J.R.R. Tolkien, often called the “father” of modern fantasy literature, has influenced generations with his beloved books. Stories from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings have inspired filmmakers for years, including Peter Jackson’s well-known movie series.
Tolkien’s creation of Middle-earth remains popular, with new screen adaptations like the anime film The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim in development. Meanwhile, the Prime Video series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has drawn fans looking for another fantasy show.
Despite some criticism after Season 1, Tolkien fans were drawn in by the detailed characters and stunning visual effects. Now, as fans enjoy Season 2 of The Rings of Power, they may also find The Wheel of Time on Prime Video to be a great match.
‘The Wheel of Time’ Was Influenced by ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’
Before it became a successful Prime Video series, The Wheel of Time was one of the best-selling epic fantasy novels, following closely behind The Lord of the Rings. Robert Jordan, a talented writer, authored the series, which spans over 14 volumes.
After Jordan passed away, the last three volumes were completed by Brandon Sanderson. The first book was published in 1990, and it quickly became popular with fantasy fans. While Jordan never directly said that J.R.R. Tolkien was his main inspiration, his book The Eye of the World shows clear influences from The Fellowship of the Ring.
Prime Video’s adaptation of The Wheel of Time, starring Rosamund Pike and Daniel Henney, takes place in a vast fantasy world where history repeats itself, symbolized by the cyclical nature of time.
The story begins in the quiet village of Two Rivers, where five young adults—Rand al’Thor, Mat Cauthon, Perrin Aybara, Egwene al’Vere, and Nynaeve al’Meara—live ordinary lives until Moiraine, a member of a group of powerful women called the Aes Sedai, visits them.
Moiraine believes one of them is the Dragon Reborn, a figure foretold to either save the world from an ancient evil known as the Dark One or destroy it. When their village is attacked by Trollocs, monstrous creatures, Moiraine and her Warder, played by Henney, take the young group on a journey to discover their destinies and protect them from the Dark One’s forces.
As the story moves forward, the group separates and faces different challenges that test their strengths and reveal hidden abilities. Rand learns he can channel the One Power, marking him as the Dragon Reborn. This ability brings him closer to madness, as men who can channel are often driven insane.
Perrin discovers he can communicate with wolves, giving him heightened senses but also making him feel distant from other people. Mat faces dark temptations as he uncovers ancient artifacts, while Egwene and Nynaeve show their potential with One Power, leading them on paths to becoming powerful Aes Sedai.
A Battle Between Light and Dark in Both ‘The Wheel of Time’ and ‘The Rings of Power’
The central theme of The Wheel of Time is the battle between the forces of Light and the Dark One. Each character’s journey is tied to the fate of the world, as they travel across dangerous lands, confront their inner struggles, and face the threat of the Dark One’s followers.
Their personal stories are all connected to the larger conflict, where the future of their world depends on their actions. The show skillfully balances themes of destiny, power, and the fight between good and evil, set against a rich backdrop filled with diverse cultures, magic, and ancient history.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power shares many similarities with The Wheel of Time. Both shows show ancient legends and the weight of destiny. Characters like Galadriel and Elrond in show ancient legends and the weight of destiny.
Characters like Galadriel show ancient legends and The Rings of Power struggle with their roles in shaping the future of their world, just as Rand al’Thor does in The Wheel of Time. This focus on destiny and prophecy is a key connection between the two series.
The world-building in The Wheel of Time is just as intricate as Tolkien’s famous Middle-earth. “Randland,” as it’s called by fans, is divided into various regions and cultures, each with its own unique characteristics, much like the lands of Middle-earth.
The show takes viewers on a journey from the peaceful village of Two Rivers to the bustling city of Tar Valon, home to the Aes Sedai. The attention to detail in the architecture, costumes, and magical systems helps create a world that feels both large and familiar.
The fight between light and dark in The Wheel of Time highlights the complexities of good and evil, as well as the moral challenges in between. The rise of Sauron and the Orcs in The Rings of Power reflects the threat of the Dark One and the temptations of power, particularly for the Dragon Reborn.
The battle between good and evil is not always clear, and the choices individuals make play a key role in shaping the outcome, which is a common theme in fantasy.
Gender and Power Dynamics in ‘The Wheel of Time’
One aspect that sets The Wheel of Time apart is its focus on gender and power. Showrunner Rafe Judkins has placed more emphasis on women’s roles than the original books did. The Aes Sedai, a group of powerful women who control magic, form a matriarchal system, with women holding significant power and influence.
Themes like female leadership and empowerment bring a new layer to the show, creating a story that both complements and contrasts with the more male-dominated power structures seen in parts of The Rings of Power.
The Wheel of Time is a great option for fans of Tolkien’s work because it offers high production quality and stays faithful to its source material.
The dedication to bringing the fantasy world to life with care and respect helps ensure the series stands on its own, while also appealing to those who enjoy the grand scale of The Rings of Power.
The Wheel of Time is now available for streaming on Prime Video in the U.S.
