C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien are two of the most celebrated authors of the 20th century, known for their respective works The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings. However, many readers may not be aware that these two literary giants were also close friends and colleagues. Their friendship not only shaped their personal lives but also had a profound influence on the worlds they created, leaving a lasting impact on modern fantasy literature.
The Early Days of Friendship
Lewis and Tolkien first met in 1926 at Oxford University, where both were faculty members. They soon discovered a mutual love for mythology, ancient languages, and storytelling. Their bond grew through regular meetings of a literary group known as The Inklings, a circle of writers and intellectuals who met weekly to discuss their works-in-progress and ideas. These meetings were often held in Lewis’s rooms at Magdalen College or at the Eagle and Child pub, where the authors would read drafts of their stories aloud and critique one another’s work.
Mutual Influence on Their Works
Tolkien's influence on Lewis’s writing is evident, particularly in The Chronicles of Narnia. While Tolkien did not initially appreciate the allegorical nature of Narnia, Lewis admired Tolkien’s ability to build a cohesive, immersive world, as seen in The Lord of the Rings. Lewis's encouragement was critical to Tolkien’s progress in completing The Hobbit and the The Lord of the Rings trilogy, urging him to continue when he faced creative doubts.
Lewis, meanwhile, was known for his direct and clear writing style, especially in his theological works. Tolkien’s more meticulous approach to world-building may have influenced Lewis to include rich mythological elements and detailed characters in Narnia. In turn, Tolkien admitted that it was Lewis’s enthusiasm and feedback that pushed him to keep refining The Lord of the Rings.
Differences in Style and Opinion
Despite their strong friendship, Lewis and Tolkien had significant differences in both their literary tastes and personal views. Tolkien, a devout Catholic, often criticized The Chronicles of Narnia for its use of allegory and the blending of various mythological elements, such as centaurs and fauns. He preferred creating a consistent mythology, as seen in Middle-earth, without overt Christian symbolism.
On the other hand, Lewis, a Protestant, embraced allegory and was less concerned with maintaining a single, unified mythology. For Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia was a way to explore Christian themes through fantasy, something that Tolkien found less palatable for his own writing.
A Lasting Legacy
Despite their differences, the friendship between Lewis and Tolkien remains one of the most famous literary relationships in history. Without their mutual support and encouragement, it is possible that the world would never have seen The Chronicles of Narnia or The Lord of the Rings as we know them today. Their collaboration through The Inklings fostered an environment of creativity, where both authors could develop their groundbreaking works.
Today, Lewis and Tolkien’s influence is still felt across the fantasy genre, with countless authors drawing inspiration from their richly imagined worlds and complex characters. Their friendship, built on a shared love of storytelling and a deep respect for each other’s craft, continues to shape the way we view and create fantasy literature.
Conclusion
The friendship between C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared passion. Through their bond, they not only created some of the most beloved stories in modern literature but also helped define what fantasy literature could be. Their legacy lives on, not only in their own works but in the countless stories they inspired.