J.R.R. Tolkien’s Views on C.S. Lewis’s Conversion and Narnia Series

J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis's relationship as fellow authors and intellectuals was one of the most celebrated and enduring in 20th-century literature. Tolkien, a devout Catholic, played a significant role in converting his friend and colleague Lewis to Christianity. However, their shared religious journey took a different path. This essay explores Tolkien's perspective on Lewis's conversion to Protestantism and his Narnia series, presenting their monumental friendship in the context of their literary legacies.

Background and Early Friendship

Tolkien and Lewis met in 1926 at Oxford University, where they shared a passion for language, literature, and fantasy. Initially, they were part of the Inklings, a discussion group that included other like-minded scholars and writers, such as Owen Barfield and Phyllis Bottome. Their friendship deepened over time, and Tolkien was instrumental in guiding Lewis towards Christianity.

During their early years, Tolkien was a key proponent of the Catholic faith. He was deeply influenced by the richness and complexity of Catholic doctrine, which resonated with his own intellectual and creative pursuits. Tolkien’s Catholicism provided a framework for his unique vision of Middle-earth and its inhabitants, a world he crafted through various books and stories.

From Friendship to Christianity

Lewis's journey towards Christianity was a significant moment in their relationship. Prior to Tolkien's influence, Lewis adhered to a non-Christian philosophy and was an atheist. However, under Tolkien's tutelage, Lewis underwent a profound spiritual transformation, which culminated in his conversion to Christianity. This conversion was so impactful that it led to his writing of the famous Of Doctrine and Duty in 1931 and his eventual joining of the Church of England, a specific form of Protestantism, rather than converting to Catholicism.

Tolkien was initially surprised by Lewis’s choice, as he had expected his friend to become a Catholic. However, this did not diminish their deep friendship. Despite their differing theological orientations, Tolkien and Lewis continued to support each other in their respective ventures. Tolkien's Catholic background remained integral to his own creative work, particularly in his The Lord of the Rings series and The Silmarillion.

The Narnia Series and Shared Interests

A notable aspect of their evolving friendship was their shared interest in writing fantasy literature. The Narnia series, penned by Lewis, resonated with Tolkien's own desire to create a rich tapestry of mythology and folklore. Tolkien's extensive work in creating the myths and legends of Middle-earth inspired Lewis to pursue his own fantastical narratives in the form of the Narnia series.

Tolkien's affinity for the religious and mythological aspects of storytelling provided a foundation for Lewis’s own work. Tolkien believed that literature should have depth and a profound connection to myth and history, especially the phases that influence human thought and development. In this sense, both authors shared a vision for storytelling that combined the spiritual with the imaginative.

Tolkien’s Catholic Lens and Literary Contributions

Tolkien's Catholicism greatly influenced his literary work. His deep faith shaped the moral and spiritual undertones of his stories, especially in the conflicts and characters of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien believed in the power of epic narratives to convey grand themes and existential truths, which he effectively used in his Middle-earth tales.

His Catholic beliefs also underscored the importance of grace, redemption, and the inevitability of struggle in the human experience. This perspective is evident in the numerous attempts made in The Silmarillion to delve into the cosmological and theological roots of the stories, reflecting the belief in an interconnected universe that has moral implications for beings within it.

While Lewis wrote the Narnia series with a less overtly religious background, the moral and spiritual lessons underlying the tales are evident. The Narnia books often explore themes such as redemption and sacrifice, which are also prominent in Tolkien's works but expressed through different cultural and religious lenses.

Despite their divergent faith paths, both authors valued the role of faith in literature and education. Their contributions to fantasy literature have left a lasting legacy, influencing generations of writers and readers. The mutual respect and encouragement between Tolkien and Lewis in their respective paths have shaped their legacy in profound ways.

Conclusion

Though J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis ultimately converged along different religious paths after their friendship and intellectual exchanges, their enduring bond reaffirms the power of shared ideals and imaginative storytelling to transcend personal differences. By exploring Tolkien’s views on Lewis's conversion and his impact on the creation of the Narnia series, we uncover the unique interplay of Christian and mythological elements in their respective works, ultimately highlighting the complex dynamics of friendship, faith, and creativity.