50 reasons Star Wars is better than Lord of The Rings

9. First Death Star vs. Isengard

What was the First Death Star? The Empire’s superweapon from A New Hope

What was Isengard? Stronghold controlled by Sauron’s henchman, the powerful wizard Saruman

Verdict: Yeah, we know. The first Death Star already made an appearance in this list. But it’s a massive enough crux to the story as its relevance can be applied to many aspects of the Lord of the Rings universe.

Not exactly a like-for-like comparison here though. The Death Star was symbol and weapon, while Isengard was mostly a symbol of Sauron’s influence via Saruman in the region outside Mordor. Still, they each represent the Empire and Sauron’s early attempts to gain an edge against the forces of good.

Their respective destructions are also pretty epic set pieces. Luke’s trench run in the Battle of Yavin is among the most remembered moments of the original trilogy, and the Ents’ assault on Saruman’s tower complements and adds to the thrill of the concurrent Battle of Helm’s Deep.

Which of these powerful symbols’ destruction resonates more, though?

The Empire, far from being neutered by the loss of the first Death Star, just went and built a second one. It was as if nothing had changed.

The loss of Isengard crimped Sauron’s style pretty significantly, though. He lost an entire flank of the war along with a huge bulk of his army in the process.

For the lasting effects of the sack of Isengard, it easily takes the round.

Lord of the Rings wins

Next: 8. Anakin vs. Saruman