If you want to put a little note saying ‘the movies are overrated’ sure, we can have a debate about that. Fantasy films really aren’t for everyone, and adapting LotR is definitely not an easy task.
If you genuinely mean the books as well, idk what to tell you. The history of the fantasy genre after LotR proves you’re wrong.
Modern fantasy owners might be standing on the shoulders of giants, but to extend the metaphor, it means their heads are higher than those giants.
LOTR could be overrated as a piece of fantasy writing for a modern audience, even if it is absolutely key to establishing the modern fantasy genre. For me, LOTR was good, but it was unsatisfying in some ways. Like, Gandalf and Saruman were obviously powerful “wizards”, but what is it that they could do? How did their powers work? And there were characters like Tom Bombadil who were confusing and had me flipping pages.
I greatly respect Tolkien’s work. But, unlike some more modern authors, I don’t devour everything he wrote. For example, I absolutely couldn’t read the Silmarillion.
So, yeah, I can see how someone would say that LOTR is overrated, even if it was key to establishing an entire genre.
I think that’s a lot like saying modern orchestral music stands on the shoulders of classical composers but that isn’t really accurate, is it? Moonlight Sonata is Moonlight Sonata. Many classic compositions are still utilized in modern media.
There’s a difference with being disastisfied with certain aspects of a story and that story being overrated. Gandalf and Saruman’s powers being vague was the point. Tom Bombadil is such a minor portion of the Shire, is that even something relevant to the narrative as a whole? Fantasy, specifically, has evolved over time through the introduction of power systems sure — does that make them inherently better than LotR?
Not every book is for every person. You simply cannot deny the level of effort that went into creating LotR on Tolkien’s part, nor that it is held in very high regard to this day. The books simply are not overrated.
Even if you dislike the story, its impact on the fantasy genre is hard to argue against. I personally dislike the series too, but I refuse to call it overrated because it influences basically every aspect of modern fantasy writing.
Having a massive influence is just proof of it being overrated, imagine how much more creative stories would be if everything didn’t have to force in elves and dwarves and goblins
My point wasn’t that fantasy needs elves, but rather that when a fantasy setting does include elves, you likely have a rough expectation of what kind of stereotype they’ll fit. That stereotype is the influence I’m talking about.
The “elves are old, somber, magical, close with nature, tall and thin, magically graceful, pale, have pointy ears, have delicate swooping architecture and designs, etc” stereotype is what you’d likely expect from elves if they get brought up in fantasy… And that stereotype is largely influenced by LOTR. A setting can still be fantasy without elves, but including elves in your story will have the reader automatically setting certain expectations about how those elves will fit into your world. You as the writer can choose to conform to (or rebel against) those expectations, but there’s no denying that the expectation exists, and is heavily influenced by LOTR.
Youre very welcome to hold your incorrect opinion but please do not try to ruin other peoples fun. You could also tell us why you have your still very wrong opinion
I don’t need to justify my comment to you. I said what I said and now a bunch of yall are acting like the sistine chapel roof is collapsing. It’s mediocre at best, 12 hours of dudes larping like dorks
Lotr is overrated, there i said it
Perhaps define “overrated” first or else I am not following your point.
If you want to put a little note saying ‘the movies are overrated’ sure, we can have a debate about that. Fantasy films really aren’t for everyone, and adapting LotR is definitely not an easy task.
If you genuinely mean the books as well, idk what to tell you. The history of the fantasy genre after LotR proves you’re wrong.
Modern fantasy owners might be standing on the shoulders of giants, but to extend the metaphor, it means their heads are higher than those giants.
LOTR could be overrated as a piece of fantasy writing for a modern audience, even if it is absolutely key to establishing the modern fantasy genre. For me, LOTR was good, but it was unsatisfying in some ways. Like, Gandalf and Saruman were obviously powerful “wizards”, but what is it that they could do? How did their powers work? And there were characters like Tom Bombadil who were confusing and had me flipping pages.
I greatly respect Tolkien’s work. But, unlike some more modern authors, I don’t devour everything he wrote. For example, I absolutely couldn’t read the Silmarillion.
So, yeah, I can see how someone would say that LOTR is overrated, even if it was key to establishing an entire genre.
I think that’s a lot like saying modern orchestral music stands on the shoulders of classical composers but that isn’t really accurate, is it? Moonlight Sonata is Moonlight Sonata. Many classic compositions are still utilized in modern media.
There’s a difference with being disastisfied with certain aspects of a story and that story being overrated. Gandalf and Saruman’s powers being vague was the point. Tom Bombadil is such a minor portion of the Shire, is that even something relevant to the narrative as a whole? Fantasy, specifically, has evolved over time through the introduction of power systems sure — does that make them inherently better than LotR?
Not every book is for every person. You simply cannot deny the level of effort that went into creating LotR on Tolkien’s part, nor that it is held in very high regard to this day. The books simply are not overrated.
Harry Potter, though, absolutely. 100% overrated.
I agree. I enjoy it, but I’m not desperate for more. (I feel the same about the original Star Wars as well)
Even if you dislike the story, its impact on the fantasy genre is hard to argue against. I personally dislike the series too, but I refuse to call it overrated because it influences basically every aspect of modern fantasy writing.
Having a massive influence is just proof of it being overrated, imagine how much more creative stories would be if everything didn’t have to force in elves and dwarves and goblins
My point wasn’t that fantasy needs elves, but rather that when a fantasy setting does include elves, you likely have a rough expectation of what kind of stereotype they’ll fit. That stereotype is the influence I’m talking about.
The “elves are old, somber, magical, close with nature, tall and thin, magically graceful, pale, have pointy ears, have delicate swooping architecture and designs, etc” stereotype is what you’d likely expect from elves if they get brought up in fantasy… And that stereotype is largely influenced by LOTR. A setting can still be fantasy without elves, but including elves in your story will have the reader automatically setting certain expectations about how those elves will fit into your world. You as the writer can choose to conform to (or rebel against) those expectations, but there’s no denying that the expectation exists, and is heavily influenced by LOTR.
I really loved Pratchett’s take on the elves, come to think of it.
Youre very welcome to hold your incorrect opinion but please do not try to ruin other peoples fun. You could also tell us why you have your still very wrong opinion
Perhaps they also fell asleep during the movies. I certainly know I did.
hey, falling asleep during LOTR is part of the fun
I don’t need to justify my comment to you. I said what I said and now a bunch of yall are acting like the sistine chapel roof is collapsing. It’s mediocre at best, 12 hours of dudes larping like dorks
God lotr fans are insufferable.
A 40k fan dissing LotR fans, who could have predicted?
They’re the same picture, they’re just tsundere for Tolkien-san (we know they’re an anime fan too)
Says a 40k fan.
At the very least the LotR fandom isn’t infested with Nazi’s that fail to understand the very basic themes of 40k.
Have to say I agree.
Doesn’t matter, it’s not on the list for quality. It’s an important piece.
BOOOOOOOOO