Narnia vs. The Lord of the Rings | Talking Beasts Flashback
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This episode was first published in September 2018.
With a new season of Amazon’s The Rings of Power coming in a couple weeks, we thought this would be a good time to revisit a discussion pitting C.S. Lewis’s Narnia against J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth.
Lewis and Tolkien were close friends that each had an enormous impact on the fantasy genre. And, the huge success The Fellowship of the Ring movie (2001) paved the way for a film adaptation of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005). So, it is not surprising that these two amazing works of literature are often compared.
Which is better? Many NarniaWebbers adore both worlds, so don’t assume that Narnia has home field advantage in this episode. Listen to Rilian and Glumpuddle discuss which books and movies they prefer, and what makes a good adaptation.
I find it interesting that people keep on comparing the two tales together. If you had to ask me I love the lion the witch and the wardrobe story in general but the LOFR film did alot better at adapting the source material.
I think they are equal in a way. Lord of the Rings and Narnia both have dwarfs and talking trees.
Interesting enough, there’s a town called Bree, which has an inn called The Prancing Pony in LOTR and there’s a talking horse named Bree in Narnia in HHB. If that’s not a coincidence, I don’t know what is.
As for adaptations go, I can’t decide which is better. LOTR films are good, though not a 100% accurate. Narnia are good in themselves, and I watch them time to time.
Also, don’t forget the stone giants in the Hobbit that live in the Ettenmoors and throw rocks at each other.
Oh, and the stone giants in the Silver Chair that live in the Ettinsmoor and throw rocks at each other.
Right. Also, three of the White Witch’s creatures in LWW- Wooses, Wraiths, and Orkenies- may have connections with Woses, Ringwraiths, and Orcs in LOTR.
This is a debate I’ve had countless times with friends! Both Narnia and Middle-earth hold such a special place in my heart for different reasons. I’m excited to hear Rilian and Glumpuddle’s takes on this—especially when it comes to the movie adaptations
While both Narnia and LOTR are masterpieces, I’ve always found Narnia to be more accessible and comforting. I didn’t know Rilian would be so blasphemous as to say “hands-down” Lord of the Rings are better on a Narnia podcast though LOL
I enojy the Narnia movies much more than the Hobbit trilogy but they both pale in comparison to LOTR films. Those are pure cinema.
BTW; will you guys be doing a review on S2 of The Rings of Power?? Seems less relevant to Greta’s Narnia movies now than it did whenever the first season came out but would love to hear your thoughts!
Great stories written by great men. The world needs more stories like them.