Similarities Between LOTR and The Sword of Shannara
 

-Country bumpkins set out on mission to save their world from dark sorcerer lord.

-Pursued by servants of dark sorcerer lord.

-Run into trouble, carried to safe haven while unconscious.

-Set out again with small band of companions. I think the number of companions is nine in both cases - or thereabouts.

-Leader has skill in magic and lore.

-One member is heir to throne of most important kingdom.

-Split up: some to defend city against massive army of dark lord, some to pursue quest involving magic artifact which can defeat the dark lord.

It seems like there were others, but I can't think of them right now.

I enjoyed Sword of Shannara very much, but I found the similarities to Tolkien amusing.

And the most glaring similarity....

The Brothers Hildebrandt designed overly-sentimental, cliche-ridden artwork for both titles. They didn't do too bad on the halfling designs, but the men all look French (a mangled mix of d'Artagnans with broadswords sporting Robin Hood accoutrements), and the elves look downright effeminate (except for Elrond, who for some reason has an Edwardian moustache).

Haha! Aragorn's hat is the best...