Did J.R.R. Tolkien Have Any Best Friends Besides C.S. Lewis?

The Friendship Impact of World War I on Tolkien

When J.R.R. Tolkien was in his formative years, he had a circle of close friends from his school days at King Edward VI Grammar School. This group, known as the Tea Club and Barrovian Society (T.C.B.S.), was a vital social and intellectual circle. However, the horrors and devastation of World War I claimed the lives of many of these friends. Among the T.C.B.S., only Tolkien and Christopher Wiseman survived the War, with Wiseman passing away in 1987. Christopher Tolkien, J.R.R. Tolkien's son, named his first son Christopher after his "boyhood friend," further emphasizing the lasting bond between them.

The T.C.B.S. shared literary aspirations, and these friendships undoubtedly played a significant role in Tolkien's early inspirations and development as a writer. As Tolkien described it, the group provided him with a "golden age" of friendship and camaraderie, which was tragically disrupted by the Great War. Their literary tastes, which were similar to Tolkien's, suggest that they shared much more than just school camaraderie.

While we cannot know for sure what these friends might have accomplished if they had survived World War I, it is clear that their influence on Tolkien was immense. Their surviving camaraderie provides a snapshot of what could have been a lifelong bond filled with shared intellectual and imaginative pursuits. Tolkien's bereavement and subsequent emotional isolation likely made it difficult for him to form close friendships later in life, but he did maintain a network of devoted acquaintances and close friends.

Other Close Friends: E.V. Gordon and the Inklings

Although many of Tolkien's early friends perished in the War, he continued to form close relationships with other intellectuals and writers. One such friend was E.V. Gordon, who was a fellow philologist and friend from Oxford University. Gordon shared Tolkien's passion for Old English and could have provided invaluable discussions and insights that furthered both their work. This close intellectual bond, along with mutual appreciation, likely solidified their friendship.

In addition to these close friendships, Tolkien was a founding member of a writers' group called the Inklings. This group, which consisted of fellow writers including C.S. Lewis, Hugo Dyson, and others, provided a supportive and stimulating environment for Tolkien to share and develop his literary work. The Inklings were not only a group of like-minded individuals but also a vital part of Tolkien's social circle, providing him with the encouragement and community he needed to create his beloved works, such as The Lord of the Rings.

Tolkien's closest friends through the Inklings were C.S. Lewis and Hugo Dyson. C.S. Lewis was not only a fellow writer and thinker but also a spiritual companion, which was not insignificant during Tolkien's struggles with his Catholic faith. Lewis's influence on Tolkien's faith and spiritual journey is well-documented, and their friendship was both intellectually and spiritually profound. Hugo Dyson, another Inklings member, was a close friend who shared Tolkien's love for medieval literature and mythology.

While Tolkien's relationships with other Inklings were undoubtedly strong, the emotional closeness and shared intellectual pursuits with C.S. Lewis and Hugo Dyson were particularly significant. These friendships provided a sense of continuity and support, especially during times of personal and professional struggle. The Inklings, therefore, played a crucial role in maintaining the social and intellectual fabric of Tolkien's life.

The Role of the Inklings in Tolkien's Life

The Inklings was more than just a writers' group; it was a social and intellectual community that provided Tolkien with a sense of belonging and community. The group met regularly at the Eagle and Child pub (also known as the Bird and Baby), where they shared readings, critiques, and discussions of their work. This environment was not only a source of inspiration but also a supportive community that allowed Tolkien to express himself and receive feedback.

The Inklings sessions were famous for their lively and often critical discussions, which pushed Tolkien to refine his work and consider new approaches to storytelling. C.S. Lewis's critiques, in particular, were instrumental in shaping Tolkien's narrative style and thematic depth. The openly critical yet supportive nature of these meetings created a safe space for Tolkien to explore and refine his ideas, which ultimately contributed to the success of his literary works.

However, it is important to note that while the Inklings provided a significant social and intellectual environment, Tolkien's personal relationships were complex and often evolved over time. His professional demands, alongside his family life and faith, made it challenging to maintain constant contact with every member of the group. The group's sessions were sporadic, and members moved in and out of the circle as their schedules and interests changed.

Conclusion: The Emotional and Intellectual Bond

While J.R.R. Tolkien did not have a "best" friend in the traditional sense, his relationships with E.V. Gordon, C.S. Lewis, Hugo Dyson, and other members of the Inklings were profound and enduring. These friendships transcended the simply social, offering emotional, intellectual, and literary support that was essential for Tolkien's personal and professional growth. The legacy of these friendships lives on not only in the literary works they inspired but also in the enduring bonds they created.