George R.R. Martin stirred the pot when he declared that “Gandalf could kick Dumbledore’s ass.”
Martin made the comments during a Q&A promoting the film Tolkien with actors Nicholas Hoult, Lily Collins, and director Dome Karukoski.
In a blog post on his website, he would indicate his comments from the Q&A were initially a joke, but he would double down and declare, “Gandalf COULD kick Dumbledore’s ass. I mean, duh. He’s a maia, folks. Next best thing to a demigod.”
Martin would add, “Gandalf dies and come back. Dumbledore dies and stays dead.”
He then tries to placate the Potterites writing, “But if it will calm down all the Potterites out there, let me say that Gandalf could kick Melisandre’s ass too.”
Fans had quite a bit to say regarding Martin’s comments.
What's George R.R. Martin doing instead of finishing his books?
Literally writing blog posts about who would win in a fight between Gandalf and Dumbledore. Smh. https://t.co/O7KVNC8WMn
— Travis Mack (@travismack_) May 15, 2019
Yes, Because Gandalf is one of the Maiar and Dumbledore is just a Human. pic.twitter.com/KD50nJ0ZUf
— Frito (@fritobandit) May 11, 2019
Why are we always pitting Gandalf against Dumbledore!? I feel like they'd be really good friends and they'd respect each other and they'd swap beard grooming tips. 🤷🏽♂️ https://t.co/SB1yGs28se
— Saul Marquez (@SAULMARQ) May 10, 2019
Gorge RR Martin fantasizing about who would win duels between Gandalf, Dumbledore and Mellisandre is a perfect example of the part of fan culture I love.
https://t.co/5AgLoy8gFm— Marvin Knau (@m_knau) May 14, 2019
https://t.co/AwITsDGpYU
Gandalf was a Maiar, one of the ancient primordial spirits who shaped the very world itself, and were functionally immortal.
Dumbledore was an old, arrogant schoolmaster with a flair for the dramatic, a dose of self loathing, and keeping secrets badly.— Lachlan Kingsford (@thelochok) May 12, 2019
Capo GGRM, Gandalf can kick Dumbledore ass and many times as he wants.
— Tschüss! (@JuanCharlieDi) May 14, 2019
having read the harry potter books and, sadly, only seen the lord of the rings movies, i say: it’s true. gandalf could kick dumbledore’s ass. and he should. pic.twitter.com/VEQs8bSwN0
— ⎊ zaidi saw endgame (@zaidimar19) May 9, 2019
Gandalf and Dumbledore would never fight.
but if they did I do think Gandalf would win.— Nadia Alejandro (@NadiaPotter) May 14, 2019
I don't understand why he gets praised such a "mature" writer, seriously? I mean of course Gandalf is more powerful, but has nothing to do with him coming back. By that logic Harry Potter is more powerful than Dumbledore and probably most characters of his series
— Lumos SK (@SkLumos) May 14, 2019
Yes. no question. i mean, for starters, Gandalf is a Maiar, and Dumbledore is a human wizard.
George R.R. Martin Thinks Gandalf Could Kick Dumbledore's Ass—Do You Agree? https://t.co/Ya9SqMmU5C pic.twitter.com/9WpJ4S9vFB
— dr_bombay 🍸🍸 (@dr_bombay) May 11, 2019
Of course Gandalf could kick Dumbledores ass. He is a thousand years old, fucking force of nature, one of the first and most powerful creatures in Arda. Dumbledore is „just“ a wizard,a simple human being-even though he‘s brilliant and a genius and an absolute expert on his field.
— QueenieL. (@QueenLastrange) May 15, 2019
Considering Gandalf killed a fire demon in a weakened state and came back as the most powerful of the maiar. I think Dumbledore would get prolapsed.
— Bret Bebermeyer (@TarBallWonder) May 11, 2019
I love the LOTR much more, but let’s be honest. Gandalf was cloaked and used more wisdom than powers. Dumbledore had the Eldar wand. No contest.
— James Moore (@jamesrmooresr) May 9, 2019
LOTR fans: Gandalf
HP fans: Dumbledore
J.K Rowling: Dumbledore was gay and he was in love with Gandalf https://t.co/U4ZOKXeOvA— riddle ya da rido. (@scoriddle) May 10, 2019
I'm a #potterhead and I agree Gandalf could kick Dumbledore's ass down the block. #whyisthisevenaquestion
— Shay (@Shay_Tan13) May 14, 2019
Gandalf is more powerful and more well-known, but I grew up with the HP series so Team Dumbledore. pic.twitter.com/47GqHEstt2
— BuiBuddha (@BuiBuddha) May 9, 2019
What do you make of Martin’s comments? Who do you think would win? Gandalf or Dumbledore?