The Lord of the Rings influenced The Farseer Trilogy

Hobb consciously shifted the emphasis from epic heroes to intimate character studies but Tolkien remained a foundational influence.

• Deep secondary world with extensive history and mythology.
• Ancient civilizations continue to shape the present.
• Magic is ancient, mysterious, and woven into the world's history.
• Themes of duty, sacrifice, loyalty, and perseverance.
• Epic conflicts affect the fate of entire kingdoms.
• Richly developed cultures, traditions, and languages.