‘House of the Dragon’ vs ‘The Rings of Power’: Who takes the crown?
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JRR Tolkien is, unquestionably, one of the biggest legends of the fantasy genre. He constructed a rich universe that served as a major influence on modern high-fantasy, including the likes of the “Game of Thrones” series.
“The Rings of Power” (TROP) is based on the Second Age history of Middle-earth—from Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings”. The show delves into a well-known setting from the films, while introducing us to a completely new group of characters.
Similarly, “House of the Dragon” (HOTD) is a spin-off series of the popular book and TV show, “Game of Thrones”—based on George RR Martin’s book, “Fire & Blood”. It takes place 200 years before the events of “Game of Thrones,” focusing on the exceptionally insane Targaryens, who are, by far, the most well-known family in this universe.
The structure of this show is quite different than its fantasy rival. It is more in-depth, concentrating mostly on how one family evolves over time. Allegiances alter, new members are welcomed, and resentments are formed, harbored, and ultimately taken out on one another.
From the first episode, it is clear that HOTD follows a similar trajectory of emotional complexities as “Game of Thrones”. On the other hand, TROP is not nearly as gory and explicit. While it has its dark and twisted moments, it does not exactly hang a mournful weight upon the show.
Similarly, the jubilant moments of TROP will never be imaginable in Westeros. Galadriel’s search for the dark-god Sauron, who killed her brother during the War of Wrath, brings an unerring sense of spine-chilling terror. Watching her moral ground slip over the span of a few episodes is what indulges the audience despite the weak storyline in the first episode.
TROP deep dives into the good vs evil duality, whereas HOTD has an unapologetic thirst for chaos. While in Middle-earth, friendship, loyalty and love are unconditional; in Westeros, everyone is hungry for power.
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