Comparison of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings
Emma Conway
2 December 2011
Period 1
Similar yet Different The Lord of the Rings is a memorable story and is often the base idea for scenes in many different movies. One of the movies that play on different scenes from The Lord of the Rings is Harry Potter. Similar scenes from The Lord of the Rings can be seen in many scenes from the Harry Potter book and move series. The similarities can be seen in different objects, characters, creatures, and situations throughout the series. I noticed that there are some similarities between characters in both books. In the beginning of the Harry Potter series Harry Potter is a naïve and unlikely hero, like Frodo Baggins. Frodo doesn’t know the history and dangers involved with the ring and Harry doesn’t know much about the death of his parents or the task that is at hand. Though they both start out as seemingly innocent individuals as the story progresses the main characters grow and prove to be the heroes that they need to be. Also, the most classic and recognizable character similarity is that of Gandalf and Albus Dumbldore. They are both wise and powerful wizards that are on the side of the heroes. There are times where they don’t play an important part in the story, which is how they give a chance for the hero to mature and grow in confidence. It is one of the mysterious ways in which the wizards work. People mostly recognize this connection, also, because in the Harry Potter films there is a framed portrait of Gandalf the Gray hanging in Dumbledore’s office. Another character connection is the one shown through Samwise Gamgee and Ron Weasley. They are both the ever faithful sidekicks to the heroes. Though Ron has a time where he doubts Harry’s pursuit and leaves, he does come back and continues to assist his friend on the quest to find the horcruxes. The quests can also be seen as yet another similarity between the two stories. Frodo and Sam are on a quest to bring the ring to Mount Doom in order to destroy it.
2 December 2011
Period 1
Similar yet Different The Lord of the Rings is a memorable story and is often the base idea for scenes in many different movies. One of the movies that play on different scenes from The Lord of the Rings is Harry Potter. Similar scenes from The Lord of the Rings can be seen in many scenes from the Harry Potter book and move series. The similarities can be seen in different objects, characters, creatures, and situations throughout the series. I noticed that there are some similarities between characters in both books. In the beginning of the Harry Potter series Harry Potter is a naïve and unlikely hero, like Frodo Baggins. Frodo doesn’t know the history and dangers involved with the ring and Harry doesn’t know much about the death of his parents or the task that is at hand. Though they both start out as seemingly innocent individuals as the story progresses the main characters grow and prove to be the heroes that they need to be. Also, the most classic and recognizable character similarity is that of Gandalf and Albus Dumbldore. They are both wise and powerful wizards that are on the side of the heroes. There are times where they don’t play an important part in the story, which is how they give a chance for the hero to mature and grow in confidence. It is one of the mysterious ways in which the wizards work. People mostly recognize this connection, also, because in the Harry Potter films there is a framed portrait of Gandalf the Gray hanging in Dumbledore’s office. Another character connection is the one shown through Samwise Gamgee and Ron Weasley. They are both the ever faithful sidekicks to the heroes. Though Ron has a time where he doubts Harry’s pursuit and leaves, he does come back and continues to assist his friend on the quest to find the horcruxes. The quests can also be seen as yet another similarity between the two stories. Frodo and Sam are on a quest to bring the ring to Mount Doom in order to destroy it.