The Ambitions of Gellert Grindelwald: Understanding His Goals and Motives

Gellert Grindelwald, a key antagonist in the Harry Potter series, had complex and ambitious goals that drove his actions. This article delves into Grindelwald's aims, and why they were so pivotal to the series.

His Primary Goal: Ruling for the Greater Good

The fundamental objective Grindelwald pursued was to rule both the wizarding and Muggle worlds, albeit under the guise of the "greater good." Dumbledore informed Harry about this in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Grindelwald believed that to prevent the destructive nature of human beings, particularly through wars and other conflicts, his leadership was necessary. In one of the most compelling scenes in Crimson Comrade, he demonstrated a vision of World War II and the atomic bomb to his followers, suggesting that he could stop such conflicts if they supported him. This ambition was inscribed above the entrance to his fortress Nurmengard, a stark symbol of his autocratic vision.

Short-term and Long-term Plans

In the short term, his plan was to stop destructive and futile conflicts. Crimson Comrade provides a convincing example where Grindelwald's vision helps solidify his followers' belief in his leadership. However, his long-term plan was to achieve world domination and the open use of magic. This desire was clearly stated in his speech in the first Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them film, where he declared that wizards had lived in the shadows for far too long. His vision was not just political; he also considered the Muggles, labeling them as mere "beasts of burden" in the second film. Grindelwald's delusions of grandeur and his arrogance are evident in his treatment of the Muggle population and his followers.

Secondary Goal: Destruction of Albus Dumbledore

Gellert Grindelwald's secondary goal, in tandem with ruling the world, was the destruction or incapacitation of Albus Dumbledore. This was a deeply personal vendetta, driven by the belief that Dumbledore was his only true adversary. He sought out Credence because he believed he was "the only entity alive that can kill him."

Pushing Boundaries with Magic

Grindelwald was a magical genius who was expelled from Durmstrang for his twisted experiments. His ambitions extended beyond the political to the magical realm. Pushing the boundaries of magic was a key motivator for his actions. His expulsion would indicate a disregard for traditional magical practices and a quest for power and control.

Dreams of Immortality and Hallows

Grindelwald's quest for immortality was another significant aspect of his ambitions. Unlike Voldemort, who used Horcruxes, Grindelwald sought the unification of the Deathly Hallows. The Wand and the Stone were within his grasp, but the Cloak remained elusive. His aim was to use the Wand to enhance his personal prowess and the Stone to create an army of Inferi. The Cloak was a matter of personal fulfillment in completing his Hallows collection, rather than a means to his ultimate goal.

Conclusion

Gellert Grindelwald's ambitions were vast and multifaceted. His desire to rule the world for the perceived "greater good" was central, supplemented by the destruction of Dumbledore and the pursuit of immortality through the Hallows. His actions and motivations are a fascinating study in ambition, power, and the cost of a single person's dream at the expense of others.