the confrontation with Dumbledore, Grindelwald could use the spell to create fiery tendrils that extended from the ring and burned his enemies. These tendrils could even be deflected or blocked temporarily with the Shield Charm (Protego).

Significance of the Spell in Battle and Magic

Both Fiendfyre and Protego Diabolica are allegorical of the darker aspects of magic, illustrating the hazards and unpredictability of unchecked magical power. In the climactic battle in Paris, Grindelwald's Protego Diabolica lake created a large winged dark fire demon that resembled Fiendfyre, consuming Paris much like its more famous cousin. This required the combined effort of several magicians to contain and extinguish the flames, highlighting the destructive power of these dark spells.

It's worth noting that burns caused by Protego Diabolica cannot be treated with Burn-Healing Paste, underscoring the extreme and toxic nature of the enchantment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Grindelwald's spell at the end of Crimnes of Grindelwald was a powerful form of dark magic, it was not Fiendfyre. It was a more benevolent but equally destructive spell known as Protego Diabolica, used to both protect and test loyalty, as well as a weapon to incinerate those who opposed his vision.

Both Fiendfyre and Protego Diabolica provide valuable insights into the darker aspects of magical power and the dangers of unchecked ambitions. As we move forward in the Fantastic Beasts series, these spells will undoubtedly continue to play significant roles in the story's progression.

Stay tuned for more in-depth discussions on Fantastic Beasts and the magical world!