Two great literary works of the twentieth century, Lord of the Rings and the Chronicles of Narnia, captivate the imaginations of children long after their authors have deceased. Tales of magic, both good and evil, dwarves and elves, power and battles make these series popular. J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings has sold in excess of 100 million copies in twenty-five languages. For fifty years, C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia captured the hearts of millions of children and adults alike. Movies for both series have played in theaters or will play on movie screens in the near future. No doubt, the classics, Lord of the Rings and the Chronicles of Narnia share some similarities and also some unique qualities.

Lord of the Rings and the Chronicles of Narnia bring legend and myth with great story lines. Not only do humans exist in each respective world, but dwarves, talking animals, and tree people also dwell in these literary lands. Magic and power cause conflicts, and readers see distinct good and evil. For example, Aslan countered the evil White Witch, and Gandalf the wizard helped defeat the Dark Lord, Sauron. Certain Christian themes appear in the Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of the Rings due to the fact both authors professed Christianity, but appear more openly in C.S. Lewis's books. Aslan sacrificed his own life to save Edmund's life, but the Lion resurrected later. This portrays Jesus Christ's loving sacrifice for the human race. J.R.R. In the Mines of Moria, Gandalf the Grey valiantly fended off the Balrog to allow his companions to flee the underground realm. Another member of the Fellowship pays the ultimate price to protect Frodo and the Ring. Although J.R.R. Tolkien did not call his 1000-page work an allegory, his Christian faith and worldview did affect his Lord of the Rings books.

According to dictionary.com, "the representation of abstract ideas or principles by characters, figures, or events in narrative, dramatic, or pictorial form" defines an allegory. Narnia distinctly portrays the story of Christ's sacrificial death for people unlike Tolkien's books. Christian themes do not "pop out" throughout the Lord of the Rings books; the Chronicles of Narnia displays them more out in the open. Multiple worlds exist in the Narnia series. Four English children pass through a wardrobe portal into Narnia in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, one of the first books of the series. In the Lord of the Rings, only Middle-Earth exists, home to mortal humans, enduring elves, doughty dwarves, and other creatures alike. Lord of the Rings author Tolkien invented some fictional races not existent in Narnia like the Hobbits and the half-orc, half-goblin fighting Uruk-Hai. Each race speaks their native tongue, although a Common language exists. It appears all creatures and people speak one language in the Chronicles of Narnia. As a linguist and professor of Middle and Old English, Tolkien created a real language called High-elven derived from ancient Welsh and Latin.

Both respected colleagues at Oxford, Lewis and Tolkien shared some common qualities and characteristics. Albeit the common belief that myth and fairy tales distract from the truth, the two authors held that "whatever is worthwhile in the creative works of human beings came from God." To write fiction and wonderful stories with a basis in poetic myth became a great love in each man's life. Each one's literature revolved around power and the struggle between good and evil; the Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of the Rings clearly show that fact. Similarity in views caused Lewis and Tolkien to inspire one another, whether through criticizing the other's work or expressing encouragement.

All in all, this duo of literary "greats" produced some of the best literature around. Reading such wonderful and masterful books inspire and amaze readers. From contrasting and putting these two series up to the light, we see some of their likenesses and connections, as well as differences. Some show only when examined closely, and others possess less subtleness. To scrutinize a person's writing also brings the life and qualities of the author in view. As we read about Frodo and his journey to Mordor or Lucy's afternoon tea with Mr. Tumnus, keep in mind the thought and effort behind the words and their exceptional authors.

age = 13-16