What would Tolkien have thought of Harry Potter?

[Frog]

This isn't a debate about which is better, I just want to hear what you think he might have thought.

[John (Taloni)]

We kind of have an idea already, since he worked with CS Lewis. As for Narnia he overall thought it worthy, if too preachy. Similarly, I believe Tolkien would have found Harry Potter interesting but simplistic. A good message, delivered too bluntly.

[Marc]

I think he would have loved the world and lore, but acknowledged the stories are for children and held them in that regard.

[Frog]

In his essay "On Fairy Stories," he didn't seem to believe in calling certain stories "for children." Although, I doubt he would consider Harry Potter a "fairy story," as it's character driven.

Part of the reason HP feels personal and intimate while LOTR feels grand and vast is because Tolkien did not believe character should be the primary interest, while HPs greatest strength lies with vivid characters. (You can name all the dwarves in Lord of the Rings, but can you name their personalities?)

I do think he would have appreciated the messages as a Catholic, and not taken it for granted as those who would rank things like Percy Jackson equivalent. Harry Potter, while not deliberately Catholic, has many corresponding themes to what Tolkien would have believed.

[C. J.]

Well I could figure at least one thing! He would have criticized the use of mythology which I heard was in it here and there because Tolkien believed in creating a world, making things that were more original than what would be perceived as too familiar.

He heavily criticized C. S. Lewis' Narnia, saying Jesus as a lion was too obvious and his use of Greek and Roman myths probably borderline not too creative.

[Frog]

Yeah, true.

Tolkien and Lewis believed fairy stories should be about everymen characters and focus on the personality of the world more than individuals. Harry Potter is more character-driven, and the world is there mainly for creating their situations.

[Akshatha]

Now, what would Tolkien think about GOT? That would be interesting to ponder over.