The Best Order to Read The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter

When it comes to immersing yourself in the magical worlds of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter, the ordering in which you choose to read these beloved series can significantly enhance your reading experience. Some fans argue that reading them in the order they were written is the best way to fully appreciate the depth and complexity of each author's world. In this article, we will explore the advantages and reasoning behind both methods and provide guidance to help readers decide on the best approach.

Understanding the Writing Order

Both J.R.R. Tolkien and J.K. Rowling wrote their series in chronological order, making it a natural and linear journey for the reader. The Lord of the Rings was published between 1954 and 1955, while Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was first released in 1997. These series follow the natural progression of their protagonists' experiences, offering a rich narrative framework that unfolds as the stories progress.

Advantages of Reading in Writing Order

1. Narrative Continuity and Consistency: Reading the series in writing order allows you to experience the stories as the authors intended. This method provides a linear narrative, giving readers a sense of the events leading up to each book's conclusion. For example, understanding the context and character development of The Lord of the Rings can significantly enhance the appreciation of later books in the series.

2. Character Development and Audience Immersion: The writing order ensures a natural and organic growth of the characters, from their initial introduction to their ultimate transformations. Reading in this order allows you to fully appreciate the growth of characters like Frodo Baggins and Harry Potter as they navigate their respective worlds. This deep immersion can make the reading experience even more compelling and enriching.

3. Mystery and Suspense: Reading in the writing order is like experiencing a continuous movie. Each book builds upon the previous ones, creating a sense of anticipation and suspense that keeps readers engaged. This approach ensures that you are not spoilt with information that comes later, making the stories richer and more engaging.

Comparing Reading Orders

While the writing order is the traditional and intended sequence, some readers enjoy exploring the series in a different order. Here, we will discuss the benefits and possible detriments of this alternative method.

Reading Order by Popularity or Release Date

1. Accessibility: Reading Harry Potter first and then The Lord of the Rings is appealing to many readers due to the immense popularity and marketing success of the Harry Potter series. The books' release dates and global popularity have made them more accessible to a wider audience, especially for younger readers.

2. Cross-Cultural Appreciation: By reading The Lord of the Rings later, readers can bring their knowledge of the wizarding world to enhance their appreciation of Tolkien's Middle-earth. This approach allows for a deeper exploration of how these two epic series intersect with and influence one another.

3. Historical Context: Reading Harry Potter first and then The Lord of the Rings can provide a contemporary context for the more traditional and archaic themes of the latter. This approach can offer a unique perspective on how modern storytelling techniques and themes compare to those of a classic fantasy series.

Personal Preferences and Reading Order

Ultimately, the choice of reading order is a personal one, influenced by individual preferences, living circumstances, and personal goals. Some readers may want to experience the stories in the order they were intended, while others may enjoy the freshness and surprise of discovering the worlds and characters in a new sequence.

1. Ease of Insertion into Reading Schedule: Starting with the more accessible Harry Potter can make the transition into heavier fantasy literature like The Lord of the Rings less daunting. For those with busy schedules, this approach can make it easier to fit reading into their routines. On the other hand, readers who are eager to explore the richly detailed world of Middle-earth might find it more fulfilling to start with The Lord of the Rings.

2. Educational Purposes: For readers seeking to explore diverse elements of fantasy literature, reading them in a mixed order can be beneficial. Starting with Harry Potter and then moving to The Lord of the Rings can provide a side-by-side comparison of different writing styles and narrative techniques.

Conclusion

The decision to read The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter in the order they were written or in a different order is a deeply personal one. Both methods have their merits and can offer unique and enriching experiences. Ultimately, the best approach is the one that aligns with your personal preferences, lifestyle, and goals. No matter which order you choose, both series offer profound and lasting adventures that will captivate and inspire.