What was it all for?

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Originally Posted by Bêthberry

Or family dynamics.

Or a small group of children...

Which brings up another point: Did Tolkien create for his kids? I find that, for me, this is a strong motivator. I play at making family DVDs of the kids' pictures and home movies as my children are delighted to see themselves on the TV. Not only does it keep them occupied like nothing else, it makes them smile, which goes straight to my heart, which makes me want to make another. And another.

Did the Professor stay up late to create a world that would make his children, then those of the world, smile?