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Dumbledore: Wise Wizard or Just a Big, Bad Manipulator?

Dumbledore: Wise Wizard or Just a Big, Bad Manipulator?
Image credit: Legion-Media

Is Dumbledore actually the villain of the Harry Potter series? The fandom has a lot to say about it.

When it comes to characters in the Harry Potter series, Albus Dumbledore is often seen as a wise and benevolent figure. He is the headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and is admired by many of the characters in the series. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that Dumbledore is not the perfect role model that he is often portrayed as.

On the positive side, Dumbledore is a powerful and skilled wizard. He is able to defeat powerful dark wizards and has a wealth of knowledge about the magical world. He is also a skilled strategist, able to plan and execute complex schemes to defeat his enemies.

However, Dumbledore also has a number of flaws that make him a questionable role model. One of the biggest issues with Dumbledore is his willingness to sacrifice others for the greater good. In the series, Dumbledore allows several characters to suffer and even die in order to further his own plans. This includes the deaths of Mad-Eye Moody and Cedric Diggory, both of whom were sacrificed in the pursuit of defeating Lord Voldemort.

"He used Snape's love for Lily as a tool, forcing Snape into a role he didn't want and which ultimately killed him. He knew this would happen and did it anyway," one of the fans noted on Reddit.

Another issue with Dumbledore is his tendency to keep secrets and manipulate those around him. He frequently keeps important information from his allies, including Harry Potter, and often goes behind their backs to achieve his goals. This lack of transparency and trust can be damaging to relationships and ultimately undermines Dumbledore's position as a leader.

"I actually don't like him as a leader, but I like him as a person. He cares, but he has crappy plans, a selfish morality index, no communication skills, and then gets lots of people hurt and killed needlessly," another Harry Potter fan admitted.

It is also worth noting that Dumbledore has a troubled past. He made mistakes in his youth and was responsible for the death of his sister and the fall of his best friend, Gellert Grindelwald. While he ultimately redeems himself, it is clear that Dumbledore has a complicated and flawed history.

In the end, it is clear that Dumbledore is a complex and multifaceted character. While he is undoubtedly wise and powerful, he is also flawed and has made questionable decisions. While he may be a great wizard, he is not necessarily a great role model.