So who is stronger? Gandalf or Dumbledore?
In my opinion it has to be Gandalf easily. Gandalf is a maia who is older than the universe, was the keeper of Narya, who killed a Balrog and humilated Saruman.
Gandalf is more powerful!

Yeah i think so too for the reasons you stated above. And he looks cooler too.

Well I picked Dumbledore because i like Dumbledore. . Also Because i dont know what Gandalf looks like.

Absolutely Gandalf. Yes, he is maia, and maia is just one step lower than the gods, so no comparison. Though Dumbledore in his younger days might be capable of dealing with a Balrog. Or not? Stupefy, he says. What do you mean by that, asks the Balrog politely.

I agree in consideration of Beings, Gandalf the White is stronger than Dumbledore, though they have similar strengths. Gandalf and Dumbledore exhibit the ability to bring people together and lead them to fight a noble cause. Both have made significant strides towards communities and peoples in the texts...One thing I'm not sure of though is whether Gandalf has made mistakes and if he resolved his own possible mistakes. Dumbledore since HBP; seems to have gone through the motions and I find it a strength.

I hate it when people give answers like this. Answers such as "I like Dumbledore" don't prove anything. I have already given solid evidence for Gandalf being stronger (such as Gandalf being the Wisest of the Maiar), so where is your evidence for Dumbledore?

My answer would have to be Don't know. They are two different types of Wizard. Dumbledore uses a wand, potions and all that where-as Gandalf (from what I've read) only uses his Staff. It is therefore impossible to tell who would be stronger.

If you want to go by personality traits to find out then yes, Gandalf would be stronger. He never shows his weaknesses and he's not shy of a fight. Dumbledore however always shows his weakness and this stops him from making the right choices. Like telling Harry everything for example. He had multiple chances to tell him but he never did until it was almost too late. Gandalf just told them straight out what they were going to do. He helped where he could and eventually became the hero. Duumbledore tried to be a hero and failed miserably because he allowed himself to get too attached.

In the Personality fight - Gandalf would win.

In the physical fight - it's too hard to call, but I would lean towards Dumbledore since we know he can use his wand to great effect and Gandalf rarely showed his abilities.

Complete and utter rubbish! Gandalf would thrash Dumbledore in a physical fight. Gandalf is a maia, a great immortal spirit who helped create the Universe.
Also, we have seen Gandalf throw around lightning bolts, fire off fireballs, perform a shutting spell on a door as tall as a Balrog, crush the Bridge of Khaza-dum with a spell which makes sectumsempra look like a paper cut and conjured huge light beams at the Nazgul.
Gandalf is more powerful!

i think dumbledore will be powerful as compared to gandalf.so my choice is dumbledore.

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I think that Dumbledore would beat Gandalf because Gandalf wont use as much magic like in lord of the rings three, he didn't try to attack the nazguls, he didn't at all he didn't even use magic, where dumbledore would

Geez, guys, chill! It's not too polite to tell other posters that their opinion is rubbish, and frankly, I'm surprised you've gotten away with it so far!

OK...here's my dilemma...yes, Gandalf is a maia, just one step down from the immortals, which is very cool--well, except that the maia are just as prone to greed and power-mongering as anyone else--cases in point, Sauron and Saruman. Gandalf has got a wisdom that is above that of other humans, and can also shape-shift. The Simarillion states that the maia often took the form of elves, or humans, depending on whom they wish to assist or live among.

But...as Galadriel said of Gandalf, I say of Dumbledore--"We do not yet know his true purpose." I for one don't think things are over for Dumbledore. We have not been made privy to his ancestry or background. It could be he is every bit as old as Gandalf was at the time of the Fellowship of the Ring, even though they say he was born in 1840--I think it was 1840. Maybe that's just a cover story.

Yes, sometimes he didn't tell Harry enough, but who says Gandalf told everyone everything he could have, at just the right time? Why weren't Frodo and Sam sure how they should get into Mordor? Did Gandalf just take it for granted that he'd be there to assist?

And, in Dumbledore's defense, Harry had a very bad habit of not saying things to Dumbledore that could have taken care of a lot of problems! Gandalf was dealing with trying to protect a fifty-year-old, adult hobbit, not a confused teenager, so that's two different challenges right there. Dumbledore wasn't told about Tom's Diary, for one...if he had known about the diary, he would have known what that name really meant, and maybe things wouldn't have gone to such extremes! Or am I missing something?

OK, before I ramble everyone to death, I'll close, but have to say, that for me, it's too soon to form an opinion one way or the other, so I won't till I've read and considered Book 7.

Fun thread though!

~Darcy

P.S. Ever see that movie Stand by Me? When the four boys are discussing who would win in a fight, something like Mighty Mouse vs. Superman? This kinda reminds me of that! lol

I agree with you, Darcy, that it is difficult to tell at this stage. Another thing, I mean, what was the effect of their actions? See, Gandalf didn't save Middle-Earth in the end - Frodo did. Dumbledore won't defeat Voldemort, Harry will, so they're equal in that sense.

Also, who says that Dumbledore's wand isn't more powerful? Even if Gandalf had been part of the creation of Middle-Earth, we never see him doing much about it, moving mountains and whatnot. Yes, he cuts the bridge and all, but what if Dumbleodre could have done the same with his wand? What I'm basically saying, is that both wizards are as powerful as you can get within their respective worlds. Put Gandalf, just as he is, at Hogwarts and he might not be able to make a crack in the staircase.

Because we don't know what would happen, there is no way to prove that either one is stronger. Who says that a Fidelius charm isn't stronger than say - the Ring of Power? Because the level of magic of the two worlds can't be compared, neither can its inhabitants. I mean, if Rincewind from the Discworld series by Terry Pratchet could go to Hogwarts, he might be powerful enough to take on both of them on at the same time, for all we know!

So am I. We must be slipping in our old age and thankyou to those who have pointed it out.

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Carry on peoples

I do not know, what Gandalf did if not fight Nazgul. In the defence of Gondor, he alone could hold them away. And Frodo would not manage to go further than the doorstep of his home without Gandalf.
Furthermore, the evolution of the planet in LotR, as told in the Silmarilion, is predestined, sung from beginning to the end, so the changes from elves' world to the man's world should anyway come.
Gandalf was acting on behalf of the higher powers, and also manipulated the hobbits in a way, one could as well remember the first book, The Hobbit, how he managed to engage Bilbo in action, making him a pretty effective cog in his machinery. Gandalf's powers had never been fully exposed to the halflings (and the reader).
Finally (though I should be carefull about it, for the book 7 is yet to come ) Gandalf returned from the death.

Exactly pauk. Without Gandalf the Free Peoples of Middle-Earth would have lost the War of the Ring.




That's wrong dungens. Gandalf fired beams of light at the Nazgul on Pelennor Fields while Faramir's men fled Osgiliath.

I dont know why I picked Albus Dumbledore, I guess I feel that he is stronger and also cooler. But only cooler by a little but, Gandalf is still pretty sweet.

Where is your evidence? What do you have to prove that Dumbledore is more powerful than the Wisest of the Maiar?
Gandalf is more powerful!

Field Marshal, this is the last time I am going to say this. Your tone is far too aggressive towards other posters. Please respect other people's opinions even if you do not agree with them. Some people may just like one more than the other- they don't have to give empirical evidence for it without being jumped all over.

Any further takes on this will result in the thread being closed and you being placed on mod-watch.

End of discussion.

I said Dumbledore, because not only is he a physically strong wizard, he is also emotionally strong, by protecting Harry and helping him to succeed with his prophecy.

Let's see...the now dead (but maybe not permanently) possibly most powerful wizard of our time who once taught the Dark Lord (Voldemort) versus the thousands of years old (temporarily dead) demi-god wizard who fought the Dark Lord (Sauron) for most of his life. Quite frankly, if it came to a fight, I think they'd sit down for a smoke and a butterbeer and talk instead.

Gandalf is a Maia who has defeated a Balrog and Saruman. Gandalf is far stronger.




Gandalf protected Frodo and Bilbo, and fought against Sauron. Gandalf is far emotionally stronger.

Oh come ON!

Dumbledore vs. Gandalf?

If you look at it that way, Field Marshal, DD protected the entire Order And Hogwarts!!

They are completely different!
One, as you rightly said Field Marshal, is a Maia and the other is the greatest sorcerer in the world; the problem is:

Not in the same world!!

Middle-earth vs. Hogwarts?

I voted "Don't know".
I would have voted Dobby, but seeing as he was not available for election...

I agree with lorelei, Gandalf and Dumbledore wouldn't fight with each other, they would talk...but between them, I personally think Dumbledore's better. He is the most powerful wizard of his time, and he's very polite and kind. Gandalf was kind of grouchy a lot. Don't get me wrong, I like LOTR, but Dumbledore's better.

I also agree. They are both powerful, probably more powerful than anyone. And it is not the accomplishments that they succeed in Field Marshal. It is how they use their power, to protect people who have needed it and used their powers wisely. They are equal in my opinion.

Dumbldore, because he has the killing curse on his side. If you have watched LOTR think back. Gandalf the all powerful wizard. Uses his staff about 3 times throughout the series to do magic. The other times he beats his opponents with it. LOSER

Haha, good point, Dumbledore can just say accio staff and then break it and then kill Gandalf with the killing curse. Anyway why Field Marshal are you arguing who is stronger and more powerful so aggressively? They are fictional characters, they aren't real.

Gandalf is a Maia (a minor god). The killing curse would be useless against him.




If you have read the books Gandalf uses his magic plenty of times. He could just kill Dumbledore with that lightning spell he used in the Hobbit.

I remember reading the series, and at some point Tolkien mentioned that Gandalf traveled 800 miles or so in two months (or something like that). Dumbledore could simply apparate there, if he knew where he was going, and if he didn't, he could use a broom. I suppose Gandalf could use the eagles...but why didn't he call upon them to travel those 800 miles? I think in the Hobbit they saved him and the dwarves from the wolves (he was shooting some sort of orbs of light at them...I don't really remember).

Dumbledore may disappear for a few days, going on a mission by himself or something, but Gandalf (in the books) disappears and isn't seen by Frodo for years. Gandalf is also known by different names in different parts of Middle Earth (I know in Gondor his name is Mithrandir right?). What about the battle with Smaug? Didn't Gandalf only arrive after everything happened? Bilbo was walking around saw him sitting there, right? All he seemed to do was point them in the right direction from time to time.

I know, so far this post is commenting mainly on Gandalf...

Dumbledore appears to be limited to his wand, but both of them have some sort of 'charm' for lack of a better word, at understanding people and being the judge of characteristics and seeing the best in them (Dumbledore with his students and staff, and Gandalf with the hobbits...but I know there are more examples). Essentially, they both a good at forming relationships and aren't prejudicial when it comes to 'race', as in dwarves or goblins, etc.

Just a some comments...I didn't really help either side...but I think if they were fighting each other then Gandalf would win with his crazy bag of tricks. However, like a previous poster said, they'd probably sit down, have a smoke of old Toby, and drink some butterbeer..

Dumbedore, Gandalf and him are practically the same. Gandalf as I have seen can chuck electricity and is good with swords and horses. Dumbledore is the most powerful wizard in the world and can kill someone in a second. GO DUMBLEDORE!!

Gandalf - Lord Of The Rings
Dumbledore - Harry Potter

i think Dumbledore would kill gandalf because harry could kill frodo and harry learned everything he knows from Dumbledore and frodo learned from gandalf so dumbledore would kill Gandolf

Frankly, I think there both awesome and neither would win. they'd have too much respect to finish the other one off. But if i had to choose, i would say Gandalf would win, because Gandalf came back from the dead and JK said that Dumbledore won't.

Gandalf is no match for Dumbledore. Hands down. Dumbledore is stronger.

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Triad.

Well, Jo just shot my hypothesis right out of the water recently by insisting in an interview that yes, Dumbledore is really dead. So, Dumbledore died. Dumbledore is no more. He's licked his last lemon sherbet, waved his last wand, he's mouldering under the marble...he is an ex-wizard! Sorry for the little Monty Python reference there--it's getting late and I am getting silly.

So, Gandalf fought the Balrog and died and then came back. Dumbledore fought the potion and died and didn't come back. I'd have to say at this point that in fantasy terms, Gandalf is a stronger wizard. Not that that means Dumbly was a bad wizard, but he's a dead wizard. It's hard to compete with an immortal.

Wow haha thought you meant Gandalf from the Zelda series, Never seen LORD OF THE RINGS and dont plan on it.. Doesnt look like it has a point. There going for a ring, big whoop. Anyways..!
[Mod Note] To emphasize what Albus Dumbledore wrote below, that is immature on your part considering this thread's civility has flared up on occasion; I expect better from you please. If anyone feels inclined to respond negatively in public (instead of PMing a Wizengamot), think about what will happen when the fire is put out.

dumbledore wins no doubt about it. ya gandalf came back from the dead but thats not about how powerful he is its because someone upstairs likes him and he had to help frodo destroy the ring. besides harry potter is a way more magical world than lord of the rings...gandalf would get whooped

Wow Spencer Potter.... At one time I respected what you thought, and enjoyed seeing you add your opinion on a post that I had just posted on..... as I do many other people here... but I think you just scarred your image to me atleast with your last post... Even if you generally werent interested in the Lord of the Rings I flt it was immature and naive to say such things. I know personally what it is like to be ignorant of the Lord of the Rings... I was in 6th grade and all I wanted to do was read and reread all 4 of the books that were out at that time.. my teacher tried to interject but I wouldnt have it... no lord of the rings for me... but I didnt have reason... then In 7th grade I saw the movie on accident and fell in love.... Lord of the Rings is now second to Harry Potter. I really wish you wouldnt take such an arrogant attitude to works of Fiction, even if it isnt your cup of tea.

Anyway, I dont think there is any comparison... It was fate that made both Gandalf And DUmbledore and they are in two different worlds. One author decided to introduce a lesser god to teh mix while the other a mere powerful mortal. In scale of each novel I believe they are equal, and never would wish to argue one way or the other.....

Ok well sorry about that bud, I was speaking my mind, I mean, I just didnt understand the point of going for a powerful ring. Im sorry if I offended you I just usually speak my mind. Sorry about that.

EDIT: what I mean is I was talking outloud, I do that alot, when Im thinking I start talking, its getting into typing, oh no.

I had to pick Dumbledore. First of all, he's very wise.
Second, he seems to have more power than Gandalf.
Or.. atleast I think so.

Lol, well they are both powerful aren't they, and they are also wise. I think it is just the tactics. Dumbledore could summon Gandalf's staff, then snap it, and then cast Avada Kedavra. And if Field Marshal decides to jump on me again, Dumbledore could cast expelliarmus and Gandalf would fly off a cliff. But I love them both and we all know they would never have a fight, and it isn't the most powerful who wins a duel.

i feel like i am doomed here by saying gandalf in a harry potter fan site. i just want to say that it is very hard to compare the two. they are characters from two completely seperate worlds. yes gandalf is more powerful than dubledore, but i think that if you put dumbledore into the lord of the rings asa legitimate character, he would be more powerful than gandalf, due to his amazingly extensive knowledge, which gandalf lacks at times. and if you put gandalf into the harry potter world, he wouldnt have been around since before time itself, and all that, because thats not how the characters or the world of harry potter work. there are no immortals (well thats not entirely true, but you get what im saying), so gandalf would just be really old like dumbledore, but without the same extensive knowledge.
but i did put down gandalf because if you look at them seperately, without taking into account what i just said, then gandalf would be more powerful than dumbledore.

Dumbledore and Gandalf are both strong, but in different ways. Dumbledore uses his wand and other forms of sorcery. Where as Gandalf uses his staff.

iv controdicted myself by sayin gandolf because i picked voldemort winning against sauran but i just think that gandolf can take more than dd.

ahrrrrrrrrr i dont know there both got the same characteristics like there both noble,willing to give there life to save others, great, great power but there from different worlds so its so hard to compare, we dont know if LotR world could have a counter curse for the unforgivable curses.

They are so alike but I think Gandalf because he is so cool.
one stage he fell with this weird monster thing and they had a big fight and Gandalf wins but dies but he came back better than ever in my opinun he can defeat anyone at anytime. Dumbledore is great as well but I think Gandalf is better.

Well, the point is Gandalf is a maia (which has been said many times before too) but, this states he's not exactly completely human, and Dumbledore is surely a human, this makes him more powerful, i mean, Gandalf defeated Belrog, but went down with him too - Dumbledore was.....Okay, he went down too, but he wasn't an angel so he could come back and that's only one drawback..

Gandalf did not die. The Fellowship thought that he died, but he did not. Gandalf is a master of flames. Dumbledore can do a lot more than that. In a fight, Dumbledore would win, but he would not kill Gandalf.

Interestingly, remember that Gandalf was hundreds of years old.

Why do I keep thinking of Gandalf from Zelda haha, but truly I think DD would win because he seems more powerful and wiser, and Dumbledore is pretty old too, atleast 100.

This is my idea of a fight between gandalf + DD
kinda a joke

1.gandalf shouts you shall not pass!!!!
2.DD says waaa?
3.gandalf says Run hobbits!! the white wizard approaches!
they run away
4.DD is left sad and alone
5.Ben kenobi comes and stabs DD with his lightsaber
6.DD body shouts Death is just the next adventure

THE END

(i crack myself up) Proud owner of Licorce Wands Inc.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Oooh, got to say Dumbledore. Though I love Gandald, I love Dumbledore more . He is just so much more dynamic and stuff.

But anyways, that isn't my only reason. Dumbledore is so good because of the skill and magic that Jo allowed him to have. And if we examine the magic and compare it to that of Tolkien's, I believe that Jo's is quicker, more laid out, possibly pin-point, and much more precise. No, I don't know all the laws of either of the author's magical principles, but from what I've read, that is what I infer.

This is a tough one...They both have such obvious powers, and are both at the height of their magical prowess in their respective stories. They are similair in many ways. They both have a caring and undertanding way about them, yet at the sime time they can have fury and wrath in the face of danger. I guess if DD comes back from the dead (and I doubt that he will ) I would be better able to judge. After battling the Balroc Gandlf came back as the white wizard...So in that sense I guess that makes him stronger...I'm not sure how old DD is, but I know that Gandalf is pretty old..I think somewhere around 200 or so..I'd have to go recheck my LOTR books...Anyway...I don't know...I have such a hard time drawing hard lines of comparison in characters I like equally...I look at it this way: At one time Ian McKellen was considered for the role of DD...So what does that tell you??

You're making me pick between my two favoritest old wizards ever?! I'd probably have to say Gandalf though... i mean, hello, what happened to Dumbledore in the 6th book?