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The Unlikely Origins of The Lord of the Rings: A Journey Through Animation

In a world where Middle-earth is often associated with grand cinematic epics and intricate special effects, it's hard to believe that the journey began with humble animated adaptations. Yet, it was Ralph Bakshi who dared to venture into the realm of animation in 1978 with his feature film, The Lord of the Rings. This ambitious project aimed to be Part 1 of a two-part series, but unfortunately, it never received the green light for its sequel.

Bakshi's vision for The Lord of the Rings was bold and innovative, blending traditional two-dimensional animation with rotoscoped backgrounds that gave the illusion of three-dimensional characters. The film's most striking feature is its ability to balance trippy sequences, like the memorable bar-room scene in The Prancing Pony, alongside more dramatic moments, such as Sam's temptation by the Ring and Éowyn's defeat of the Witch-King of Angmar.

Interestingly, Bakshi's work on The Lord of the Rings was not an isolated effort. Around the same time, Jules Bass and Rankin had been working on their own animated adaptation of The Hobbit for television. Broadcast in 1977, this production laid the groundwork for a sequel based on The Lord of the Rings. However, the studio refused to release Part 1 under its intended title, and ultimately, the project was abandoned.

Despite these setbacks, Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings remains an important milestone in the history of Middle-earth adaptations. Its influence can be seen in Peter Jackson's later films, particularly in Gollum/Smeágol's internal debate, which is eerily reminiscent of scenes from Jackson's trilogy.

As we reflect on this forgotten chapter in The Lord of the Rings' journey, it's clear that animation played a significant role in shaping our understanding of Middle-earth. From the thrilling Battle of Helm's Deep to the dramatic attack on The Prancing Pony, these animated sequences have left an indelible mark on the franchise.

In conclusion, Ralph Bakshi's 1978 animated feature film, The Lord of the Rings, is a fascinating footnote in the history of Middle-earth adaptations. Although it may not have received the recognition it deserved at the time, its influence can still be felt today. As we continue to explore new ways to bring J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved stories to life, it's essential to acknowledge the pioneers who dared to venture into uncharted territory – like Bakshi and Rankin/Bass – and paved the way for the epic adaptations that followed.

It burns!

The lord of the rings the two towers gollum it burns