J.R.R. Tolkien and 'The Once and Future King': An Unexplored Connection

In the vast lineup of J.R.R. Tolkien's works and the critical examination of his literary contributions, a peculiar and almost unexplored question arises: Did J.R.R. Tolkien ever read The Once and Future King by T.H. White, and what did he think of it?

Interested readers may wonder about Tolkien's thoughts on this particular novel, given his profound appreciation for works of Arthurian legend. The J.R.R. Tolkien Companion and Guide is a rich source for such inquiries, but the specific notes and mentions of other works leave us with a different narrative. It does include a note that Tolkien wrote that he had read T.H. White's first installment of The Once and Future King, The Sword in the Stone. However, no definitive statements or evaluations of White's adaptation of Arthurian stories are provided in the Companion and Guide.

Based on the known information, it is unlikely that Tolkien read the entirety of The Once and Future King. In his lifetime, Tolkien was likely too engrossed in his own creative endeavors and the immense task of completing works such as The Lord of the Rings and his corpus of Middle-earth legendarium. Furthermore, the 1950s saw the publication of this English classic, and Tolkien's focus may have been on more pressing creative matters.

Arthuriad and Tolkien's Preference for Accuracy

Tolkien, known for his meticulous attention to detail, would likely have appreciated the Arthurian legends' authenticity and consistency. It is within this context that one must place the mention of The Once and Future King. White's novel, while a beloved work, often merges historical and legendary elements in a way that might not have sat well with Tolkien, given his preference for a more accurate and consistent representation of historical events and their mythological explorations. Tolkien would undoubtedly have valued accuracy and the strict adherence to the folklore and history that he so deeply cared about.

Concluding with Eric R. Eddison and Alternative Reads

While there is no specific record of Tolkien's opinion on The Once and Future King, his love for the Arthurian legends is well-documented. However, it's worth noting that Tolkien was certainly not a fan of White's more allegorical style, which often deviates from the traditional tales of Arthur. If one wishes to explore the Arthurian realm further, Eric R. Eddison's The Worm Ouroboros is a masterpiece that predates Tolkien's major works, including The Lord of the Rings. Eddison's writing provides an alternative and more traditional take on Arthurian lore, which Tolkien might have appreciated for its adherence to historical and mythological accuracy.

One can find The Worm Ouroboros influential for its detailed setting and character development, which, much like Tolkien's own works, depict a rich and immersive world. Whether through these or other adaptations, the Arthurian tales continue to captivate readers each generation with their timeless themes and captivating narratives.

In summary, while there is no definitive record of Tolkien reading The Once and Future King, his potential appreciation of the novel remains a possibility. However, his preferences for accuracy and consistency in storytelling might have shaped his opinion, or lack thereof, of White's work. Nonetheless, the exploration of Arthurian legends and the world Tolkien created remains a fascinating subject for scholars and fans alike.