“Once upon A Time ….”” is the ideal opening that makes every child believe there will be an end to a story. The gift of fantasy is something we receive as children, but lose as adults. What we don’t know is that it is always with us. Once we leave the fairy tale world behind, our favorite heroes, villains princesses or evil demons are always with us. J. R. R Tolkien’s Lord Of The Rings : The Fellowship Of The Ring features a young boy named Frodo, who is given a powerful ring capable of controlling the world as well as all living beings. Frodo, together with new friends, must undertake a mission to destroy the ring and prevent Sauron’s minions from stealing it. Frodo has to go on a journey with the new friends he encounters along the road in order to destroy and steal the ring from Sauron. Disney’s The Lion King has become a children’s classic that focuses on lions’ courage. Simba flees from home after his dad dies. He creates a life for himself and then is discovered by a member. Simba is given two options: return home, challenge his Uncle Scar and become the king of his people or continue living his new way of life. Despite J. R. R Tolkien’s Lord Of The Rings : The Fellowship Of The Ring ensuring a much more mature view of unexpected adventures than Disney’s The Lion King. Both films display the importance for a growing child’s imagination.

When we believe something with our whole heart, good things happen. We tend to fear the unknown, but fail to realize that facing your fears head-on is the most effective way to deal with them. Frodo, the protagonist of The Lord Of The Rings The Fellowship Of The Ring realised this valuable lesson while he was on his quest to destroy the Sauron ring. Frodo Baggins is terrified of the Sauron ring, even from the start of the movie. “I’ll take it!” “I’ll take it!” I’ll take the Ring. Frodo decides that the best solution to the situation is to go to Mordor and destroy the Ring himself. Frodo had no idea he would die, but his courage and determination allowed him to continue the journey. Lord Of The Rings The Fellowship Of The Ring is a more mature version, but The Lion King shows a younger child how to use courage in the face of obstacles. Simba runs away from his home after losing father. Simba, who is haunted by his father’s death and fears going back to his past would bring shame to his family, does something that no one expected him to do. The result? He finds himself. “I’m sure what I must do. The only problem is that I’ll be forced to confront my own past if I return. I’ve run from it so long (Disney’s The Lion King). Simba decides to stop running from the past, because it’s not helping him in his life. Simba decides to return to his home and face his uncle Scar in order to take the throne. Simba overcomes his fear after letting it rule his life. Disney and J. R. R Tolkien demonstrated that fear is simply our insecurities preventing the impossible from being attempted. This teaches the children to have faith, not fear.

Friends may come and leave, but true friendship is the kind you’ll never lose. Friends and family are the people who influence us. When we fall, friends will help us get back up. J. R. R. Tolkien demonstrates how betrayal can lead to love in friendship. Frodo becomes distrustful of his friends after Galadriel warns that someone is going to try and steal the Ring from him. Frodo decides that the only solution to the problem would be for him to complete the mission himself. One friend, however, never turned on Frodo. In fact, he even risked death to keep the promise he made to protect him. “I made a promise, Mr. Frodo. A promise. “Don’t You Leave Him Samwise Gamgee.” I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it.” (Sam Gamgee in The Lord Of The Rings – The Fellowship Of The Ring). Sam shows Frodo his love by going into the water, even though he knew he couldn’t swim. He wanted to be with Frodo. Frodo didn’t trust Sam, but when he risked his life to stay with him, Frodo knew Sam wasn’t there to steal the Ring, but help him destroy it. The most important thing in friendship is that you stand by your friends. Simba’s father and friend were both there for him in Disney’s The Lion King. Mufasa used to tell Simba when he was young that the stars are the previous rulers who watch over him. But after Mufasa’s death, Simba ceased believing in happy outcomes. Simba was left feeling abandoned by his father when he passed away, but he was assured that he will always be watching over him. He thought that there was no tomorrow for him after his father’s death, but then he saw a ghostly image of his deceased father reminding him about his “tomorrow”. Remember that kings are always there to guide and comfort you whenever you feel lonely. “And I will too” (Ghost Mufasa from Disney’s The Lion King). Mufasa’s Ghost reminded Simba of Mufasa’s presence in the stars, along with the other rulers who are watching over Simba, and how they can help him reclaim his rightful inheritance. The Lion King by Disney and J. R. R Tolkien: The Fellowship Of The Ring both show how only those that care can lift you when you fall.

Every person has strengths and weaknesses that make them unique. But it can take a long time to realize how much we are truly worth. Frodo, who was only a young boy at the time, was selected to be the keeper of Sauron’s Ring. Frodo had a fear of the Ring and its potential. Frodo was so afraid of the ring that he wished it had been given to someone different. But, even though he doubted himself, someone was there to guide him. “Even someone as small as you can have a profound impact on the future.” (Galadriel The Lord Of The Rings The Fellowship Of The Ring). Frodo knew exactly what to do. Frodo realized that he was responsible for the ring and only he could take it off. Frodo followed Galadriels advice to start a project that would drive his conscience and his ability to be brave. Accepting yourself is one of the greatest challenges in life. Disney reminds us to never underestimate ourselves when Simba, the young boy, finally remembers his identity. Simba thinks that he’s betrayed the people he loves, but is awoken by Mufasa. Look inside yourself Simba. You are much more than your current self. You must accept your place within the Circle of Life”. Simba learns to accept himself and his past in order for him to create a glorious future with his people. Simba returns to his homeland, where he accepts himself and his past in order to build a bright future for his people and him. J.R.R. Tolkien’s and Disney’s likeness is that of a young child. Never question yourself about who you truly are.

Final thoughts: Both films, while different in their storyline, are very similar when it comes to fantasy. Frodo Baggins in The Hobbit and Simba in The Lion King both learn that they can face their fears, that true friends always remain, and not to doubt themselves in any circumstance. This illustrates the importance of fantasy in dealing with a child’s development.

Fear is a basic emotion. Fear helps us to stay safe and avoid dangerous situations. Frodo baggins and Simba use their fear to help them achieve their dreams. Fear is a good thing. It prepares you for the real world.

The early friendships are the ones that play a major role in developing the mind. Friends encourage us to make rational choices and, most importantly, they are there for you when you need them. We are said to be copycats, and our first experiences on a playground are when we begin. We learn from the people we surround ourselves, and we make decisions that are influenced by them. Frodo baggins and Simba had similar doubts about their friendships. Both realized that the best friends are those who will be there for us through good times and bad.

In order to achieve the glory of high achievement, it is important that we never doubt ourselves. Frodo & Simba realize this golden principle when, on their journey, the discover that, despite their small size, they both have unique characteristics that make them capable of achieving the impossible. To dream of a brighter future, it is essential that children set goals. These three life-lessons help children become more respectful and capable of “ruling the world”.

Fantasy transforms the imagination into the unimaginable. Without films like Disney’s The Lion King and Lord Of The Rings The Fellowship Of The Ring to inspire us, we would not have dreams. Dreams inspire us to strive for excellence and reveal our true identity.