Gandalf vs. Dumbledore

In a mythical duel between two of literature’s most famous old, grey-bearded wizards (Merlin notwithstanding), we ask ourselves – who would win? On one side of the battlefield is Mithrandir, to the elves, or Tharkûn, to the dwarves, or Gandalf to the race of men, created by the legendary J.R.R. Tolkien. On the other side is Albus Dumbledore, master of the Elder Wand, and a character by an, admittedly, quite weird author. We shall only consider their most powerful versions that appear in canon: Gandalf the White vs Dumbledore with the Elder Wand.

Arguments for Gandalf

First and foremost: Gandalf is a Maia, an angel in the world of Middle-Earth. Maiar are primordial spirits that helped shape Middle-Earth along with the Valar, the sort of arch-angels in Tolkien’s world. This makes Gandalf extremely powerful, moving too fast for even a seasoned dwarf-warrior such as Gimli to see, and deflecting most projectiles that come his way – Elven arrows are no match for him, as Legolas found in The Two Towers. Not to mention that he casually summons lightning to fight the Balrog. Also not to mention that he fights a freaking Balrog. That’s like a biblical match between an angel and a demon. The entire reason the LOTR trilogy didn’t end sooner is because the Valar prohibited Gandalf from using his full powers, as the mortal races of Middle-Earth needed to find their own way.

Arguments for Dumbledore

Dumbledore is stated as one of the most powerful wizards in the world of Harry Potter – aye, he is probably the most talented student to have ever studied at Hogwarts, and the only wizard Voldemort ever truly feared. Dumbledore in his prime is scary, and showcases prodigal use of his magic (especially elemental magic). In addition to his innate wizardry, he also possesses the Elder Wand, which amplifies his already broken magic to levels never-before-seen in the wizarding world. He is a master Legilimens, which means he can block his mind and enter others’ as he pleases without too much effort. Dumbledore is the pinnacle of magic in Harry Potter, and he is rightly feared by the Dark Lord and his armies.

So, who would win?

To all Dumbledore fans, I apologise, but this is like pitting an angel against a normal human (probably because it literally is). Yes, this normal human has powers that could probably give Gandalf’s a run for his money, but Gandalf defeated a Balrog of Morgoth, and this is beyond any feat ever accomplished in Harry Potter. I can just see it: Dumbledore launches fire at Gandalf… until Gandalf says that he wields the flame of Anor, the sun, and that red fire cannot touch him. Gandalf raises his staff, summons lightning, and promptly burns Mr. Albus Dumbledore to a crisp, for even Dumbledore cannot react to sudden lightning strikes. 10/10 times, Gandalf takes this.

Also for the record, in a fight between Tolkien and Rowling, the fantasy titan beats the TERF 10/10.