9. Portrayal of Lost Friends
The deaths and absence of friends—such as Boromir or the hobbits’ missing companions—mirror the loss and grief experienced by Tolkien and his generation. Tolkien’s own experiences during World War I, including the loss of close friends like Rob Gilson and Geoffrey Smith, profoundly influenced his writing. These personal tragedies are reflected in the themes of loss and mourning in his novels. For more insights into this aspect, refer to the British Library’s article “J.R.R. Tolkien and the Great War” (bl.uk).
