Tolkien's Problem with Dune

Jess of the Shire24 minutes read

Science Fiction and Fantasy genres have deep roots in classic works by authors like Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, Andrew Lang, and Lewis Carroll. J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" and Frank Herbert's "Dune" are considered classic works that birthed many genre tropes and themes.

Insights

  • Sterling E. Lanier played a pivotal role in the success of "Dune" by recognizing its potential and purchasing its rights for publication, despite facing rejection from various publishers due to its complexity and genre, drawing parallels with "The Lord of the Rings."
  • J.R.R. Tolkien's approach to fantasy in "The Lord of the Rings" focuses on world-building, language, and recovery, creating immersive secondary worlds rooted in his Catholic faith, while Frank Herbert's "Dune" explores the balance between technological progress and morality, presenting a bleak outlook on humanity's future and emphasizing human agency against random forces.

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Recent questions

  • What are some classic works in Science Fiction and Fantasy genres?

    Classic works include Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, Andrew Lang, Lewis Carroll, J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," and Frank Herbert's "Dune."

  • Who played a crucial role in the success of "Dune"?

    Sterling E. Lanier recognized "Dune's" potential and purchased its rights for publication.

  • What influenced J.R.R. Tolkien's opinion on "Dune"?

    Tolkien's specific tastes, including his dislike for allegory, influenced his opinion on "Dune."

  • What themes does "The Lord of the Rings" focus on?

    "The Lord of the Rings" focuses on battles with dragons and dark Lords, free from modern concerns like taxes and work.

  • How does Frank Herbert's "Dune" explore humanity's future?

    "Dune" explores the idea that technological progress should be balanced with morality, showing humanity's persistent bad behaviors.

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Summary

00:00

Roots of Classic Sci-Fi and Fantasy Works

  • Science Fiction and Fantasy genres have deep roots in classic works by authors like Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, Andrew Lang, and Lewis Carroll.
  • J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" and Frank Herbert's "Dune" are considered classic works that birthed many genre tropes and themes.
  • Both "The Lord of the Rings" and "Dune" draw from older storytelling traditions while incorporating contemporary concerns.
  • Sterling E. Lanier, a Tolkien fan, played a crucial role in the success of "Dune" by recognizing its potential and purchasing its rights for publication.
  • "Dune" faced rejection from various publishers due to its complexity and genre, but Lanier saw similarities with "The Lord of the Rings" and took a chance on it.
  • J.R.R. Tolkien, however, did not appreciate "Dune" and expressed his dislike for it in a letter, citing its intensity and genre differences.
  • Tolkien's specific tastes and preferences, including his dislike for allegory, influenced his opinion on "Dune" and other works.
  • Tolkien's approach to fantasy focused on world-building, language, and recovery, creating immersive secondary worlds with deep histories and linguistic frameworks.
  • Herbert's approach to world-building in "Dune" stemmed from his diverse knowledge and belief in ecological consequences, creating a rational and immersive world.
  • The differences in Tolkien and Herbert's approaches to fantasy and science fiction highlight the unique qualities of their works, catering to different tastes and perspectives.

15:52

Fantasy vs. Sci-Fi: Battles of Worlds

  • Middle Earth in "The Lord of the Rings" is a world free from modern concerns like taxes and work, focusing on battles with dragons and dark Lords.
  • J.R.R. Tolkien criticizes the idea that technological advancement makes the real world more relevant, preferring to write about castles and heroes.
  • Tolkien disapproves of science fiction authors predicting a grim future for humanity, believing in the enduring appeal of castles, horses, and heroes.
  • In contrast, "Dune" by Frank Herbert explores the idea that technological progress should be balanced with morality, showing that humanity's bad behaviors persist.
  • Tolkien's works aim to provide an escape from grim predictions, offering a happy ending rooted in his Catholic faith and belief in the triumph of goodness.
  • Herbert's "Dune" presents a bleak outlook on humanity's future, emphasizing the randomness of the universe and the absence of a grand plan.
  • While Tolkien seeks consolation in his fairy tales, Herbert's focus on human agency and the battle against random forces resonates with those who appreciate the complexity of stories.
  • Both "The Lord of the Rings" and "Dune" are revered for their exploration of fundamental myths, challenging ideas, and enduring appeal, despite their differing worldviews and themes.
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