Similarities Between LOTR and The Sword of Shannara

[Gwathagor]

-Country bumpkins set out on mission to save their world from dark sorcerer lord.

-Pursued by servants of dark sorcerer lord.

-Run into trouble, carried to safe haven while unconscious.

-Set out again with small band of companions. I think the number of companions is nine in both cases - or thereabouts.

-Leader has skill in magic and lore.

-One member is heir to throne of most important kingdom.

-Split up: some to defend city against massive army of dark lord, some to pursue quest involving magic artifact which can defeat the dark lord.

It seems like there were others, but I can't think of them right now.

I enjoyed Sword of Shannara very much, but I found the similarities to Tolkien amusing.