Rowling vs Tolkien, who created the most creative world?

TornUpReaper · Post by **TornUpReaper** » 30 Apr 2011, 00:16

No need to be sorry, I was just clarifying so that you would know. I was forced to read LOTR when I was 8 so I know the characters well

Vogin · Post by **Vogin** » 30 Apr 2011, 03:47

Interesting discussion. I am however more than inclined to favor Tolkien, simply because his work is larger due to languages, geography, multiple races... he basically created an alternative living world (where I would love to live, by the way).

Bighuey · Post by **Bighuey** » 30 Apr 2011, 09:16

I would have to say Tolkien, I think his books had more depth, even the appendix had as much scope as the heart of the novel. Everything from The Silmarillion to LOTR and his Unfinished Tales is like reading the history of a real place.

BlueLightningTN · Post by **BlueLightningTN** » 03 May 2011, 09:34

Tolkien - he created an entirely different universe with multiple, fully developed cultures and all that includes. Rowling did a fine job of creating an underground world within our own, but, in the end, Tolkien takes the cake due to a grander scope.

You have to remember, witches and warlocks already existed, but Tolkien basically created the fantasy genre and all it entails.

A24 · Post by **A24** » 03 May 2011, 09:48

I haven't read either series nor saw any of the movies. I was recently at Universal Studios - Orlando and couldn't believe the HUGE Harry Potter following! I'm not sure if I'd like the series or not, but someday I plan to read it just to know what everyone is talking about. The Lord of the Rings is definitely on my TBR list. Why do you think HP got much more hype than LOTR? Could it be, that it appeals more to the younger audience similar to Twilight? I don't know - I like to understand the phenomena!

Euphoriameantime · Post by **Euphoriameantime** » 03 May 2011, 09:54

BlueLightningTN wrote: You have to remember, witches and warlocks already existed, but Tolkien basically created the fantasy genre and all it entails.

Fantasy has been around a lot longer than Tolkien, starting with Beowulf. He contributed much in the subgenre of High fantasy, but still didn't do anything new. High Fantasy was around before Tolkien.

Fran · Post by **Fran** » 03 May 2011, 10:06

Euphoriameantime wrote:
BlueLightningTN wrote: You have to remember, witches and warlocks already existed, but Tolkien basically created the fantasy genre and all it entails.
Fantasy has been around a lot longer than Tolkien, starting with Beowulf. He contributed much in the subgenre of High fantasy, but still didn't do anything new. High Fantasy was around before Tolkien.

Would Beowulf not be folklore?

Euphoriameantime · Post by **Euphoriameantime** » 03 May 2011, 10:32

Fran wrote: Would Beowulf not be folklore?

That's a very good point. I've never even thought about it. I'd say it's both, then?

BlueLightningTN · Post by **BlueLightningTN** » 03 May 2011, 11:53

Beowulf is definitely folklore, whereas Tokien's books take place in an entirely different world, somewhat resembling our own, but with the classic fantasy elements he originated.

Euphoriameantime · Post by **Euphoriameantime** » 03 May 2011, 12:07

HIgh fantasy is fantasy that takes place in a different world than ours.
Fantasy are books that have magic, supernatural elements and "fantastical" elements.

But I guess it transcends several genres. Fantasy, Folklore, Epic, Poem, classic lit

Kchirgwi · Post by **Kchirgwi** » 03 May 2011, 19:55

Awesome!

I guess I lean more towards Harry P., probably because of the first or second comment. LOTR is too dry. When I read Harry P. I can visually see this amazing new world probably because it parallels the real world, as I know it. So, the contrast and differences are clearly seen, and I can place the magic world somewhere.

Unlike when I read LOTR. I felt like I was in Scottland or Ireland. The characters of LOTR. as in my head, just looked like normal people. So, all though Tolkien created languages and his story was more "adult", the creative visual, the "other" world, was non-existent for me.

Teesie · Post by **Teesie** » 03 May 2011, 21:11

TornUpReaper wrote:
Butterbescotch wrote: I have never read LOTR. Also, I've never seen the LOTR movies. So my decision is subject to dispute.

But I do know one character from LOTR. I think his name is Precious.

His name is Gollum, or Smeagol. The "precious" is the magic ring.

*Off Topic - Is just me or does he make anybody else wonder if he is Dobby's evil cousin? Just a thought.

Evapohler · Post by **Evapohler** » 04 May 2011, 14:23

Actually, Gollum refers to both himself and the ring when he says, "My precious," so both of you are right.

As to which author was most creative...hmmm. T.S. Eliot once said that there's nothing new under the sun. Both writers were heavily influenced by their predecessors. Such a tough question. If someone put a gun to my head and FORCED me to choose to save my life? I guess I'd pick Rowling.