[Flash] The Original Peer Mentors: Tolkien, Lewis, and the Making of Masterpieces

They didn’t hit it off initially, but eventually they stumbled upon a shared love of Norse mythology. This commonality bridged their acquaintance-to-friend gap.

Over the next few years, they formed a literary group with other colleagues to discuss and workshop each other’s endeavors.

In December 1929, Tolkien courageously asked Lewis to review a poem Tolkien had been working on for four years. He was apprehensive about sharing it with the world but felt safe doing so with Lewis.

After reading it, Lewis wrote to Tolkien praising his work and offering suggestions for improvement.

Tolkien greatly valued Lewis’ perspective, so he revised his poem to include many of Lewis’ recommendations.

Lewis sparked in Tolkien the courage and confidence to pursue his masterpiece, offering feedback and encouragement throughout the process.

In 1965, Tolkien reflected on his relationship with Lewis and wrote: “He was for long my only audience. Only from him did I ever get the idea that my ‘stuff’ could be more than a private hobby. But for his interest and unceasing eagerness for more, I should never have brought The Lord of the Rings to a conclusion.” 

And then Tolkien reciprocated when Lewis asked him to review his work. Tolkien offered, in Lewis’ words, “substantial and unsparing critique and feedback.”

Grateful and earnest, not insulted or defensive, Lewis incorporated Tolkien’s contributions.

Lewis credits Tolkien for urging him to renew his faith, which, in turn, fueled his imagination and creativity in penning The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Through their galvanizing relationship, they encouraged and supported each other as they exchanged advice, suggestions, and ideas that transformed their respective novels.

What allowed their peer mentoring relationship to flourish and ultimately produce masterpieces?

They discovered the essentials for turning friends into peer mentors:

• Trust: explore commonalities and create experiences
• Courage: vulnerably share interests and aspirations
• Wonder: look for ways to exchange wisdom
• Invite: ask for specific support
• Gratitude: greet all input with respect and reverence
• Eagerness: open and welcoming, not defensive or outraged
• Reciprocate: offer observations and suggest ideas
• Nudge Don’t Judge: “Is this goal big enough for you?”
• Champion: cheer effort, praise progress, encourage more
• Action: turn conversations into action

Peer mentoring can play an important role personally and professionally. Turning casual connections into contributions deepens our relationships and propels us forward.

Friends are soul-filling. Purposeful peers are powerful!

© 2026. Ann Tardy and MentorLead. www.mentorlead.com. All Rights Reserved.