Why We're Wrong About Lewis and Tolkien

Door Jam: May 5, 2025

The Door Jam is a place to squeeze in articles about C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, their work, adaptations of their fantasy worlds, news from other franchises, and interesting articles. Unless otherwise stated, I’m not endorsing (or criticizing) any of these but merely sharing them with you.

An excellent Lewis and Tolkien scholar details why many people are wrong about Lewis and Tolkien’s relationship, specifically Tolkien’s attitude toward Narnia.

Many people know about Lewis and Tolkien’s friendship, including how a late-night conversation with Tolkien helped Lewis come to faith in Christ.

C.S. Lewis’ Sidecar Conversion

Some know how the two encouraged each other in their writing, but many are under the impression that Tolkien hated Narnia, and their friendship faded as a result. The truth is a little more complicated than that.

Tolkien definitely didn’t like the early draft of a Narnia story Lewis read at the Inklings meeting, but much of the supposed hatred has been overblown. I owe

Jokien with Tolkien

a long-promised piece on why Tolkien didn’t hate Narnia as much as many today assume.

That article is coming (I promise,

JRR Jokien

), but if you’d like to hear one of the world’s top Inklings scholars share what Tolkien really thought about Narnia, watch this presentation from Dr. Holly Ordway.

Using original sources and careful analysis, she makes clear that the mythology surrounding this friendship ending hatred of Narnia on developed long after the original events occurred.

Not Safe But Good

C.S. Lewis quote of the week

We are told that Christ was killed for us, that His death has washed out our sins, and that by dying He has disabled death itself. That is the formula. That is Christianity. That is what has to be believed.

Mere Christianity

Tumnus’ bookshelf

Books by or about Lewis or Tolkien

In addition to recommending some lesser known books, I also wanted to point you to some that are on sale. If you need to add to your bookshelf, try these.

• The World's Last Night: And Other Essays by C.S. Lewis ebook ($1.99 -85%)

• The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis ebook ($2.99 -76%)

• The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis ebook ($2.99 -70%)

• Studies in Medieval and Renaissance Literature by C.S. Lewis ebook ($1.99 -85%)

• The Lord of the Rings Deluxe Illustrated by the Author: Special Edition by J.R.R. Tolkien ($103.18 -59%)

Behind the Wardrobe

Sneak peek at the bonus articles for paid subscribers

Below, read about the unusual way Greta Gerwig plans to film her Narnia movies, a new anniversary edition of the Narnia books, what led Disney to drop the Narnia movie franchise, Gerwig expressing her feelings on an animated adaptation of Narnia, a popular sci-fi book series turned hit movie franchise that Tolkien actually really disliked, future plans for the MCU and more.