Do most fantasy novel nowadays have traceable elements of Tolkienism in them?

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Lotrelf

I found Harry Potter books highly influenced by the Lord of the Rings books. Stephen King's books are also said to be inspired by Tolkien, and he is one of the most celebrated authors of our time. Tolkien borrowed from Mythology, and it is seen in his work (I see his work influenced by Hindu Mythology as well. I don't know what he would said on this!). But his own experience in the wars affected his writing enormously.

King has acknowledged Tolkien's influence in his work. I can really see it in the Dark Tower series, but even in books like The Shining, obvious references are there. I'm thinking mainly of the end of that novel, though I won't spoil things for those who have never read it.

As for Potter, one can see some similarities. There's the guiding hand of Dumbledore who, like Gandalf, is the mastermind of the movement against the prime evil force. He, as is Gandalf, is taken away from Harry in a self-sacrifice.
I think also that with Voldemort's Horcruxes there is an element of the One Ring, as those inanimate artifacts have within them a piece of Voldemort's being, and thus have an adverse effect on one who possesses them.

[Lotrelf]

Originally Posted by Inziladun

As for Potter, one can see some similarities. There's the guiding hand of Dumbledore who, like Gandalf, is the mastermind of the movement against the prime evil force. He, as is Gandalf, is taken away from Harry in a self-sacrifice.
I think also that with Voldemort's Horcruxes there is an element of the One Ring, as those inanimate artifacts have within them a piece of Voldemort's being, and thus have an adverse effect on one who possesses them.

Have you read this?

Overall, I like Lord of the Rings. However, I do feel that Tolkien kind of rips offHarry Potterin many ways. There are several parallels, such as elves, dwarfs, wizards, goblins, trolls, magic (especially invisibility), etc. Sauron is referred to as Dark Lord just like Voldemort is. There is also the elder white-haired bearded wizard who serves as a mentor, Gandalf, who is reminiscent of Dumbledore. Some of the character names are similar, such as Wormtongue as opposed to Wormtail, too. There is even a gigantic spider (Shelob) at the end of The Two Towers that reminds one of Aragog from Chamber of Secrets. I even noticed that the plots of both series begin with the protagonists birthday. Now I see that Tolkien, this unoriginal bastard, is coming out withThe Hobbitin December. This would be fine, but why didn't he just write this book first to begin with? I still like Lord of the Rings, though don't get me wrong but I wonder if Tolkien has ever said in interviews whether he borrowed elements fromHarry Potter. I'll be watching the extended DVDs later this week and I think he is featured on the commentary track, so I look forward to that.

I know, it's not good to laugh at others, but this guy has done something that will make anyone laugh at him.
I know this is not a Harry Potter forum, but I don't really see Dumbledore's death as a self sacrifice, like I see Gandalf's. Dumbledore's death is something like for himself i.e. I don't see him being completely selfless. Gandalf dies out of pure sense of duty.

[Nerwen]

Lotrelf, I'm pretty sure that's a troll...

[Lotrelf]

Originally Posted by Nerwen

Lotrelf, I'm pretty sure that's a troll...

I think the same. But look at the language this guy has used! "The unoriginal bastard" ? There should be a limit of stupidity, and he seems to have crossed that.
Anyways, There's really a lot in HP that reminds me of LotR. Even the use of words is kinda same.