Tolkien/HP comparison: Willows

[jenbe_me]

No: HPFGUIDX 31582


  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