[Glirdan]

Very interesting idea you got here Lmp. I must also add a few small, insignificant similiarities that don't really need to be discussed (unless you feel like bashing J.K Rowling in which case, this is not the thread for you!!).

1. The Ents and Whomping Willow: Even though the Whomping Willow cannot talk or walk, it has still been give some humanistic character traits (personification if you would like to make things simpler).

2. Neville Longbottom/Longbottom Leaf: need I say more?

3. Giant Spiders: This has been discussed in another thread as well. What I like is that they have both placed them in dark, terryfing areas. Representing fear perhaps?

4. Trolls: Even though there was only one (two if you count the dead one in the first book when they're going to save the Philosopher's/Sorcer's Stone), they've both portrayed them as big, smelly imbosils. The only difference is that Tolkien gave his trolls the ability to speak.

Yes, I know, stupid and insignificant. Did I not say so earlier? So, what do you think of those? In total honesty, I don't think she meant to steal those ideas from Tolkien. Maybe his books were a sort of inspiration for her? That's what my belief is.

As for Lmp's similarities (some of them anyway)...

Hero breaks away from cared for others: Not only does Harry break away from Ginny, he's lost everyone that he's ever loved or who has loved him and who could protect him: Lily and James, Sirius and now Dumbledore. There are only a few people that remain who could save him: McGonnagall(sp?), Lupin, Tonks and the Weasley's. Frodo left the rest of the Fellowship (with the exception of Sam [not that he didn't try{which I'll get to in a minute}]); all people who could protect him. Expand on that if you wish.

Closest friends stick to hero: Frodo attempted to ditch Sam. Harry told Ron and Hermione in book one that they could turn back, and they didn't. Still haven't (obviously) and now he's also got others who will probably attempt to aid him and he will try to disuade them, yet utterly fail. Those being Neville and Luna. I also believe that he won't even be able to get rid of Ginny. Somehow, someway, those three will end up being with the main trio.

Quest Clarity: I rather like how J.K Rowling leaves giving off the main plot until the sixth book. It keeps you in major suspense where as Tolkien made Gandalf tell Frodo (or the reader if you prefer) right off the bat (Shadows of the Past I believe).

That's all I really have right now. I'll get back with the others later.