Critics often criticize Tolkien for the lack of women in his novels. While, admittedly, there are not very many prominent women in his works, Tolkien does create his women in powerful and influential roles.
The writings of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien have often been studied and compared, quite possibly because of the friendship the authors shared. The friendship between Lewis and Tolkien began when they were both Oxford dons. Tolkien began a club among the literary faculty to read and study Icelandic and Norse literature. After about three…