Why we think J.R.R. Tolkien is a Type 5

• Demeanor. Tolkien was a reserved individual and had a scholarly and somewhat formal air about him, as would be expected from an Oxford professor. He also had a playful and imaginative side, which came through in his storytelling and interactions with children, friends, and family.

• Intellectual curiosity. Tolkien had a strong passion for languages and philology, devoting much of his life to studying and inventing languages. His deep knowledge of linguistics and love for ancient literature directly influenced his creation of Middle-earth and its languages, such as Elvish.

• Immersive world-building. Tolkien's extensive and meticulous world-building, which included detailed histories, mythologies, and cultures, demonstrates the depth and intensity of his intellectual pursuits.

• Solitary pursuits and introversion. He was a private and introverted individual and often spent his time engaged in intellectual pursuits, such as studying languages, writing, and drawing. When he was with others, he preferred the company of a small circle of friends and family. At Oxford, Tolkien was a member of the Inklings, a small and informal literary group, which included C.S. Lewis and other close friends. The group met regularly to discuss literature, religion, and philosophy, and to share their works in progress.

• Perseverance in research. Tolkien's development of Middle-earth spanned several decades, and he often revised and expanded his work to ensure its consistency and depth. This persistence in research and refinement is characteristic of a Type 5's commitment to gaining expertise and knowledge.

• Reluctance to share work. Tolkien was initially hesitant to publish The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, only doing so after encouragement from friends and colleagues. Type 5s can be reluctant to share their work, as they may fear criticism or feel that their work is never truly complete.

• Minimal focus on material possessions and dislike of publicity. Tolkien's lifestyle was fairly simple and frugal, despite the financial success of his books. He did not seek fame or fortune, but rather focused on his intellectual pursuits and family life. He was uncomfortable with the fame that accompanied the success of his books, particularly The Lord of the Rings.

• Inability to complete projects. Tolkien was known to struggle with completing projects, often revising and reworking his writings for years, if not decades. His son, Christopher Tolkien, had to compile and edit The Silmarillion for publication after his father's death.

• Neglect of practical matters. There are accounts of Tolkien's absent-mindedness and disorganization, such as forgetting appointments or losing track of time while immersed in his work. For example, one day after leaving his manuscript of The Lord of the Rings on a train, he could not remember where he left it. Fortunately, a fellow passenger recognized his name on the manuscript and returned it. As another example, Tolkien and his family once rented a farmhouse in the countryside. They left the water running and flooded the entire house. When the landlord discovered the damage, he reportedly declared, "The professor has no sense of practical matters!"