Did you just call W40K rubbish? Why?Swny Nerdgasm said:
Care to give some reasons instead of words with no meaning?
I'm not saying you're wrong, just that what you said has nothing to back it up.
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Care to give some reasons instead of words with no meaning?
I'm not saying you're wrong, just that what you said has nothing to back it up.
Ooooh, I didn't see that you invited me to make my own comparison! Very well, challenge accepted. I choose Eragon, and every other work of fantasy literature. Ever. No, really, there's even some sci-fi.
[HEADING=1]Possible Spoilers for Star Wars, Eragon, The Belgariad, the Elenium, The Lord of the Rings, the Wizard of Earthsea, Magician, The Dragonriders of Pern, WoT, etc.[/HEADING]
So, you see, Harry Potter is incredibly mild by the standards of modern fantasy. I'd actually say that it's quite original, if pressed. Rowling did what Tolkien did, in that she collected folklore, myths, legends and fairy tales, and created something unique and special out of them. Any plot similarities are most likely coincidental or unwitting, and the ones that aren't generally have an interesting twist.
[HEADING=1]Possible Spoilers for Star Wars, Eragon, The Belgariad, the Elenium, The Lord of the Rings, the Wizard of Earthsea, Magician, The Dragonriders of Pern, WoT, etc.[/HEADING]
[HEADING=3]Eragon/Star Wars - plot similarities[/HEADING]
A farmboy, of unknown heritage, lives on a remote farm with his uncle (and aunt). One day, he comes into possession of a dragon egg (R2-D2), when he is suddenly attacked by the mysterious agents of the empire, and his uncle killed. He is saved by a neighbour, the old hermit, who takes him on a journey, and begins to teach him of his heritage. He learns to use his powers, and then goes off to rescue the captive princess. Along the way, he encounters a stranger with a shady past, who helps him to escape the clutches of the Empire, and to rescue the princess. Oh, and the old hermit dies fighting the evil agents of the Empire.
So, where were we? Oh yes, then the farmboy, his shady friend and princess seek refuge with a band of rebels, and the book ends in a dramatic victory over the armies of the Empire, the Emperor's plans ruined and his servant dead. (Or so it seemed for Vader, at the end of A New Hope) Oh, and there's a magic sword that glows, and the old hermit used to be the Emperor's right hand man's master.
A coincidence, you say? Well then, let us continue.
[HEADING=2]Eragon and David Eddings[/HEADING]
[HEADING=3]Sequence from "Eragon" - Christopher Paolini[/HEADING]
The Anora River flowed between them and the town, spanned by a stout bridge. As they approached it, a greasy man stepped (out) from behind a bush and barred their way. His shirt was too short and his dirty stomach spilled over a rope belt. Behind his cracked lips, his teeth looked like crumbling tombstones.
"You c'n stop right there. This's my bridge. Gotta pay t' get over."
"How much?" asked Brom in a resigned voice. He pulled out a pouch and the bridge keeper brightened.
"Five crowns" he said, pulling his lips into a broad smile.
Eragon's temper flared at the exorbitant price, and he started to complain hotly, but Brom silenced him with a quick look. The coins were wordlessly handed over. The man put them into a sack hanging from his belt.
"Thank'ee much" he said in a mocking tone and stood out of the way.
As Brom stepped forward, he stumbled and caught the bridge keeper?s arm to support himself.
"Watch y're step" snarled the grimy man sidling away.
"Sorry" apologised Brom, and continued over the bridge with Eragon.
"Why didn't you haggle? He skinned you alive!" exclaimed Eragon. "He probably doesn't even own the bridge."
"Probably" agreed Brom.
"Then why pay him?"
"Because you can't argue with all the fools in the world. It?s easier to let them have their way, then trick them when they?re not paying attention." Brom opened his hand, and a pile of coins glinted in the sun.
"You cut his purse!" said Eragon incredulously. Brom pocketed the money with a wink. There was a sudden howl of anguish from the other side of the river. "I'd say our friend has just discovered his loss."
[HEADING=3]Sequence from "The Ruby Knight" - David Eddings[/HEADING]
Beside the ford stood a small hut. The man who owned it was a sharp eyed fellow in a green tunic who demanded a toll to cross. Rather than argue with him, Sparhawk paid what he asked. "Tell me neighbour," he asked when the transaction was completed "how far is the Pelosian border?"
"About five leagues" the sharp eyed man replied. "If you move along, you should reach it by afternoon."
They splashed on across the ford. When they reached the other side, Talen rode up to Sparhawk. Here's your money back," the young boy said, handing over several coins.
Sparhawk gave him a startled look.
"I don't object to paying a toll to cross a bridge" Talen sniffed. "After all, someone had to go to the expense of building it. That fellow was just taking advantage of a natural shallow place in the river. It didn't cost him anything, so why should he make a profit from it?"
"You cut his purse, then?"
"Naturally."
"And there was more in it than just my coins?"
"A bit. Let's call it my fee for recovering your money. After all, I deserve a profit too, don't I?"
"You're incorrigible."
"I needed the practice."
From the other side of the river came a howl of anguish.
"I'd say he just discovered his loss" observed Sparhawk.
"It does sort of sound that way, doesn't it?"
Oh, and do you remember Eragon's sword that gets ungulfed in blue flames? Or perhaps the silver mark on his palm? Garion from the Belgariad had both of those two, not that it means anything. At all. Whatsoever. There are countless more ideas copied from his works, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Okay, what next?
[HEADING=3]Eragon's system of magic[/HEADING]
This one's actually quite clever, because it copies from two, yes, two sources, and mixes them together. Original, right? The first aspect of Eragon's system of magic is the Ancient Language, which is curiously similar to the language of power in Ursula Le Guin's Wizard of Earthsea, in which everything has a true name; a name of power by which it can be manipulated. Curious, this coincidence, no?
Secondly, the system of magic copies from the afore-mentioned Belgariad by David Eddings. The whole idea that the amount of magic you can use is limited by your physical strength/endurance/whatever, and that it drains your strength accordingly, is original, right? It conveniently puts a cap on the amount of power spellcasters have available to them, which is a useful plot device. However, it's copied almost word for word from Belgarath's explanation of sorcery in the Belgariad. Of course, that could just be a coincidence, right?
Even the little things are copied; Belgarath and Brom both state that in outright battle, wizards could destroy each other, but that they would be vulnerable for a second or two - enough time to be killed, themselves - so they avoid direct conflict. Then there's that stuff about
[HEADING=3]Robert Jordan's WoT[/HEADING]
The main similarities here are the character similarities between Perrin and Roran. The hammer and the axe, the beard, the kidnapped bride, the unwilling leadership, the defence of his hometown... Roran was ripped directly from WoT, and then stripped of all personality. The system of magic was (mercifully) left untouched though, so at least that's something.
There's also the 13 Forsworn/the 13 Forsaken link...
[HEADING=3]The Dragonriders of Pern[/HEADING]
This one is self-explanatory, really. Telepathic communications between dragons and their riders. There's some other stuff, but that's the really big one.
[HEADING=3]Lord of the Rings[/HEADING]
The big one. Most works of fantasy copy this, to some extent, but on nowhere near the level of Eragon. Starting with place names:
Eragon vs. Lord of the Rings
Elessari (Elessar)
Beor (Beorn)
Morgothal (Morgoth)
Isenstar (Isengard)
Imiladris (Imladris)
Hadarac Desert (Harad Desert)
Mithrim (Mithril)
Eridor (Eriador)
Furnost (Fornost)
Melian... Melian
Angrenost... Angrenost
The Lonely Mountain... The Lonely Mountain
Valinor... Valinor
The Grey Folk... The Grey Folk
Then, elves: A mysterious, forest dwelling folk who come from over the Western Sea, with strange magics, ethereal beauty, and immortality. "So what? That's an established fantasy trope!" you cry. Very well then. Dwarves are also almost as Tolkien had them, and the Urgals are essentially just orcs.
Arya & Eragon - Arwen and Aragorn
The description of Arwen in the chapter "Many Meetings" in the Lord of the Rings is almost identical to Paolini's description of Arya - nearly word for word.
[HEADING=3]Terry Pratchett[/HEADING]
I honestly don't remember any of the links between the Discworld stuff and Eragon, but, believe me, they're there. I almost made a list at one point, as I read through the Colour of Magic.
A farmboy, of unknown heritage, lives on a remote farm with his uncle (and aunt). One day, he comes into possession of a dragon egg (R2-D2), when he is suddenly attacked by the mysterious agents of the empire, and his uncle killed. He is saved by a neighbour, the old hermit, who takes him on a journey, and begins to teach him of his heritage. He learns to use his powers, and then goes off to rescue the captive princess. Along the way, he encounters a stranger with a shady past, who helps him to escape the clutches of the Empire, and to rescue the princess. Oh, and the old hermit dies fighting the evil agents of the Empire.
So, where were we? Oh yes, then the farmboy, his shady friend and princess seek refuge with a band of rebels, and the book ends in a dramatic victory over the armies of the Empire, the Emperor's plans ruined and his servant dead. (Or so it seemed for Vader, at the end of A New Hope) Oh, and there's a magic sword that glows, and the old hermit used to be the Emperor's right hand man's master.
A coincidence, you say? Well then, let us continue.
[HEADING=2]Eragon and David Eddings[/HEADING]
[HEADING=3]Sequence from "Eragon" - Christopher Paolini[/HEADING]
The Anora River flowed between them and the town, spanned by a stout bridge. As they approached it, a greasy man stepped (out) from behind a bush and barred their way. His shirt was too short and his dirty stomach spilled over a rope belt. Behind his cracked lips, his teeth looked like crumbling tombstones.
"You c'n stop right there. This's my bridge. Gotta pay t' get over."
"How much?" asked Brom in a resigned voice. He pulled out a pouch and the bridge keeper brightened.
"Five crowns" he said, pulling his lips into a broad smile.
Eragon's temper flared at the exorbitant price, and he started to complain hotly, but Brom silenced him with a quick look. The coins were wordlessly handed over. The man put them into a sack hanging from his belt.
"Thank'ee much" he said in a mocking tone and stood out of the way.
As Brom stepped forward, he stumbled and caught the bridge keeper?s arm to support himself.
"Watch y're step" snarled the grimy man sidling away.
"Sorry" apologised Brom, and continued over the bridge with Eragon.
"Why didn't you haggle? He skinned you alive!" exclaimed Eragon. "He probably doesn't even own the bridge."
"Probably" agreed Brom.
"Then why pay him?"
"Because you can't argue with all the fools in the world. It?s easier to let them have their way, then trick them when they?re not paying attention." Brom opened his hand, and a pile of coins glinted in the sun.
"You cut his purse!" said Eragon incredulously. Brom pocketed the money with a wink. There was a sudden howl of anguish from the other side of the river. "I'd say our friend has just discovered his loss."
[HEADING=3]Sequence from "The Ruby Knight" - David Eddings[/HEADING]
Beside the ford stood a small hut. The man who owned it was a sharp eyed fellow in a green tunic who demanded a toll to cross. Rather than argue with him, Sparhawk paid what he asked. "Tell me neighbour," he asked when the transaction was completed "how far is the Pelosian border?"
"About five leagues" the sharp eyed man replied. "If you move along, you should reach it by afternoon."
They splashed on across the ford. When they reached the other side, Talen rode up to Sparhawk. Here's your money back," the young boy said, handing over several coins.
Sparhawk gave him a startled look.
"I don't object to paying a toll to cross a bridge" Talen sniffed. "After all, someone had to go to the expense of building it. That fellow was just taking advantage of a natural shallow place in the river. It didn't cost him anything, so why should he make a profit from it?"
"You cut his purse, then?"
"Naturally."
"And there was more in it than just my coins?"
"A bit. Let's call it my fee for recovering your money. After all, I deserve a profit too, don't I?"
"You're incorrigible."
"I needed the practice."
From the other side of the river came a howl of anguish.
"I'd say he just discovered his loss" observed Sparhawk.
"It does sort of sound that way, doesn't it?"
Oh, and do you remember Eragon's sword that gets ungulfed in blue flames? Or perhaps the silver mark on his palm? Garion from the Belgariad had both of those two, not that it means anything. At all. Whatsoever. There are countless more ideas copied from his works, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Okay, what next?
[HEADING=3]Eragon's system of magic[/HEADING]
This one's actually quite clever, because it copies from two, yes, two sources, and mixes them together. Original, right? The first aspect of Eragon's system of magic is the Ancient Language, which is curiously similar to the language of power in Ursula Le Guin's Wizard of Earthsea, in which everything has a true name; a name of power by which it can be manipulated. Curious, this coincidence, no?
Secondly, the system of magic copies from the afore-mentioned Belgariad by David Eddings. The whole idea that the amount of magic you can use is limited by your physical strength/endurance/whatever, and that it drains your strength accordingly, is original, right? It conveniently puts a cap on the amount of power spellcasters have available to them, which is a useful plot device. However, it's copied almost word for word from Belgarath's explanation of sorcery in the Belgariad. Of course, that could just be a coincidence, right?
Even the little things are copied; Belgarath and Brom both state that in outright battle, wizards could destroy each other, but that they would be vulnerable for a second or two - enough time to be killed, themselves - so they avoid direct conflict. Then there's that stuff about
[HEADING=3]Robert Jordan's WoT[/HEADING]
The main similarities here are the character similarities between Perrin and Roran. The hammer and the axe, the beard, the kidnapped bride, the unwilling leadership, the defence of his hometown... Roran was ripped directly from WoT, and then stripped of all personality. The system of magic was (mercifully) left untouched though, so at least that's something.
There's also the 13 Forsworn/the 13 Forsaken link...
[HEADING=3]The Dragonriders of Pern[/HEADING]
This one is self-explanatory, really. Telepathic communications between dragons and their riders. There's some other stuff, but that's the really big one.
[HEADING=3]Lord of the Rings[/HEADING]
The big one. Most works of fantasy copy this, to some extent, but on nowhere near the level of Eragon. Starting with place names:
Eragon vs. Lord of the Rings
Elessari (Elessar)
Beor (Beorn)
Morgothal (Morgoth)
Isenstar (Isengard)
Imiladris (Imladris)
Hadarac Desert (Harad Desert)
Mithrim (Mithril)
Eridor (Eriador)
Furnost (Fornost)
Melian... Melian
Angrenost... Angrenost
The Lonely Mountain... The Lonely Mountain
Valinor... Valinor
The Grey Folk... The Grey Folk
Then, elves: A mysterious, forest dwelling folk who come from over the Western Sea, with strange magics, ethereal beauty, and immortality. "So what? That's an established fantasy trope!" you cry. Very well then. Dwarves are also almost as Tolkien had them, and the Urgals are essentially just orcs.
Arya & Eragon - Arwen and Aragorn
The description of Arwen in the chapter "Many Meetings" in the Lord of the Rings is almost identical to Paolini's description of Arya - nearly word for word.
[HEADING=3]Terry Pratchett[/HEADING]
I honestly don't remember any of the links between the Discworld stuff and Eragon, but, believe me, they're there. I almost made a list at one point, as I read through the Colour of Magic.
So, you see, Harry Potter is incredibly mild by the standards of modern fantasy. I'd actually say that it's quite original, if pressed. Rowling did what Tolkien did, in that she collected folklore, myths, legends and fairy tales, and created something unique and special out of them. Any plot similarities are most likely coincidental or unwitting, and the ones that aren't generally have an interesting twist.
cracked.com proved that Starship Troopers was about the current Gulf War, as the author is a time traveller.Nouw said:You see Wolfenstein 3D did it first for shooters, like Lensman for Space Marines. However Doom did it later and was much more popular and successful, just like Starship Troopers. Doom really helped the FPS genre, like how Starship Troopers helped Space Marines. However ST didn't share the same amount of glory and is hardly recognized.=
=
Site was down...huh.willofbob said:
Read the old Vertigo "Books of Magic" graphic novels, then read Harry Potter. Then note the publication dates for both.
Lots of things are about the current Gulf War, the authors being time travellers. Same will be said of wars in the future.Nouw said:
Want to write yourself a deep meaningful novel? Take any obscure war, change the names about. The same issues will crop up again and again, and you'll be deemed a visionary.
Tell you what: go to www.tvtropes.org and read every page. You will then have the correct answer to every "which is better?"
I know an English Literature professor who is fond of saying "there are two plots in the world: The Iliad, and the Odyssey".Esotera said:
I can beat all of those. Romeo and Juliet, one of the most famous pieces of literature in English speaking history... was ripped from the Greek story of Pyramus and Thisbe. The best part is, Shakespeare was entirely aware of that fact, since he wrote a production of Pyramus and Thisbe into A Midsummer Nights Dream.
Boom. Headshot.
The point is, there are only so many stories to tell, and ALL of them have been told before. This is because there are certain idea the human mind likes and latches on to. Character tropes pop up because they mimic people who exist in real life. Art mimics life, and there is only so much life to go around.
The point is not to focus on the similarities of plot and character trope, because they are merely the skeleton of the story and all skeletons are the same. Hell, even animal skeletons are like human skeletons, with skulls and spines and ribcages. (Of course, there are always some variations, but no two plots or characters, no matter how similar, are identical. I think this further supports my argument, instead of detracting from it.) Focus instead on the way the story is crafted, the musculature of story. Focus on how the setting, plot, and narrative style, the organs of the story, work together to move it along. Focus on how the story reaches its climax and where it goes from there, how the denouement brings everything to a close.
That being said, in the cases of poor writing such as Myers with Twilight and Paolini with Eragon you can flame on because their stories are skeletal looking deformed freaks which are unpleasant to look at. When a story isn't fleshed out uniquely enough it comes off hollow and clone-like. That would be Eragon, while Twilight, though flailing for originality is so poorly written that it's a zombie of a story, not the sleek, sexy vampire she wants it to be.
And that is my two cents, though its more like 20 dollars. As an inspiring writer it is my own opinion colored via life experience and taking writing classes, but it is still mine, and I believe valid.
Boom. Headshot.
The point is, there are only so many stories to tell, and ALL of them have been told before. This is because there are certain idea the human mind likes and latches on to. Character tropes pop up because they mimic people who exist in real life. Art mimics life, and there is only so much life to go around.
The point is not to focus on the similarities of plot and character trope, because they are merely the skeleton of the story and all skeletons are the same. Hell, even animal skeletons are like human skeletons, with skulls and spines and ribcages. (Of course, there are always some variations, but no two plots or characters, no matter how similar, are identical. I think this further supports my argument, instead of detracting from it.) Focus instead on the way the story is crafted, the musculature of story. Focus on how the setting, plot, and narrative style, the organs of the story, work together to move it along. Focus on how the story reaches its climax and where it goes from there, how the denouement brings everything to a close.
That being said, in the cases of poor writing such as Myers with Twilight and Paolini with Eragon you can flame on because their stories are skeletal looking deformed freaks which are unpleasant to look at. When a story isn't fleshed out uniquely enough it comes off hollow and clone-like. That would be Eragon, while Twilight, though flailing for originality is so poorly written that it's a zombie of a story, not the sleek, sexy vampire she wants it to be.
And that is my two cents, though its more like 20 dollars. As an inspiring writer it is my own opinion colored via life experience and taking writing classes, but it is still mine, and I believe valid.
I hadn't seen all of those, but Eragon is starting to look like a huge mash up right about now XDBobbity said:Ooooh, I didn't see that you invited me to make my own comparison! Very well, challenge accepted. I choose Eragon, and every other work of fantasy literature. Ever. No, really, there's even some sci-fi.
[HEADING=1]Possible Spoilers for Star Wars, Eragon, The Belgariad, the Elenium, The Lord of the Rings, the Wizard of Earthsea, Magician, The Dragonriders of Pern, WoT, etc.[/HEADING]
[HEADING=3]Eragon/Star Wars - plot similarities[/HEADING]
A farmboy, of unknown heritage, lives on a remote farm with his uncle (and aunt). One day, he comes into possession of a dragon egg (R2-D2), when he is suddenly attacked by the mysterious agents of the empire, and his uncle killed. He is saved by a neighbour, the old hermit, who takes him on a journey, and begins to teach him of his heritage. He learns to use his powers, and then goes off to rescue the captive princess. Along the way, he encounters a stranger with a shady past, who helps him to escape the clutches of the Empire, and to rescue the princess. Oh, and the old hermit dies fighting the evil agents of the Empire.
So, where were we? Oh yes, then the farmboy, his shady friend and princess seek refuge with a band of rebels, and the book ends in a dramatic victory over the armies of the Empire, the Emperor's plans ruined and his servant dead. (Or so it seemed for Vader, at the end of A New Hope) Oh, and there's a magic sword that glows, and the old hermit used to be the Emperor's right hand man's master.
A coincidence, you say? Well then, let us continue.
[HEADING=2]Eragon and David Eddings[/HEADING]
[HEADING=3]Sequence from "Eragon" - Christopher Paolini[/HEADING]
The Anora River flowed between them and the town, spanned by a stout bridge. As they approached it, a greasy man stepped (out) from behind a bush and barred their way. His shirt was too short and his dirty stomach spilled over a rope belt. Behind his cracked lips, his teeth looked like crumbling tombstones.
"You c'n stop right there. This's my bridge. Gotta pay t' get over."
"How much?" asked Brom in a resigned voice. He pulled out a pouch and the bridge keeper brightened.
"Five crowns" he said, pulling his lips into a broad smile.
Eragon's temper flared at the exorbitant price, and he started to complain hotly, but Brom silenced him with a quick look. The coins were wordlessly handed over. The man put them into a sack hanging from his belt.
"Thank'ee much" he said in a mocking tone and stood out of the way.
As Brom stepped forward, he stumbled and caught the bridge keeper?s arm to support himself.
"Watch y're step" snarled the grimy man sidling away.
"Sorry" apologised Brom, and continued over the bridge with Eragon.
"Why didn't you haggle? He skinned you alive!" exclaimed Eragon. "He probably doesn't even own the bridge."
"Probably" agreed Brom.
"Then why pay him?"
"Because you can't argue with all the fools in the world. It?s easier to let them have their way, then trick them when they?re not paying attention." Brom opened his hand, and a pile of coins glinted in the sun.
"You cut his purse!" said Eragon incredulously. Brom pocketed the money with a wink. There was a sudden howl of anguish from the other side of the river. "I'd say our friend has just discovered his loss."
[HEADING=3]Sequence from "The Ruby Knight" - David Eddings[/HEADING]
Beside the ford stood a small hut. The man who owned it was a sharp eyed fellow in a green tunic who demanded a toll to cross. Rather than argue with him, Sparhawk paid what he asked. "Tell me neighbour," he asked when the transaction was completed "how far is the Pelosian border?"
"About five leagues" the sharp eyed man replied. "If you move along, you should reach it by afternoon."
They splashed on across the ford. When they reached the other side, Talen rode up to Sparhawk. Here's your money back," the young boy said, handing over several coins.
Sparhawk gave him a startled look.
"I don't object to paying a toll to cross a bridge" Talen sniffed. "After all, someone had to go to the expense of building it. That fellow was just taking advantage of a natural shallow place in the river. It didn't cost him anything, so why should he make a profit from it?"
"You cut his purse, then?"
"Naturally."
"And there was more in it than just my coins?"
"A bit. Let's call it my fee for recovering your money. After all, I deserve a profit too, don't I?"
"You're incorrigible."
"I needed the practice."
From the other side of the river came a howl of anguish.
"I'd say he just discovered his loss" observed Sparhawk.
"It does sort of sound that way, doesn't it?"
Oh, and do you remember Eragon's sword that gets ungulfed in blue flames? Or perhaps the silver mark on his palm? Garion from the Belgariad had both of those two, not that it means anything. At all. Whatsoever. There are countless more ideas copied from his works, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Okay, what next?
[HEADING=3]Eragon's system of magic[/HEADING]
This one's actually quite clever, because it copies from two, yes, two sources, and mixes them together. Original, right? The first aspect of Eragon's system of magic is the Ancient Language, which is curiously similar to the language of power in Ursula Le Guin's Wizard of Earthsea, in which everything has a true name; a name of power by which it can be manipulated. Curious, this coincidence, no?
Secondly, the system of magic copies from the afore-mentioned Belgariad by David Eddings. The whole idea that the amount of magic you can use is limited by your physical strength/endurance/whatever, and that it drains your strength accordingly, is original, right? It conveniently puts a cap on the amount of power spellcasters have available to them, which is a useful plot device. However, it's copied almost word for word from Belgarath's explanation of sorcery in the Belgariad. Of course, that could just be a coincidence, right?
Even the little things are copied; Belgarath and Brom both state that in outright battle, wizards could destroy each other, but that they would be vulnerable for a second or two - enough time to be killed, themselves - so they avoid direct conflict. Then there's that stuff about
[HEADING=3]Robert Jordan's WoT[/HEADING]
The main similarities here are the character similarities between Perrin and Roran. The hammer and the axe, the beard, the kidnapped bride, the unwilling leadership, the defence of his hometown... Roran was ripped directly from WoT, and then stripped of all personality. The system of magic was (mercifully) left untouched though, so at least that's something.
There's also the 13 Forsworn/the 13 Forsaken link...
[HEADING=3]The Dragonriders of Pern[/HEADING]
This one is self-explanatory, really. Telepathic communications between dragons and their riders. There's some other stuff, but that's the really big one.
[HEADING=3]Lord of the Rings[/HEADING]
The big one. Most works of fantasy copy this, to some extent, but on nowhere near the level of Eragon. Starting with place names:
Eragon vs. Lord of the Rings
Elessari (Elessar)
Beor (Beorn)
Morgothal (Morgoth)
Isenstar (Isengard)
Imiladris (Imladris)
Hadarac Desert (Harad Desert)
Mithrim (Mithril)
Eridor (Eriador)
Furnost (Fornost)
Melian... Melian
Angrenost... Angrenost
The Lonely Mountain... The Lonely Mountain
Valinor... Valinor
The Grey Folk... The Grey Folk
Then, elves: A mysterious, forest dwelling folk who come from over the Western Sea, with strange magics, ethereal beauty, and immortality. "So what? That's an established fantasy trope!" you cry. Very well then. Dwarves are also almost as Tolkien had them, and the Urgals are essentially just orcs.
Arya & Eragon - Arwen and Aragorn
The description of Arwen in the chapter "Many Meetings" in the Lord of the Rings is almost identical to Paolini's description of Arya - nearly word for word.
[HEADING=3]Terry Pratchett[/HEADING]
I honestly don't remember any of the links between the Discworld stuff and Eragon, but, believe me, they're there. I almost made a list at one point, as I read through the Colour of Magic.
So, you see, Harry Potter is incredibly mild by the standards of modern fantasy. I'd actually say that it's quite original, if pressed. Rowling did what Tolkien did, in that she collected folklore, myths, legends and fairy tales, and created something unique and special out of them. Any plot similarities are most likely coincidental or unwitting, and the ones that aren't generally have an interesting twist.
ChupathingyX said:
There you go leaping off the handle, I actually hate Halo, I honestly don't know anything at all about the warhammer 40k universe or game except that back in high school even the D&D nerds shunned them. lol
Sorry it's just that the original comment listed W40K last and you said "garbage" last so I assumed you were referring to W40K.Swny Nerdgasm said:
Yeah, cause sometimes it's just funny to mess with the hardcore 40K fans, I apologize. But on a related note I actually am enjoying the Kill Team game on xbox, so I guess the 40k universe isn't that bad.ChupathingyX said: