Separated by decades of publication, J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit and George R.R. Martin's A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms novellas share a surprising narrative kinship. Both tales center on unassuming individuals, thrust into extraordinary circumstances, who forge
profound bonds with unlikely companions and embark on journeys that unlock hidden reserves of strength and resilience within themselves. Yet, beneath the surface of familiar coming-of-age narratives, lie distinct approaches to worldbuilding, character motivations, and the exploration of fantasy tropes, revealing the vast spectrum and multifaceted nature of the fantasy genre.
Tolkien is the father of the fantasy genre, but Martin is a major influence for its resurgence into mainstream consciousness. Both men's work is classic for the genre. Both The Hobbit and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms take a lighter tone than the series which they precede (in the timeline), The Lord of the Rings and A Song of Ice and Fire, respectfully. The stakes seem less, yet both have profound impact on the later story. (It should be noted here that The Hobbit was written prior to The Lord of the Rings while A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a prequel).
A Shared Journey:
Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit from the Shire, and Dunk, a hedge knight in Westeros, are the protagonists int their respective stories. Bilbo, a creature of comfort, is initially reluctant to join the dwarves on their quest to reclaim their lost treasure. However, as the journey progresses, he sheds his naivety, embraces his role as a "burglar," and develops his resourcefulness and courage. Dunk, a man of modest birth, finds himself entangled in the Targaryen-Blackfyre conflict. Through his experiences as a traveling knight, Dunk , navigates the complex social mores of Westeros while grappling with the moral quandaries and political intrigue that arise in a war-torn world.
Both Bilbo and Dunk find companionship and forge significant bonds with their fellow travelers. Bilbo's loyalty to the dwarves is tested through various trials, ultimately solidifying their fellowship. He forms a particularly close connection with Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of the dwarves, learning the value of friendship, trust, and the importance of fighting for a common cause. Dunk, on the other hand, develops a unique bond with the young prince Aegon Targaryen, nicknamed "Egg." Despite the disparity in their social standing, their relationship blossoms into one of mutual respect, understanding, and unwavering loyalty. Dunk, with his experience and gruff demeanor, acts as a protector and mentor to the young prince, while Egg, with his intelligence and nobility, challenges Dunk's preconceived notions and broadens his perspective.
Worlds Painted in Contrasting Hues:
While both narratives embark on journeys, the worlds they traverse paint vastly different pictures. Tolkien's Middle-earth is a meticulously crafted world brimming with fantastical elements, established lore, and diverse races like elves, dwarves, and hobbits. The story unfolds against a backdrop of ancient magic, mythical creatures like trolls and dragons, and a well-established history.
In contrast, Martin's world, while richly detailed, presents a more grounded and historically-inspired setting. Westeros, reminiscent of medieval Europe, is a land ravaged by war, political turmoil, and the harsh realities of human nature. Magic, though found in Westeros, plays an almost invisible role in this narrative. It, too, has a history, both recent and ancient, that plays a part in the story.
The Duality of Good and Evil:
The portrayal of good and evil also diverges significantly between the two stories. The Hobbit presents a more clear-cut distinction between good and evil. Bilbo and the dwarves represent the forces of good, striving to reclaim their stolen homeland from the clutches of the evil dragon Smaug.
The lines between good and bad are more blurred in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Dunk, despite his inherently good nature, finds himself embroiled in complex political machinations which he barely understands, where loyalties are divided and moral choices fraught with ambiguity. He grapples with the consequences of war, the complexities of human conflict, and the struggle to uphold his sense of honor in a world where good intentions often collide with harsh realities. Egg, his compass through the morass, though while intuitive, is still but a child. Dunk doesn't have the wise guidance that Bilbo receives from Gandalf.
Fantasy Tropes Revisited:
The Hobbit embraces the classic tropes of a fantastical adventure, featuring a reluctant hero, a fellowship of companions, and a perilous quest for treasure. It could be argued that if it did not invent the fantasy trope, it popularized it..
In contrast, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms deconstructs fantasy tropes. While Dunk embarks on a series of adventures, his motivations are not driven by personal gain or glory. He is a man of duty and honor, seeking to uphold his vows as a knight. The fact that his vows may be based, from the beginning, on a lie is one of the more interesting questions Martin poses. Was Dunk actually knighted before Ser Arlan's death or did he just assume the role? The text isn't clear. If it's the latter, does this explain his dedication to vows he never actually took? It is left to the reader to square his actions with his lies. (Or the reader is free to take Dunk at his word, though that seems like the proverbial ostrich burying its head in the sand when it dislikes what it sees.)
Enduring Legacies:
Despite their contrasting approaches, both The Hobbit and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms have left an indelible mark on the fantasy genre. The Hobbit remains a beloved classic, introducing readers to the wonders of Middle-earth and captivating them with Bilbo's unexpected journey. It paved the way for Tolkien's magnum opus, The Lord of the Rings, solidifying his place as a literary giant.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms offers glimpses into the history of Westeros and introduces characters who play pivotal roles in the larger narrative. It also reads as a mystery as there is something bigger going on in the background that may serve to answer questions in A Song of Ice and Fire.
Kommentare