In my opinion, Dumbledore was a much better wizard than Gandalf. I'm not saying Gandalf is a poor wizard though, he just isn't on the same level as Dumbledore. Gandalf's main role in The Lord of the Rings was as a leader during role. He pretty much directed troops on when and where to go. He also fought along side with them. But he never seemed to really use that much magic. I mean shouldn't a wizard be use a good amount of magic? He did use his powers much more in the first movie than in the second and third movies. In the second and third movies he played more of a war leader role.
But Dumbledore was always ready to use his magic. He used his magic to defend Harry from the inferi, defeat Grindlewald, when he defended himself against the five ministry of magic workers in the fifth book, and he could defend himself from Voldemort unlike everyone else apart from Harry. Dumbledore was also a great leader in battle and out of battle, just like Gandalf.
My decision is not made purely on use of magic though, leadership plays role but they are pretty much even in those categories. I think that Dumbledore is more wise than Gandalf. He was able to guide Harry to the right answer and give him the right piece of advice more often than Gandalf was able to give to Frodo. Dumbledore did not blatantly tell Harry things though. He would make riddles out of it or tell Harry stories or show him memories and Harry would have to find the answer from them. Whereas Gandalf pretty much told Frodo he had to go to mt. doom in Mordor to destroy the ring and good luck doing it. I do recognize that Gandalf could not escort Frodo all the way there and help him more but if he did that would ruin the story line. So Dumbledore wins there. And that is why I think Dumbledore is the better wizard. What do you guys think?
I don't know that I'd be willing to compare Gandalf and Dumbledore, for the simple reason that they exist in totally different contexts and are completely different kinds of wizards. Dumbledore exists in a world with thousands of wizards, maybe even millions, while Gandalf is one of very few. Gandalf is also ancient and, basically, immortal, while we all know Dumbledore is mortal (spoilers? I don't know). I think a sign of true power is knowing when not to use it, when it is not needed, and when you should let other people solve problems themselves, which both Gandalf and Dumbledore do. Both wizards also demonstrate their power when they need to, and can easily prove why they are the best at what they do in their respective worlds. I can't imagine a world where both could exist and determine who is the best, because I don't think either one could be considered better than the other.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your thoughts on Dumbledore being better than Gandalf. Especially on the whole mentor/leader aspect. Gandalf is gone for a large chunk of the story and when he does come back he helps out Aragorn and them and not Frodo and Sam. Dumbledore however, shows Harry the way right from the get go and protects him for as long as he can. yes Dumbledore goes away too (SPOILER SNAPE KILLS DUMBLEDORE) but by that time he has even left every thing Harry needs to give him help even after he has died.
ReplyDeleteEven though I am a die hard Harry Potter fan and I would love to say that Dumbledore is better, I have to agree with Amanda. I think that there are too many differences in the way the characters are expected to used magic in relation to those around them.
ReplyDeleteI have to disagree with you here. In my personal opinion Gandalf doesn't really seem to solve problems in the same effect as Gandalf. He certainly helps to aid Harry in life but I feel as a wizard Gandalf is more successful!
ReplyDelete#TeamGandalf
ReplyDeleteIf I have to chose, which is so hard, I would honestly go with Gandalf. I see him far more wise and far more dangerous than Dumbledore. The time periods they live in are very different, and so are the enemies they face. Gandalf would not only block curses, he would get close enough to hack off your arm with his sword. Definitely far more lethal than some mumbled spell!