Tolkien/HP comparison: Willows (from main list)

[Martin Smith]

Jenbea had some thoughts:

  "Just thought I'd throw this in here:

  A major tree that plays a part in both series of books, Harry
Potter and Lord of the Rings is a willow. In Harry Potter, it's the
Whomping Willow, and I think it's safe to assume that we all know
what it does- and the destructive properties it can have! (Just ask
the Weasley car, if you can catch it wandering around the Forest
somewhere). Yet it's also the secret entrance, at the base, to a
tunnel to the Shrieking Shack.

  Likewise in LOTR, you have Old Man Willow, who, in Tom Bombadillo's
forest, has grown old and rotten at the core, and when the four
hobbits fall asleep, lured into his shade, they become entangled in
his roots and almost "eaten" by the tree.

  What I find most interesting is that both authors chose willows,
normally a sign of peace in most cultures, for trees with such
violent aspects! Interesting. Any ideas why?


jenbea"

You are totally right. And add to that the following thoughts:

One of the actors, who actually has two different parts in the Movie (a
Gringotts goblin and professor Flitwick) is Warwick Davis. His break-through
role was the title role of 1988 fantasy flick WILLOW!

Furthermore, what other series involves a trio of schoolkids fighting
supernatural evil with occasional help from an older mentor? That's right,
Buffy TVS. And what's the name of one of the heroic trio? Yup, WILLOW!

And so forth...

Martin, desperately trying to keep up with this weekend's worth of incoming
digests