Would you rather live in Middle Earth or the Wizarding World? | The Tylt

Fantasy literature is at its best when the world-building is thorough, and the reader can see herself or himself living there. Some, such as Neverland, Earthsea, Narnia, and realms in the works of Wu Cheng’en, Johnathan Swift, George R.R. Martin, Brandon Sanderson and Robert Jordan stand out as particularly well-realized fantasy realms. But two of the most immersive literary worlds are, without question, the products of J.R.R. Tolkien and J.K. Rowling. Which do you choose?

Whether you’d pass your time eating elevenses in the idyllic Shire or scouring the archives in Gondor, Middle Earth would be an incredible place to live. Tolkien is the absolute king of all world-builders, leaving no detail unrealized, from food to folklore to entire languages. No one but the most heartless could read the series and not be swept up by the bravery of the Dwarves, elegance of Elves or good nature of Hobbits. It is a complete vision, and nothing else comes close.

Even if you can't get to Middle Earth, you can still try New Zealand. 

Tolkien is cool and all, but Rowling’s vision is a whole lot more enjoyable to live in. He’s got what, three wizards? Rowling’s creation is overflowing with them. There’s more immersive whimsy, creativity and above all, fun, in a single Harry Potter book than in the entire "Lord of the Rings" series (if the lighthearted adventure of "The Hobbit" is balanced out by the density of "The Silmarillion"). In the Wizarding World, magic is everywhere, in the fabric of life. Who wouldn’t want that?

Being extra magical, you can visit the Wizarding World on two coasts.