7 Harry Potter Fan Theories J.K. Rowling Debunked (And 3 She Approved)

2. Dumbledore Is Death

The Theory: In The Deathly Hallows book (and first of the two movies), Hermione reads a story called The Tale Of The Three Brothers. In this story, three magical brothers encounter Death, who offers each of them a prize for outsmarting him: the Invisibility Cloak, the Elder Wand, and the Resurrection Stone. Combined, these items form the Deathly Hallows.

Over the years, fans have linked these three brothers with a different Harry Potter character. The Elder Wand brother is said to represent Voldemort, a man obsessed with power; the Resurrection Stone brother is thought to be Snape, a man who wants to be with his deceased love (Lily Potter); and the Invisibility Cloak brother is said to represent Harry.

But if all that is true... then who is Death?

A popular theory is that it's Dumbledore. But why? Well, at one point in time, he was in possession of each of the three Hallows, just like Death in the story. Plus, when Harry "dies" at Voldemort's hands in the final movie, he ends up in a heavenly version of King's Cross station where he's greeted by none other than Dumbledore.

The Approval: This is a really strong, thoughtful theory with lots of interesting parallels between Snape, Harry, Voldemort and Dumbledore, and the characters in the Three Brothers story. So it's no surprise to hear that Rowling loves the idea as well.

Not that her approval makes it firm canon, but re-reading the books or re-watching the movies with this theory in mind will make you appreciate the saga even more.