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Both George R.R. Martin and J.R.R. Tolkien have been some of the biggest names in the fantasy genre, each renowned for their extensive literary creations that have sparked beloved TV adaptations and blockbuster movies. Martin has openly expressed his admiration for Tolkien’s work on Middle Earth, a realm teeming with fantastical races, intricate languages, and epic battles.
However, Martin hasn’t shied away from offering critiques of aspects of Middle-Earth that he believes could have been further developed. Although his comments may contest some devoted fans, they highlight a nuanced approach to the realm of fantasy literature.
George R.R. Martin’s Candid Criticism of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth
While discussing the narrative of power dynamics inA Song of Ice and Power, the author of the book series,George R.R. Martinsaid that it was his“answer to Tolkien,”regarding the complexities of rulership and governance in the fantastical worlds.
He further highlighted the contrast between Tolkien’s idealized kingship and governance from the harsh realities that are evident in real life. He toldRolling Stonein a 2014 interview,
“Ruling is hard. This was maybe my answer to Tolkien, whom, as much as I admire him, I do quibble with. Lord of the Rings had a very medieval philosophy: that if the king was a good man, the land would prosper. We look at real history and it’s not that simple.”
He also claimed thatJ.R.R. Tolkien’sThe Lord of the Ringsoften idealizes virtuous rulers leading to prosperous realms and overlooks the practical aspects of rulership, such as taxation, military strategy, and response to crises.
“When you think about it, this was inevitable”: George R.R. Martin Smartly Distanced Himself from Horrible Game of Thrones Finale With a Positive Update for the Real Ending
He further stated,
“Tolkien can say that Aragorn became king and reigned for a hundred years, and he was wise and good. But Tolkien doesn’t ask the question: What was Aragorn’s tax policy? Did he maintain a standing army? What did he do in times of flood and famine? And what about all these orcs?”
Martin’s criticism provides a compelling insight into the thematic richness of fantasy literature, with a narrative that goes beyond its superficial portrayals. And he also shared that he has attempted to address such themes in his book seriesA Song of Ice and Fire.
George R.R. Martin Reflected on Power Dynamic inA Song of Ice and Fire
Further in his conversation with Rolling Stone, George R.R. Martin reflected on howA Song of Ice and Firedelves into the intricate themes of the power dynamic, morality, and the complexities of leadership, arguing,“Just having good intentions doesn’t make you a wise king.”
“I need to do something about that”: George R.R. Martin Doesn’t Believe Any of His Twisted Game of Thrones Characters Can Hold a Candle to Television’s Worst Monster
“In real life, real-life kings had real-life problems to deal with. Just being a good guy was not the answer. You had to make hard, hard decisions. Sometimes what seemed to be a good decision turned around and bit you in the a**; it was the law of unintended consequences.”
He shared that he has tried to incorporate such themes in his fantasy narrative by portraying characters with power facing complex challenges that accompany power and rulership.“My people who are trying to rule don’t have an easy time of it,”he said, asserting his preference for a more realistic approach over conventional happy endings.
Game of ThronesandThe Lord of the Ringsare available to stream on Max.
Laxmi Rajput
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3449
Laxmi Rajput is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, with over 3,300 articles published covering film, TV, and pop culture. With a degree in Broadcast Journalism and over three years of experience in content writing, she pivoted to entertainment journalism because let’s be honest, superheroes, sitcoms, and Netflix binges are way more fun. Laxmi frequently covers Marvel, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and popular TV shows, offering both fan-first enthusiasm and thoughtful analysis. Her work often dives into Marvel theories, revisits the genius of The Big Bang Theory, or unpacks the Netflix phenomenon of Stranger Things.
