Albus Dumbledore facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Albus Dumbledore |
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| Harry Potter character | |
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| First appearance | Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (1997) |
| Last appearance | Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007) |
| Created by | J. K. Rowling |
| Portrayed by | Richard Harris (adult, films 1 & 2) Michael Gambon (adult, films 3–8) Jude Law (adult, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald) Toby Regbo (youth, film 7, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald) |
| House | Gryffindor |
| Information | |
| Nickname(s) | Your Headship Professorhead Dumbly-dorr Crook-nosed, Muggle-loving fool Crackpot old fool |
| Occupation | Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (1960s–1997) Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot (1978–1997) Supreme Mugwamp of the International Confederation of Wizards (1983–1995) Transfiguration Professor of Hogwarts (1930–1956) Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor of Hogwarts (c. 1910s–1930) |
| Family | Percival Dumbledore (father) Kendra Dumbledore (mother) Aberforth Dumbledore (brother) Ariana Dumbledore (sister) Aurelius Dumbledore (alleged brother) |
| Born | 1881 |
| Died | 30 June 1997 |
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore is a famous character from J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter books. For most of the series, he is the wise headmaster of Hogwarts, a school for witches and wizards. He also started and led the Order of the Phoenix, a secret group fighting against the evil Lord Voldemort.
In the movies, Richard Harris played Dumbledore in the first two films. After Harris passed away, Michael Gambon took over the role for the rest of the Harry Potter movies. A younger Dumbledore was played by Jude Law in the movie Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.
J. K. Rowling chose the name Dumbledore because it means "bumblebee" in an old dialect. She imagined him humming to himself often.
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What Dumbledore Looks Like
Albus Dumbledore is a tall and thin wizard. He has very long silver hair and a beard, which he can tuck into his belt. When he was young, his hair was auburn. His nose is long and crooked, looking like it has been broken more than once. People also say he has long, skilled fingers.
His eyes are a bright, clear blue. They often twinkle with kindness and a bit of mischief. Dumbledore wears half-moon glasses and robes in many bright colours, like purple and orange. He once joked about having a scar shaped like the London Underground map on his knee.
Dumbledore usually seems calm and peaceful. He speaks in a quiet, pleasant voice, even when he might be upset. In his last year, Dumbledore's right hand became scarred. This happened when he put on a cursed ring. A counter-curse saved his life for a while, but his hand stayed black and dead-looking. The curse meant he would die within a year.
Dumbledore's Personality
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Dumbledore is known as one of the most powerful wizards in the world. He is kind and very wise, much like the legendary wizard Merlin. He almost always seems calm and rarely shows strong emotions like anger or fear. Even with his gentle nature, Lord Voldemort was truly afraid of Dumbledore.
He is also known for being a bit quirky and funny. He often uses humour to make people feel comfortable around him. As a very talented wizard, Dumbledore shows amazing powers. He combines his magic with clever thinking. This helps him understand people and use good human qualities, like trust and friendship, against Voldemort.
Most importantly, Dumbledore has a deep ability to love. He often reminds Harry that love is the strongest magic of all. Dumbledore believes in the good in everyone. He always thinks people deserve a second chance. He is very good at understanding others and knows a person's true self.
Dumbledore's Adventures
In Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
At the start of the first book, Dumbledore arrives at Privet Drive. After Lord Voldemort attacks Harry's parents, Dumbledore decides to place baby Harry with his aunt and uncle, Vernon and Petunia Dursley. He knows that Harry will be safe there. This is because of a special magic from his mother's sacrifice. This old magic of love keeps Voldemort from harming Harry. Dumbledore leaves Harry on their doorstep with a letter. He wishes Harry "Good luck."
In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
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In the second book, Dumbledore suspects that Tom Riddle is behind attacks on Muggle-born students. Harry sees a younger Dumbledore in Riddle's diary. In this memory, Dumbledore asks Riddle about the attacks. Later, Lucius Malfoy forces the school governors to suspend Dumbledore. This happens after a basilisk attacks students. Dumbledore is brought back as Headmaster when Ginny Weasley is taken into the Chamber of Secrets.
In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
At the start of the third book, Dumbledore allows Magical creatures (Harry Potter)#Dementors to guard Hogwarts. This is to protect students from Sirius Black, who escaped from Azkaban. After Black breaks into Hogwarts, Dumbledore orders all entrances closed. When Dementors cause Harry to fall during a Quidditch match, Dumbledore gets angry. He uses his wand to gently lower Harry to the ground.
In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
In the fourth book, Dumbledore introduces the Triwizard Tournament. He also serves as a judge for the event. When Harry's name comes out of the Goblet of Fire, Dumbledore stays calm. He simply asks Harry if he put his name in. When Harry says no, Dumbledore believes him.
By the end of the book, Dumbledore's worries come true. Harry returns from facing Voldemort with Cedric Diggory's body. Dumbledore quickly becomes suspicious of "Mad-Eye Moody." He rushes to Moody's office with Minerva McGonagall and Severus Snape. They save Harry and question the imposter. Dumbledore then listens to Harry's story about Voldemort's return.
In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
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In the fifth book, Dumbledore faces trouble from the Ministry of Magic. They try to make him look bad. He is removed from his positions as Chief Warlock and Chairman. This is because he keeps saying Voldemort has returned. However, Dumbledore doesn't seem to mind. The Ministry tries to discredit him and Harry.
In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
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In the sixth book, Dumbledore picks up Harry from Privet Drive. They go to convince Horace Slughorn to teach at Hogwarts again. Harry notices Dumbledore's right hand is shrivelled and black. During the school year, Dumbledore shows Harry memories of Voldemort's past. These memories explain how Voldemort became powerful and caused so much suffering. Harry sees Dumbledore's first meeting with a young Tom Riddle. Dumbledore knew the boy was dangerous, but hoped Hogwarts would change him.
Later, Dumbledore and Harry go to a cave where a Horcrux is hidden. Dumbledore drinks a potion from the Horcrux's container. This potion weakens him and causes him pain. He calls for water, and Harry gives him some from the lake. When Harry does this, creatures called Inferi try to drag him into the water. Dumbledore suddenly recovers and uses a fire lasso to save Harry.
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Dumbledore takes the Horcrux, a locket, and they return to Hogsmeade. There, they learn the Dark Mark has appeared over the Astronomy Tower. In the tower, Dumbledore tells Harry not to interfere. He places Harry under a spell and hides him with an invisibility cloak. Harry watches as Draco Malfoy disarms a very weak Dumbledore. Other Death Eaters arrive and try to make Draco kill Dumbledore. When Draco hesitates, Snape appears and uses the Killing Curse on Dumbledore. Dumbledore dies at Hogwarts.
Soon after his death, Dumbledore's portrait appears in the Headmaster's office. His funeral is attended by many, including students, staff, and magical creatures. He is buried in a white marble tomb by the Hogwarts lake. He is the only headmaster buried on the school grounds.
In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
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The last book reveals more about Dumbledore's early life and his death. We learn about his parents, Percival and Kendra, and his sister, Ariana. His brother, Aberforth Dumbledore, was mentioned before.
Years later, in 1945, Dumbledore finally defeated the dark wizard Grindelwald. Grindelwald had the Deathly Hallows (objects)#Elder Wand. Dumbledore's victory made him the master of the Elder Wand. He kept it until just before his death, when Draco disarmed him.
The truth about Dumbledore's death is shown through Snape's memories. Harry learns that Dumbledore made a mistake. He put on a cursed ring, forgetting the powerful curses on it. The ring held the Deathly Hallows (objects)#Resurrection Stone. Dumbledore had hoped to use it to apologize to his sister and parents.
Dumbledore's spirit appears to Harry near the end of the book. This happens in a place that looks like King's Cross, after Harry is hit by Voldemort's Killing Curse. In the epilogue, we learn that Harry names his second son Albus Severus Potter. He names him after Dumbledore and Snape.
Images for kids
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The Elder Wand, as seen in the Harry Potter Warner Bros. films.
See also
In Spanish: Albus Dumbledore para niños
