The Lord of the Rings: Paul Atreides vs. Frodo – that’s why JRR Tolkien didn’t like “Dune”.

• Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” films are milestones in genre cinema.
• Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” adaptations are also hard to beat in terms of bombast and are already considered the best possible film adaptations of the sci-fi novel.
• But JRR Tolkien would hardly have been enthusiastic about them because he didn’t like “The Desert Planet”.

“The Lord of the Rings” is one of the most groundbreaking works of fantasy literature. Meanwhile, in the world of science fiction, Frank Herbert’s “Dune” novels have been in high demand for decades. It’s no wonder that after Peter Jackson’s successful Middle-earth films, Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” films are now being enthusiastically received by audiences.

But even though “The Lord of the Rings” and “Dune” are often mentioned in the same breath in the world of fantastic literature, JRR Tolkien couldn’t do anything with Herbert’s first novel. How come?

Paul Atreides certainly wouldn’t have destroyed the One Ring

In a letter from 1966, Tolkien had this to say about Dune:

It is impossible for an author who is still writing to be fair to another author who is working in the same vein. At least that’s how I feel. I can’t stand Dune, and in this unfortunate case the best and fairest thing to another author is to remain silent and not comment.

JRR Tolkien

Tolkien did not give any further reasons for his dislike of “Dune” and since this letter was not intended for the public, Tolkien kept his opinion largely to himself. However, it’s not hard to compare “Dune” and “The Lord of the Rings” and find significant differences that might have upset Tolkien.

1. Language and descriptions

Tolkien’s fantasy universe hardly leaves any questions unanswered. Every landscape and every event is described in detail – if not in “The Lord of the Rings”, then in “The Silmarillion” or other books about the first three ages of Middle-earth. Tolkien’s fascination with languages ​​is clearly evident in his novels and of course he also put a lot of effort into writing the Ring Saga.

In “Dune,” however, Frank Herbert places little value on descriptions. Here a lot is left to the readers’ imagination, which Tolkien certainly didn’t like. In addition, Herbert is also a talented writer, but in terms of language, “Dune” is not as well-rounded as “The Lord of the Rings”.

2. Allegories

In the preface to The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Tolkien wrote:

I abhor allegory in all its forms, and always have, ever since I was old and alert enough to recognize them. I prefer history – whether true or fictional – with its diverse applicability to readers’ minds and experiences. I think many people confuse portability with allegory, but the one relies on the reader’s freedom, the other on the author’s intentional control.

JRR Tolkien

In doing so, Tolkien also defends himself against the widespread assumption that “The Lord of the Rings” alludes to the Second World War or was otherwise influenced by real events. For Tolkien, history is just that – a story.

Here too, Frank Herbert takes a completely different approach. The precious spice melange, which is found in “Dune” on Arrakis, alone represents valuable petroleum. “Dune” also sees itself as a deconstruction of the classic hero’s journey and shows the dangers of a messiah figure.

3. Good versus evil

In Tolkien’s Middle-earth there is a clear evil side (Sauron) and a good side (Frodo and his companions). The good outweighs the bad, the community of the ring always meets allies on the journey. Characters like Gollum act badly, but evil influences influence them; after all, Sméagol himself is not evil.

Overall, Tolkien’s story can be described as hopeful, so a happy ending is a matter of honor. “Dune,” on the other hand, is more along the lines of “Game of Thrones”: seemingly heroic characters act calculatingly or evilly to help themselves or their cause.

So there is no clear black and white here, just numerous shades of gray. Political power struggles and human greed are topics that Tolkien dislikes – one reason why he never completed his planned “Lord of the Rings” sequel, “The New Shadow.”

Religion is also viewed critically in “Dune”, which would hardly have pleased Tolkien, a devout Catholic. Of course, there is no objective answer to the question of whether “The Lord of the Rings” or “Dune” is better; both stories have their own qualities. Whether you share Tolkien’s opinion, prefer Paul Atreides’ experiences on Arrakis or like both series of novels equally is up to you.

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Lord of the Rings Quiz: How well do you know Middle-earth?

What else are the people of dwarves called?

ⵙⵔLuthien’s people ⵙⵔDurin’s people ⵙⵔThe old people