LotR and Fantasy Gaming
I don't believe there are any spoilers in this, but if you have not seen the movie(s) and are intending to, you may reconsider following the extended entry.
It occurs to me that when you're talking about fantasy gaming, much of it (not all, but a great deal of it) has more than a tip of a hat to give to the "Lord of the Rings" series. On the other hand, I'm going to be hard pressed to use it as an example for my little sisters when giving them more introduction to fantasy gaming.
Some examples come immediately to mind.
Gandalf is a wizard. Heck, Gandalf is practically the archetype for wizards...and yet...he wields a sword.
Never split the party. That's how they win. They split the party a few ways, and while it does seem to be to Boromir's depreciation, over all it works out better for everyone.
Dead monsters don't fight back. The usual addition to this is, "Unless they're not quite dead." Thanks to that ring, Sauron is "not quite dead." Same with the ringwraiths. ("Nazgul" is such a prettier term.) Thanks to a historical betrayal, there are the paths of the, "not quite dead."
On the other hand, it does reinforce some important pieces of gamer wisdom.
Magic items are dangerous. Don't listen to anything that seems to talk to you, one way or another, be it a ring, a rock... especially if it talks in whispers.
Don't rouse the natives. Any time I think of the "Urban Renewal" spell in Shadowrun, I think of the Ents.
Beware the pretty ones. Always good advice.
(Also, see if the movies had been inspired by an RPG...)