VS   What these two movies have in common: Both have a happy community of people 3 feet high (Hobbits / Nelwyns) A young member of that community (Frodo / Willow) suddenly finds himself with something valuable that could cause the downfall of the entire land if brought into the wrong hands (The One Ring / The Baby of the Prophecy - Elora Danan) That something valuable had been nearly in evil's clutches, but then slipped away, eventually brought to the unsuspecting hero by another (Bilbo Baggins / The Midwife). Our good-natured protagonist leaves the land he has grown up on to go on a short quest to bring the precious item to a place where it will be better cared for (Rivendell / The Crossroads). With him is an extremely loyal friend (Sam / Meegosh). Our hero finds that the item is not safe in the intended place and instead of returning home to safety, must continue the quest to bring the item to a final place where it will be taken care of (Mt Doom / Tir Asleen). Accompanying the hero on his journey (which spans all sorts of terrain including snow-capped mountains) are two people who help guide but more often cause trouble, and who always lighten up the otherwise difficult quest (Merry & Pippin, two hobbits / Rool & Franjean, two brownies) Entering a tavern, the short people find themselves surrounded by full-sized and intimidating people. One of the above jovial duo finds more beer than is good for him. A wise, old wizard (Gandalf / Fin Raziel) is essential to the quest and has a battle at one point with an equally talented dark wizard (Saruman the White / Queen Bavmorda) at a chamber within the dark wizard's massive castle. Helping the quest is a rugged swordsman (Aragorn / Madmartigan) exiled from his land. The rugged swordsman is in love with a strong and unique woman from a powerful family (Arwen / Sorsha). The rugged swordsman has a tense relationship with a resolved, accusing warrior from the same city (Boromir / Eric). That warrior ends up joining the quest but later is killed in the final battle by a powerful underling leader of the dark forces (Big Ugly Orc Lertz / General Kael), whom the rugged swordsman then kills to avenge his friend's death. The questing group expects to find a city but instead finds entombed bodies (Mines of Moria / Tir Asleen) At said place, the questers get attacked. They are nearly eaten alive by a giant creature (Balrog / Eborsisk dragon) (who scares the rest of the attackers away). In a forest, a mystical and powerful blond-haired leader (Galadriel / Cherlindrea) explains, warns, and gives the hero a gift (Light of Earendil's Star / Wand of Fin Raziel). Similar Names: Gondor - Galadorn (the city where rugged swordsman and warrior come from) Mordor - Bavmorda (names associated with the dark forces) Both movies were filmed, at least partially, in New Zealand Oh course, I have no objection. Read a good story, use a good story, no problem. But Mr. Tolkien came before Mr. Lucas, so I will give the original writer the credit. Besides, an unlikely hero on a vital quest is a common theme in many, many stories... I just happened to see these two within days of each other so the likeness struck me. Still, these are two excellent, enjoyable movies as well as novels and both should be seen and read. These similarities also show that a good story does not necessarily mean a golden globe nomination. Even a highly acclaimed director could not stop Willow from getting bombed while Fellowship, with a very new and unknown director, scored big everywhere. Fellowship was the superior movie, but not in terms dramatic as these. (Should I go on and describe similarities between the two bilingual Rangers: Aragorn and Marcus (of Babylon 5 fame)? No? Okay, I'll shut up then.)