He captures something of C. S. Lewis in The Lord of the Rings. The character Treebeard makes an unusual Hrum, Hroom sound when he speaks. This was Tolkien's attempt to capture the booming voice of Lewis. The identification of Lewis with this wise and ancient tree-man should be seen as high praise, indeed, for Tolkien's love for trees is evident throughout his writing. More
Diana Pavlac Glyer’s book, "Bandersnatch: C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, and the Creative Collaboration of the Inklings," explores the unique bond between these two literary giants. Glyer notes that Tolkien, in "The Lord of the Rings," imbues the character Treebeard with a deep, resonant sound reminiscent of C. S. Lewis. This choice highlights Tolkien's admiration for Lewis, associating him with Treebeard's wisdom and connection to nature.
This connection reflects Tolkien's longstanding appreciation for trees, which is evident throughout his works. By aligning Lewis with the ancient tree-man, Tolkien not only praises his friend but also emphasizes the natural themes present in their literature. Glyer’s analysis sheds light on the collaborative spirit shared by the Inklings, enriching our understanding of their creative interplay.
