Although not immediately seen as a likely success (Shippey), JRR Tolkein's original epic fantasy The Lord of the Rings flourished and has had numerous adaptations for different mediums expressive in the years following its publication. Not surprisingly, everyone had their criticisms. In particular, deviations from canon – a term used to refer to the original plot and accepted character history supported by the author's writings – are among the worst “offenses” that can be committed when pursuing an adaptation, according to those who they call Tolkien “purists”. Such changes, they argue, fundamentally change the narrative and spirit of the original tale (Ruzin). But in any case, the creators of these adaptations have taken on the task of recreating and retelling a fantasy epic too large to even contain within itself; Tolkein himself had a lot of world-building to support the characters and plot behind his writing. While novels play to their own strengths, they take on their true greatness when read in the context of their world and its story. Considering this, it is truly surprising when a film adaptation, a few scant hours of visual storytelling, can reflect even a part of the world Tolkein created. Among those who tried, certainly the most convincing was Peter Jackson's film trilogy. . There's no doubt that it underwent a substantial canon revision, but rather than taking anything away from the story, it focused and condensed the plot to the point where it could be handled and presented in cinematic format. Peter Jackson's adaptation of The Lord of the Rings made thoughtful and important changes to the narrative that improved the story for the medium and the audience it was told to. These ch...... middle of paper ...... eagerly recreate every nuance of Tolkein's work. Movies are not a substitute and don't try to be. Every detail and subtlety still resides in the pages of the original novels, which can be enjoyed in your free time. Jackson's interpretation, divorced from the unreasonable restrictions placed upon it, stands on its own merits as a legitimate effort, and is better when viewed as such. Works Cited Ruzin, Gabriel. “A Purist Defense of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings Screenplay.” Stuck in the shadows. December 13, 2010. Web. April 13, 2011. Shippey, Tom. “From Page to Screen: JRR Tolkien and Peters Jackson.” World Literature Today 77.2 (2003): 69+. Literary Resource Center. Network. March 28, 2011. The Lord of the Rings. Dir. Pietro Jackson. Perf. Elijah Wood. New Line Cinema, 2001. DVD.Tolkien, JRR The Lord of the Rings. 3 vols. New York: Ballantine Books, 1965. Print.