Should we rewind perhaps?

[adhara_black]

Hello all,
I wonder if we should rewind a little. How did we end up comparing 
LOTR with HP? Is it just because the films were released around the 
same time?

I have read both sets of books, and the more I think about it, the 
more I find it's like comparing apples with pears really. The Tolkien 
books were written in an era very different from the nineties and 
probably with a different reader in mind. Unlike HP, the story 
doesn't keep one foot firmly in the real and present world. And also 
unlike HP, LOTR takes itself very seriously IMHO. I always found that 
my male friends and relatives got 'into' LOTR a lot easier than 
girls. It is darker, and has a true cult-status (I can imagine 
hardcore Tolkien fans being abhorred by the wider appeal the books 
may now get through the film). HP is a mega-success story that 
appeals to, well, everyone... 

-Adhara (who hopes she hasn't thrown even more oil on the fire with 
this)