The Lord of the Rings

by Arget Hackslayer

I. Names
II. Elves and Dwarves

I. Names

Possibly the most obvious of Paolini's borrowing, there are several names in
the Inheritance Trilogy, which bear a striking resemblance to those found in
Lord of the Rings.

This is better illustrated by showing rather than telling, so here is a
list, with Tolkien's names on the left, and Paolini's on the right:

Arwen Arwden
Isengard Isenstar
Elessar Elessari
Morgoth Morgothar
Imladris Imiladris
Caranthir Ceranthor
Isildur Isidar
Mithril Mithrim

Is this excusable? Many claim that such derivations are simply Paolini's
homage to the greats. I submit to you that this is not the case.

Upon inspection of Paolini's acknowledgements page, no mention of such an
homage is made. Paolini makes no attempt to acknowledge his derivation;
this leads me to believe that he is attempting to pass it off as his own,
which is not an homage as much as a theft.

II. Elves and Dwarves

A more controversial derivation is Paolini's imitation of Tolkien's Elves
and Dwarves. In the years since Lord of the Rings came out, Elves and
Dwarves have become something of "stock" fantasy characters.

While I don't object to a widespread use of Elves and Dwarves, I do object
to a widespread use of Tolkien's Elves and Dwarves.

It seems to be fairly unknown that Tolkien, did, in fact, create Elves and
Dwarves as we know them today. They may bear a passing resemblance to those
of myth, but the cultures, languages, and idiosyncrasies of each race are
unique to Tolkien.

Most authors, if they see the need to use Elves and Dwarves, fit into one of
two categories: they put a fairly unique spin on Elves and Dwarves, or they
simply take Tolkienian Elves and Dwarves and use them as they are. A
subcategory of the latter one is reserved for authors who transplant
Tolkien's races and then try-often poorly-to cover it up. Often, they will
include something radically different and not-so-subtly point it out to the
reader, as though to say, "See? See? I am original!"

Paolini fits into this subcategory, particularly with Eldest. In Eragon,
his Elves are typical, bastardized Tolkien Elves; they are uber-powerful,
fair to look at, wise, solemn, hidden away in a forest, and sad that their
time is passing.

Eldest, on the other hand, shows a weak attempt at distancing itself from
the stereotype; this perhaps would not bother us except that Paolini's
efforts were heavy-anded, preachy, and blatantly obvious in purpose.

His Dwarves, however, start out as Tolkien stereotypes and end as Tolkien
stereotypes. They are short, gruff, have an impressive underground city,
and wield axes. Oh, and they are generally viewed as the less intellectual
race. They have a longstanding feud with the Elves, for no apparent reason.

There is no unique spin, no stamp to claim them as his own creation. He
took the ideas without altering them, and without giving a reason why. Why
do the Elves and Dwarves not like each other? Because They Just Do-that's
the archetype. He took the cultures without the depth. Why do the Elves
have to leave the land? Because They Just Do. Because it provides the
author with great angst opportunities, but the angst is contrived and
artificial.

Many people use the argument that other authors have done it, so why
penalize Paolini? The answer is simple. It should not matter that many
people do it. It is still wrong. Many, many people murder every day, but
does that excuse it? No. So it should be here.