Comparing Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings

It’s no secret that a lot of movies and novels have a similar structure, this is the case of these two novels; Lord Of The Rings (1-3) by J. R. R. Tolkien, and Harry Potter (1-7) by 1K Rowling. The main characters, Frodo Baggins and Harry Potter both go through a journey to save Middle Earth and Hogwarts. Not a lot of people seem to notice the similarities both characters have, A hero’s journey is the quintessential archetype, appearing in every story ever told.

Though it may take different paths, it also has some similarities. By comparing Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings, we can see both the similarities and differences at work Harry and Frodo both begin their journeys at a young age, Harry at only 11, and Frodo at 33, which is young for hobbits They also are adopted, although the situations into which they are adopted are drastically different.

Frodo being adopted by his loving uncle Bilbo who treats him as if he were his own son, whereas Harry is adopted into the Dursleys family, his nigh on abusive relatives made up of Vernon, his uncle, Petunia his aunt, and Dudley his cousin These two very different upbringings helped to shape their reactions to the events and obstacles thrown at them throughout their adventures, Over the course of their adventures, they both acquire things that further their similarities, as well as their differences.

These come in the forms of their scars given to them by their enemies and their abilities to become invisible; Frodo by using the ring and Harry by using the invisibility cloak his father left him.

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However, while Harry can turn invisible for as long as he pleases with no consequence.

Frodo must be wary for his invisibility comes at a dreadful cost. These two novels also make liberal use of many archetypes. Harry and Frodo are very different from each other, Harry is a wizard whom didn’t find out who he was until his 11th birthday. He was almost killed by Lord Voldemort and was made a horcrux without either of them knowing so Harry had no choice in the matter of destroying his enemy. in the other hand, Frodo is just a normal hobbit who volunteered on the task of destroying the ring. Frodo and Harry are always being underestimated by those who surround them, especially by their enemies Sauron and Voldemort. Both Harry and Frodo are always being doubted by everyone who surrounds themt “ Needless to say, Harry and Frodo aren ‘t exactly the strapping, muscular heroes we would normally entrust with the role afsaving the world, Far from exuding the air of bravado, these young men are gangly, awkward, and altogether seemingly unremarkable.

They stumble into their roles as hero rather blinkingly and unassumingly Yet despite their Iess»than-macho appearances, both Harry and Frado rise to the occasion, allowing their quietyet powerful bravery to shine through as the stories progress, ” (Dickens) They both amaze their fellow friends and companions with bravery and great resources that allow them to beat the odds. Also, Harry and Frodo have amazing people in their life who help them accomplish their journeys. For Example, Harry has Hermione Granger, Ronald Weasley, Albus Dumbledore etc and Frodo has Samwise Gamgee, Gandalf the Grey and a lot of others. Both Harry and Frodo are set on a mission to destroy something. Frodo has to destroy the ring and Harry must destroy the horcruxes. Although Frodo knows what his mission is right away, it takes Harry six years to discover what he has to do to destroy Voldemort.

Another similarity this two novels have is that their enemies, Voldemort and Sauron, are too weak to even appear in the beginning. It takes awhile for them to become strong. In the same manner, our heroes are helped by two great wizards; Frodo is helped by Gandalf the Grey, and Harry by Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. In both Harry Potter and The Lord of the figs, there are some very creepy and evil hooded creatures who work for the Dark Lords Voldemort and Sauron this are known as Dementors and Nazgfil. Whereas this two novels are so much alike, they also are different from each other. Frodo Baggins volunteered on the task of destroying the ring, Harry Potter was “The Chosen one”, Middle Earth and Hogwarts are very different from each other. Lord of the Rings is placed in Middle Earth in the third age or TA. On the other hand, Harry Potter is placed in Hogwarts a school for young wizards in the wizarding world, also in England, where the “muggles” live. Middle Earth and the Wizarding world have a lot of creatures in common.

However, there is one particular creature who they don’t have in common, unicorns. In Harry Potter unicorns are magnificent creatures who can give immortality if killed, but at a terrible price, deformation Also, both Harry and Frodo have scars that won’t heal and which they received in somewhat “sinister” circumstances, but Harry’s scar was given to him by Lord Voldemort himself and Frodo‘s was given to him by one of the Black riders. Harry Potter and The Lord ofThe Rings are both amazing fictional stories who have a great deal in common but at the same time have a lot of differences. Both Harry and Frodo persevered on their task because good always wins. As we can see though a lot of ottr favorite books and movies have a lot of similarities because maybe people like to steal their ideas. “m truth is a beautiful and terrible thing and shottld therefore be treated with caution.” -Albus Dumbledore. At last, I leave you with the ultimate question; If Harry and Frodo switched roles who would succeed?!