Ludwig's relationships

[Rob Klein]

Greetings, members.
For Gilles Maurice, Harry and the rest regarding Ludwig von Drake's 
relationship to Donald:

The November-December 1961 Ludwig von Drake No.1 (introductory comic book for 
that character), showed Ludwig coming to Duckburg (in U.S.A.)for the first 
time, to meet his American relatives (the Duck Family). So, at least we have 
established that he IS a blood relative of Donald, Daisy, Scrooge, Grandma, 
Gladstone, Gus, and even Gyro was there. (I assume Gyro was not there because 
he was related by blood (as he is a chicken-according to Barks). Donald refered 
to Ludwig as: "Our distinguished relative". He did not mention the relationship 
to himself. The story was titled: "Ludwig von Drake in Duckburg, U.S.A.".

Donald calls him "Ludwig".  Huey, Dewey, and Louie call him "Professor 
Ludwig".  No one in that story, or indeed, in any of the stories in his comic 
book series (1-4 of 1961-1962), refers to their familial relationship with him.
However, we have conformation of the general family relationship, in No.3 of 
his comic book series. In the second story ("Family Tree Spree"), Ludwig 
researches Donald's family tree, and realises that he, himself is related to 
Donald, and, thus, shares (at least a portion of) that family tree. The actual 
relationship is not shown.

Harry,- i believe your memory serves you well.  I believe that Ludwig was 
refered to as "Oom" (Uncle) in Dutch Donald Duck.  This does not, however, mean 
that he is ACTUALLY his UNCLE by blood.  I have several cousins who are at 
least one generation older than I, whom I refer to as "Oom".  I know several 
other people in other families who do the same. 

I would say that we should consider him a Great Uncle of Donald, as the only 
references in comic books or animation regard him as "Uncle".

Rob
Klein

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