Quote Originally Posted by scrumpleberry View Post
Quote Originally Posted by Firo Volondé View Post
I (SPOILER)

How could Dumbledore have defeated Grindelwald? The Elder Wand would mean Grindelwald could never lose a duel, and the book clearly states, several times, Dumbledore duelled him and won, then took his wand. I doubt Grindelwald would have chosen to use a different wand, or gone easy on his former friend.
(SPOILER)I got the impression that Dumbledore had the right to one of the hallows, the elder wand, as he was a very great wizard, and Grindelwald didn't have the right to any of them at all. Harry had the right to all of them, but he kept the cloak which he was the most comfortable with.
I don't quite think it was that really. (SPOILER)Obviously the holder of the Elder Wand can be defeated otherwise the ownership of it would never pass on. Hence, Dumbledore could have simply disarmed Grindelwald or something and the Elder Wand would not have been as effective. While I don't think that would be the case, I think that the ability of the wand holder comes into it as well. Dumbledore was a pretty effective duelist and could have overpowered Grindelwald, I think be it through skill or luck.