2. What Are We Tolkien
About?
C. S. Lewis and J.R.R.
Tolkien
Christians, Mythologists,
and University Professors
(Oxford & Cambridge)
Modernly Popular
(Narnia, Lord of the
Rings)
J.R.R. Tolkien
3. Research Question
Does Lewis and
Tolkien’s relationship
bleed into the text of
Fellowship of the
Ring?
C.S. Lewis
4. Methodology
Qualitative Research
Methods:
Read Biographical Books,
Journals, Articles, and
Primary Sources (read:
Letters)
Amalgamated my findings
about their friendship into
five core characteristics.
Research brought to you by: Starbucks
6. Characteristic 1:
Suspicious, Then Respectful, Then Warm
Lewis and Tolkien were initially not fond of each
other.
Opponents in Oxford curriculum dispute.
Mutual Mythology
Through mutual interest came mutual regard—respect, but
not warmth.
Gradual Warmth
Confidantes and refuge amidst literary life.
7. Characteristic 2:
Unswervingly Loyal
Each writer knew the other’s potential, and
wanted each other to achieve it.
Lewis acknowledged that his part in Tolkien’s writing
was often carried out to the point of nagging (Glyer, 55)
Tolkien improved Lewis’ writing by serving as a literary
audience.
Authors write to an audience; Tolkien improved Lewis’
writing by being a part of his literary audience.
Each man helped the other navigate arduous
political life at Oxford.
8. Characteristic 3:
Courage-Giving
Lewis and Tolkien’s encouragement held to
the original meaning of the word: “To give
courage.”
The men served as resonators for one
another—providing courage to face
deadlines, critics, and doubts.
9. Characteristic 4
Unity of Direction, Diversity in Perspective
Lewis and Tolkien shared many commonalities,
but they also had disparate perspectives.
Theology of Marriage, for example.
Their tension was a productive one.
Tautness, not fracture
10. Characteristic 5
Cold, At Times
Lewis and Tolkien’s frankness sometimes became
more than frank: it became openly hostile.
Tolkien’s Overt disdain for Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia
Lewis’ Marriage to Helen Joy Davidman
Eventual Distancing (especially in Tolkien)
12. 1. Suspicious, Then
Respectful, then Warm
Seen poignantly in the friendship of Sam and Aragorn.
Initial hesitance to allow Aragorn to join the quest.
Gradual (begrudging) respect.
Eventual transition to confidantes.
Also demonstrated in Legolas and Gimli
First resentful
Then begrudgingly respectful
Then warm (seen in sibling-rivalry relationship)
13. 2. Unswervingly Loyal
Seen in Frodo and Sam
Especially seen in Sam as
Frodo departs for Mordor:
“I’m going to Mordor,
Sam,” Frodo said. “I know
that well enough, Mr.
Frodo. Of course you are.
And I’m coming with you!”
(Tolkien, 460)
14. 3. Courage-Giving
Gandalf and Aragorn
consistently provide both
courage and direction to
the company.
In the wilderness, Aragorn
says, “There is still hope.
You are not alone…”
(Tolkien, 90)
15. 4. Unity in Direction,
Diversity in Perspective
This is seen in the
general idea of a
Fellowship
Boromir and Aragorn
also embody this
characteristic.
Especially with navigation.
* “Just ask for directions,
already!”
16. 5. Cold, At Times
Seen in Gandalf and
Bilbo’s relationship.
Gandalf knows the ring’s sinister
power, Bilbo lusts after it.
Confrontation ensues. (Tolkien,
34)
Seen in Boromir’s Lust for
the Ring
This Divides the Company near
the end of the Fellowship: Frodo
and Sam go one way, the rest
go another way.
17. Findings:
Lewis and Tolkien’s
Friendship is interwoven into
the concepts of Friendship
that arise from the text.
Not allegorically represented,
but their friendship likely
influenced Tolkien’s writing of
Lord of the Rings.
18. So What?
Not all of us are literary;
but we all have a story.
Write yours with people
who help you see the world
from Jesus’ perspective,
who challenge your doubts,
and who encourage you to
achieve your potential.
19. Sources:
Duriez, Colin. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis: The Gift of Friendship. Mahwah, N.J.: HiddenSpring, 2003.
Glyer, Diana. The Company They Keep: C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien as Writers in Community. Kent, Ohio:
Kent State University Press, 2007.
Green, Roger Lancelyn, and Walter Hooper. C.S. Lewis; a Biography. New York: Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich,
1974.
Lewis, C. S., and W. H. Lewis. Letters. New York: Harcourt, Brace & World, 1966.
Linder, C. Ethan. My Own Personal Insights, Biases, and Life Experience. Wesleyan Publishing House, 1995.
McGrath, Alister E. C.S. Lewis: A Life : Eccentric Genius, Reluctant Prophet. Carol Stream, Ill.: Tyndale House
Publishers, 2013.
Sayer, George. Jack: A Life of C.S. Lewis. 2nd ed. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 1994.
Tolkien, J. R. R., and Humphrey Carpenter. The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1981.
Tolkien, J. R. R. The Lord of the Rings. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1993.
