The Fathers of Fantasy: Lord of the Rings, Dune, & A Song of Ice and Fire

By Camila Martinez ‘25

Authors J.R.R. Tolkien, Frank Herbert, and George R.R. Martin share one thing in common: they have all impacted the genre of fantasy and science fiction to the point where they have been labeled as “The Fathers of Fantasy.” Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, Dune by Frank Herbert, and A Song of Ice and Fire (commonly referred to by its TV adaptation, Game of Thrones) by George R.R. Martin have significantly influenced literature, film, television, and captivated audiences for decades. Why are they so popular and how have they influenced literature, film, and television?

Among these three authors, J.R.R. Tolkein has had the most impact on fantasy literature since his work, Lord of the Rings which has set the foundation for modern high fantasy today. Tolkein's intricate world-building includes multiple fictional language and centuries of history, creating the blueprint for the genre. Lord of the Rings has impacted the audience when it was first published as the author served in World War I. Tolkien's fighting in the war influenced his writing of the protagonist, Frodo Baggins, a character who is tasked with bringing the One Ring, the source of the Dark Lord Sauron, to Mount Doom in order to be destroyed. His character portrays Tolkein's experiences by shaping the portrayal of his psychological trauma in carrying a heavy burden while facing overwhelming odds. The author's experience has struck so many fans and is one of the reasons why many gravitate towards Tolkien's work. With the connection between the author, work, and reader it has allowed the audience to be captivated making it impossible to forget the world of Middle-Earth.

Frank Herbert’s Dune series is one of the most influential and best-selling science fiction franchises of all time. Herbert’s themes of power, religion, and ecology along with elaborate world-building, planetary environment and interstellar politics makes this work stand out among others. While Tolkien and Martin have a more traditional fantasy writing, Herbert leans more towards science fiction with some elements of fantasy. This style of writing and world-building has influenced Star Wars which can be seen in its elements of a futuristic world and social issues. However, Dune's popularity didn't arrive until its movie adaptations were released; Dune (1984) directed by David Lynch and more recently Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two both directed by Denis Villenueve. Although Hebert's style of world-building can be different than Martin's and Tolkein's as they all share a similar theme in their stories. All of these authors have the “Chosen One Trope” which is used to describe when a character, usually the protagonist, is seen as the hero of the story due to destiny, power, or special lineage. Herbert uses this trope for the main character, Paul Atreides who is believed to be the Kwisatz Haderach a prophesied superhuman, and the Madhi, a messianic figure destined to lead the Fremen to freedom. Herbert uses Paul’s story to critique the “Chosen One Trope” to highlight how messianic figures can become both saviors and destroyers. This theme of “Fallen Hero” has influenced other fictional literature and television like Game of Thrones.

George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire (1996) is a fantasy series that redefines the genre through its complex characters, political intrigue, and moral ambiguity. Martin achieved his popularity through his writing but also through the TV adaptation Game of Thrones which was released in 2011. Game of Thrones like Lord of Rings was able to bring a new group of people into the world of fantasy. We can see the show's popularity when 44 million people were watching the finale across all platforms. Even though Martin has a less traditional fantasy element like Tolkien and he has taken inspiration from historical events like the War of Roses. Moreover, the difference between the two author's works is Tolkein, who only has three female characters in Lord of Rings which many fans feel as if they were created to further the story of their male counterparts. Compared to Martin who has over 100 named female characters all with a wide range of social status, goals, and complexity. Additionally, Martin's writing of his protagonist, Daenerys Targaryen who is the last member of the Targaryen family dynasty and was exiled as a child, tries to take back her father's throne. Fans have theorized that she fits the prophecy of Azor Ahai and the Prince that was Promised who is said to defeat the White Walkers, an army of undead. Martin's writing of Daenerys gave the opportunity for other fantasy authors to have a strong female lead.

J.R.R. Tolkien, Frank Herbert, and George R.R. Martin has each left a legacy on the genre of fantasy and science fiction, earning them the title of "The Fathers of Fantasy." Their works The Lord of the Rings, Dune, and A Song of Ice and Fire have not only captivated audiences for decades but also reshaped storytelling across literature, film, and television. Through their richly imagined worlds, complex characters, and epic narratives, they have set the standard for modern fantasy and science fiction. Their influence can be seen in countless books, films, and television series, inspiring new generations of writers while continuing to engage fans worldwide.