How Dumbledore DEFEATED Grindelwald (5 Theories)

Hey everyone, welcome to another installment of Harry Potter Theory.

We know that in November of 1945, Dumbledore achieved the impossible by defeating the notorious (and Elder Wand wielding) dark wizard at large- Gellert Grindelwald.

For decades, Grindelwald had been building his following and spreading his poisonous ideologies, disrupting the Wizarding World in a way unlike any other wizard before. His goal was simple: to establish a new world order where wizards would reign supreme over Muggles. His ideologies, promoted segregation, discrimination, and violence, instilling fear and chaos in thw eyes of many. And for a long time, it looked as though Grindelwald’s twisted perspectives were gaining traction..

That is, until Albus Dumbledore stepped in.

We also know that Dumbledore defeated Grindelwald in a duel of ‘Legendary Proportions’ that is widely perceived to have been the most legendary duel of all Wizarding history.

“They say, still, that no Wizarding duel ever matched that between Dumbledore and Grindelwald in 1945. Those who witnessed it have written of the terror and the awe they felt as they watched these two extraordinary wizards do battle. Dumbledore’s triumph, and its consequences for the Wizarding world, are considered a turning point in magical history.”

But one question that’s never quite been properly answered by the history books is…HOW? How did Dumbledore defeat Grindelwald?

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[kaywire]

I don’t get why they didn’t just make fantastic beasts a standalone movie and then make a dumbledore trilogy so you can focus on that story without it being bogged down by unnecessary characters and plot lines.

[lnsflare]

Dumbledore: "Dance Off, bro."

Grindlewald: "... *You're on.* "

[BenjaminKeenan-yu]

I like how you gave a classification system of 0 to 100 for Grindelwald, Dumbledore, and Voldemort. I am extremely interested in hearing a video on your taking this line of thinking further. What would Severus Snape score? Since he was creating spells, and was an extremely talented wizard. Minerva McGonnagal? Mad Eye Moody? Bellatrix Lestrange? Etc. hope to see this in the near future! Thank you for your continued content!

[masterassassin]

Love the video man. Your really good at finding things in this story to tear apart and pick out the most minuet details and making the fantastic theories.

[Dragondan]

I’m from the category he pulled a good old Godrick Griffindor move, and mid duel just threw a punch, kick, or a good old English headbutt (which could explain albus’ broken nose, because that is a risky move at the best of times) and it was such a muggle move old grindy just got thrown off his game completely and lost.

[andrasylvan]

I honestly think Dumbledore won over Grindelwald because not only he was skilled enough, but also because, at that time, he would be filled with feelings of remorse for his sister's death. Combine that with his love for her and the will to perhaps make things right. That lead him to victory.

[electricheartpony]

Johnny Depp's grindelwald is best

[manonthemoon]

It’s such a shame that we will never see this duel between Dumbledore and Grindelwald on the big screen

[Mackedo]

I think Skeeter got it partially correct. I think Grindelwald did surrender, but only after a prolonged and brutal fight. My head canon (supported by Grindelwald showing remorse in prison) is that he actually did overpower Dumbledore, but rather than kill a man he still loved, he surrendered. He realized what he had become, who he was about to kill, and stopped himself at the brink of no return. Just my thoughts.

[warrengouldthorpe]

I do wish they make the 4th and 5th fantastic beasts films but one can dream

[davidkennedy]

The first cop out scenario is what I’ve always thought. How could Grindlewald be master of the Elder wand when he had stolen it in the first place!

[SMRN]

I think this deserves a whole movie to itself

[Kitz]

Death is the true owner of the Elder wand. Notice how all it’s “owners” die… 😂 the true owner of the Wand will never know defeat… that is Death my friends. Only death will never know defeat.

It’s doesn’t matter who has the wand, death is always the winner of your duel. Your own death or your opponent’s.

[itsyaboidragon]

I have always thought that the reason people call it the power of "Love" is because magic comes from a person's will and it is the most powerful set of emotions.

Will is defined as "the capability of conscious choice and decision and intention".

So this would make sense as to why "Love" is the most powerful magic.

[jenothemississippianofmand]

I think that Grindelwald was more unwilling to hurt/kill Dumbledore, than Dumbledore was willing to stop him. Dumbledore was literally Grindelwald’s weakness. Not because of their magical abilities but because he loved Dumbledore. In the fight we see in Secrets of Dumbledore, Grindelwald easily overpowers him in a prior incantatum, but his expression says it all.

Id also like to think that Aberforth also participated in this duel and contributed to Grindelwald’s defeat. But was forgotten.

[headstrongbachelor]

Dumbledore defeated Grindelwald simply because he was more skilled. Grindelwald became owner of the elder wand because he stunned Gregorovitch.

[eliasthienpont]

It is clear to me at least that Grindelwald surrendered to Dumbledore, and let us mark that one up to love.

[richardgoreilly]

A combo of first and last. Thanks for pointing out the "I never had it" reference - I have pointed that out to others for quite some time.

[badslime]

I hope they truly give the Fantastic Beasts series the love it deserves, there is still 13 years from Secrets of Dumbledore to this Legendary Duel in 1945, we still have Albus meeting Tom Riddle, the Basilisk attacks and 5 years of Albus procrastinating on fighting Grindelwald.

[meiwftz]

None of the deathly hollows as strong as they say, including the elder wand. Dumbledore was simply more skilled.