Tolkien envisioned The Lord of the Rings as a continuation of The Hobbit, catering to a younger demographic. He aimed to infuse the narrative with humor and playful antics, structuring it similarly to traditional folktales or fairy tales. His early references to the work included calling it a sequel to The Hobbit.

In her book, Bandersnatch: C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, and the Creative Collaboration of the Inklings, author Diana Pavlac Glyer explores the collaborative efforts of Tolkien and his contemporaries. She highlights how these writers influenced one another, shaping their creative processes and ultimately impacting the literary landscape of fantasy fiction.