Delightful Stories You May Not Know About Lewis and Tolkien
Some interesting facts and awesome stories about the boys
We rightfully know C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien for their talents with the pen and in creating worlds and capturing imagination. But as I continue to read more stories about their personal lives and things they were involved in, it only causes me to love them all the more. Here are a few favorite stories and finds.
Lewis was recruited as a secret government agent.
During WWII, Lewis was called on to record a message for the people of Iceland. You can read the full story here, but here are some of the highlights:
“Though British control of Iceland was critical, Britain could not afford to deploy its troops to hold the island when greater battles loomed elsewhere, beginning with the struggle for North Africa. Holding Iceland depended upon the goodwill of the people of Iceland who never had asked to be invaded by the British. If Britain retained Icelandic goodwill, then Churchill could occupy the island with reserve troops rather than his best fighting forces.
This was the strategic situation in which C. S. Lewis was recruited. And his mission was simple: To help win the hearts of the Icelandic people.”
So he recorded messages that encouraged the people of Iceland and the incredible spirit of the Norse people and their influence on English literature. I love that books were such a key part of this.
Tolkien drafted a letter telling off the Nazis
A German publisher was interested in translating The Hobbit, but requested proof that Tolkien didn’t have Jewish blood. Tolkien wasn’t interested in that kind of nonsense. While it isn’t clear if this letter was ever sent by his English publisher, The Hobbit wasn’t translated into German until 1957, so it kind of makes me think so. Here’s one of the drafts and you can read more here.
They both knew how to have a fun time.
I found this thread on Twitter a while back (via @SketchesbyBoze) and I still need to finish this biography, because I'm missing out on some gems!
it’s Tuesday and maybe you need to be reminded that Lewis and Tolkien once attended a (non-costume) party dressed as polar bears, and that Tolkien used to chase neighbors down the street in a warrior costume, waving an axe.
— the library haunter 🦉🎄❄ (@SketchesbyBoze) March 19, 2019
Tolkien was also known for pranking his students and other unsuspecting people. It’s fun to learn about this side of Tolkien as he has always seemed more serious than Lewis. But it’s all making sense why they were such great friends.
And bonus finds of them reading their works:
Tollers reading from The Hobbit.
How I wish there were audio versions with both of them reading all their books! But you can listen to a clip of Tolkien reading from The Hobbit here.
Jack reading from The Four Loves.
Can you imagine what it would have been like to have him as a Professor? And this channel is super cool - doodles to go along with what Lewis is talking about! Check out the full channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@CSLewisDoodle
So good! Thanks for sharing these with us!
I loved these.