Apparently, Harry Potter and the Lord of the Rings are, arguably, the most popular fantasy novels of all time. The two books narrate stories that take the reader away from the actual world into a world of dream-like happenings where the impossible happens and humans have tremendous capabilities (Fantasy Worlds 56). Apparently, the authors of these books borrow from the rich and complex culture of the ancient world, which was characterized by such arts as sorcery and witchcraft. While there are many differences and similarities between the two legendary novels, the characters in both have extraordinary powers. Many researchers in the field of literature have endeavored t explain the fundamental comparison between the two books. This paper seeks to explain these comparisons, focusing on both differences and similarities, as they come out in various stages of the stories.
In comparing the two books, it is paramount to look at the conspicuous similarities. The first notable similarity is the fact that both stories entail the theme of sorcery. The sorcerers in both books have exceptional powers to influence the actions of human beings. For instance, Voldemort in Harry Potter can be compared to Sauron in Lord of the Rings. Similarly, both books have the theme of ancient wisdom, as there are such characters playing the role of wise old mentors. Such characters as Dumbledore, a character in Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings’ Gandalf bear a number of similarities (Blum 1). Another similarity is that both main characters, Harry Potter and Frodo inherited a device that was capable of invisibility. The inheritance of the Cloak by harry Potter is the Lord of the Rings equivalent of Frodo’s inheritance of the ring.
Apart from Harry Potter and Frodo, there are many comparable characters. Parallelism can be seen in such characters as Gandalf and Dumbledore, Sam and Ron, as well as Sauron and Voldemort. Similarly, there is the use of common scenes and settings. Notably, there is a dark forest in both books. The Forbidden Forest in Harry Potter can be compared to the Old forest near the Shire. Another clear similarity is the presence of creepy creatures which are in the form of hooded evil beings (Kandasammy 1). These creatures are the Dementors in Harry Potter and the Nazgul in Lord of the Rings. Other minor similarities include the presence of a dog named Fang in both stories. The dog is owned by Hagrid in Harry Potter and Maggot in Lord of the rings.
Despite the above similarities, there are some notable differences between the two stories. The first difference is the fact that characters in harry Potter exhibit the capacity of humans to manipulate nature to suit their needs. For instance Harry, Hermione and Ron turn back time, so as to save the life of a mutual friend (Deepa 69). Apparently, this is not possible in the real world. Conversely, the human characters in Lord of the rings cannot perform such manipulation. Instead, much like the real world, the characters do real things which have real consequences. The themes of Christianity are brought out differently in the stories. For instance, in Harry Potter, Witchcraft, which Christianity opposes, is used all the time. On the contrary, characters in Lord of the Rings use the powers of Nature (Bruner et al 14). Another primary difference is seen in the personalities of Harry Potter and Frodo. Additionally, the age differences are significant. As the story begins, Harry Potter is just 11 years old. On the other hand, Frodo is 33 years and already matured. Even so, the books were great works which have had almost equal influence on readers and other authors.
Works Cited
Blum Matt. Great Geek Debates: The Lord of the Rings vs. Harry Potter. 2013. Print
Bruner, Kurt D, and Jim Ware. Finding God in the Lord of the Rings. Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House, 2006. Print.
Deepa, Shree D. Harry Potter and Indian Mythology. S.L.: Authorhouse, 2011. Print.
Fantasy Worlds. Gardners Books, 2011. Print.
Kandasammy Indu. Harry Porter vs. Lord of the Rings. 2012. Print
