Peter Llewelyn Davies, English soldier and publisher (d. 1960)

The Man Behind the Myth: Peter Llewelyn Davies and the Shadow of Peter Pan

Born on February 25, 1897, Peter Llewelyn Davies was the middle of five sons to Arthur and Sylvia Llewelyn Davies. His early life was profoundly shaped by the unique friendship that blossomed between his family and the celebrated Scottish playwright, J. M. Barrie. Barrie became deeply attached to the Llewelyn Davies boys, often entertaining them with stories, and following the untimely deaths of their parents, he effectively adopted them informally. This extraordinary connection served as the powerful creative wellspring for Barrie’s most enduring literary creation.

The Enduring Legacy of "The Original Peter Pan"

It was Peter Llewelyn Davies whom J. M. Barrie publicly identified as the inspiration for the title character in his iconic 1904 play, "Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up." This public declaration, anointing him as "the original Peter Pan," cast an immense, often burdensome shadow over Davies throughout his entire life. While the whimsical character enchanted audiences worldwide as the embodiment of eternal youth and adventure, for Peter Llewelyn Davies himself, this indelible association became a source of significant distress. The label became an inescapable identity that, despite his own achievements, profoundly plagued him.

A Life Beyond the Darling Nursery: War, Publishing, and Literary Connections

Despite the persistent public identification with a fantastical boy who wouldn't grow up, Peter Llewelyn Davies forged his own distinct path. He demonstrated remarkable courage and commitment during World War I, serving with distinction as an officer. His bravery on the battlefield earned him the prestigious Military Cross, a testament to his personal valor, a stark contrast to the carefree spirit of his literary namesake. After the war, Davies transitioned into the world of letters in a different capacity; in 1926, he established his own publishing house, Peter Davies Ltd., making his mark on the British literary scene. His family tree also held notable literary branches, as he was the first cousin of the acclaimed English writer Daphne du Maurier, celebrated for her compelling novels such as "Rebecca" and "Jamaica Inn," further linking him to a rich cultural heritage.

Later Years and a Tragic End

The profound internal struggle with his public identity continued to weigh heavily on Peter Llewelyn Davies throughout his adult life. On April 5, 1960, at the age of 63, his life came to a tragic end by suicide. His passing underscored the deep and lasting impact that the "original Peter Pan" label had on his personal well-being, leaving behind a poignant narrative about the complex relationship between a real person and the fictional character they inspired, and the unexpected burdens of fame and association.

FAQs about Peter Llewelyn Davies

Who was Peter Llewelyn Davies?

Peter Llewelyn Davies was one of the five sons befriended by J. M. Barrie, and the individual publicly identified by Barrie as the namesake and inspiration for the iconic character Peter Pan.

When was Peter Llewelyn Davies born and when did he pass away?

He was born on February 25, 1897, and passed away on April 5, 1960.

What is Peter Llewelyn Davies famous for?

He is primarily famous for being the inspiration behind J. M. Barrie's character Peter Pan. Beyond this, he was a decorated officer in World War I, receiving the Military Cross, and later founded his own publishing house, Peter Davies Ltd.

What was his connection to J. M. Barrie?

J. M. Barrie befriended Peter and his brothers, becoming an informal guardian after their parents' deaths. Barrie publicly stated that Peter was the source of the name for his play's title character, "Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up."

How did the "Peter Pan" association affect his life?

Being identified as "the original Peter Pan" was a significant burden for Davies throughout his life. He often found the association distressing and felt plagued by it, ultimately leading to a tragic end.

Did he have any other notable family connections?

Yes, Peter Llewelyn Davies was the first cousin of the renowned English novelist Daphne du Maurier.