Albus Dumbledore, the venerable Headmaster of Hogwarts, was 115 years old when he died in June 1997. This remarkable age made him the oldest main character in the Harry Potter series.
A Remarkable Lifespan in the Wizarding World
While 115 years is an extraordinary age for a human, it's quite notable even within the magical community. Wizards and witches generally possess a longer lifespan than Muggles, but Dumbledore's longevity still placed him among the oldest and most influential figures of his time.
To put Dumbledore's age into perspective, consider the typical lifespans within the wizarding world:
- Regular Wizards: On average, regular wizards can live anywhere between 150 and 200 years. This indicates that while Dumbledore lived a very long life, it was not at the absolute upper end of a wizard's potential lifespan.
- Nicholas Flamel: A notable exception to average wizarding lifespans was Nicholas Flamel, the alchemist who created the Philosopher's Stone. Thanks to the Stone's life-extending properties, Flamel and his wife lived for more than 600 years.
The table below illustrates these comparisons:
| Character/Group | Age/Lifespan | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Albus Dumbledore | 115 years (at death) | Oldest main character; died in June 1997. |
| Regular Wizards | 150-200 years | Typical extended lifespan for the wizarding community. |
| Nicholas Flamel | Over 600 years | Achieved through the use of the Philosopher's Stone. |
Dumbledore's Enduring Legacy
Dumbledore's long life allowed him to witness and actively shape many pivotal events in wizarding history, from his early life to his crucial role in the two Wizarding Wars against Gellert Grindelwald and Lord Voldemort. His wisdom, power, and strategic brilliance, honed over more than a century, were instrumental in the defeat of evil forces. You can learn more about his full life and influence on the Harry Potter Wiki.
