Quotes

“The Fellowship of the Ring” by J.R.R Tolkien has become one of the most important books in history. It tackles different elements and topics and poses lessons to its readers through its strong narrative of wisdom, compassion, and bravery. It argues that even the smallest and overlooked people can grow past themselves, and come to hold the fate of the world in their hands.

Far-reaching Consequences of Actions

“Yet such is oft the course of deeds that move the wheels of the world: small hands do them because they must, while the eyes of the great are elsewhere.”

Elrond

Lord Elrond Half-elven said this in reply to Gandalf during the Council of Elrond in Rivendell.

This quote emphasizes the theme that actions, no matter how small they may seem, can have far-reaching consequences. Despite Frodo’s humble beginnings, his quest shows how a single person’s bravery and determination can alter the fate of kingdoms and civilizations. It speaks to the empowerment of the individual and the potential for significant change even when they’re standing against overwhelming odds.

“It was pity that stayed his hand. Pity, and mercy: not to strike without need.”

Gandalf

Gandalf explains to Frodo why Bilbo had been moved to spare Gollum’s life, pointing out the importance of pity and mercy. Virtue is one of the pillars of J.R.R. Tolkien’s belief as a Christian, and mercy is one of the most important virtues. Tolkien imbued the universe of “The Lord of the Rings” with concepts like mercy to humanize them in a brutal world.

Bilbo had encountered the creature Gollum in the narrow tunnels under the Misty Mountains as Gollum was searching for him, intent on killing him. Concealed by the One Ring and wielding his knife, Bilbo pressed into the tunnel walls when Gollum passed him by, blind to his presence. Bilbo was tempted to strike him down, but at the last second, he pitied the wretched creature and let him live.

“Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment.”

Gandalf

Gandalf warns Frodo against hastily passing judgment on others and condemning them, pointing out the complexity of justice and mercy. Although Frodo came from the peaceful and quiet land of The Shire, his adventures and experiences, especially being stabbed by the Witch King slowly began to darken his thoughts.

When Frodo discovered that the company was being trailed by the creature Gollum and Gandalf speculated that it might be the unwitting spy of the Enemy, Frodo wondered aloud why his uncle Bilbo had not killed him in the tunnels under the Misty Mountains.

“The pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many – yours not least.”

Gandalf

Gandalf suggests that Bilbo’s act of mercy towards Gollum will have significant repercussions for Frodo and the overall outcome of their quest. Gandalf was a spiritual being cloaked in the flesh, and so could look into the future and see possible outcomes.

As he admonishes Frodo for hastily passing judgment on Gollum, Gandalf utters what feels too much like a prophecy about Frodo’s intertwined destiny with Gollum, and how Bilbo’s pity will have far-reaching consequences and might decide the fate of Middle-earth.

“The world is indeed full of peril, and in it, there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater.”

Haldir

Haldir said this to Merry in Lothlorien as the Elves led the Fellowship to Galadriel and Celeborn.

Haldir’s observation serves as a reminder that actions have the power to shape the world in both negative and positive ways. He also acknowledged the pervasive darkness and peril, he also highlighted the resilience of beauty and love. This quote sums up the duality of experiences in the mortal realm of Middle-earth, where suffering and joy are often intertwined.

Strength and Power

“The Men of Gondor are valiant and will never submit, but they may be beaten down. Valor needs first strength, and then a weapon.”

– Boromir

Boromir was acceding to the strength and bravery of the Men of Gondor, and their unwavering courage and determination in their unending war against Sauron, regardless of the odds. He also acknowledges that the Men of Gondor can still be overwhelmed and defeated, knowing that strength of arms would not be enough to stand against Sauron.

Boromir made this quote at the Council of Elrond in Rivendell. His father, the Steward Denethor, had sent him to Rivendell to seek answers about the Shadow rising in the East. When the One Ring was unveiled, and its story told, he demanded that the Wise use the Ring against the Dark Lord Sauron. But they knew too well about the Ring’s influence upon even the Wisest and the strongest will. With time the Ring would come to dominate the bearer, and not even the purest heart could stand against its corrupting influence.

All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

Bilbo Baggins

Bilbo recited the poem he had composed about Aragorn to remind Boromir of his pedigree as a valiant warrior and the heir of Isildur.

Bilbo’s admonition of Boromir points to the inherent injustice in dismissing people and treating them disdainfully because they do not look mighty or majestic. part of Tolkien’s central theme is that strength and nobility can often be cloaked by a rough exterior. Examples of this included Gandalf who cloaked his divine nature in the form of a decrepit old man.

“There is only one Lord of the Ring, only one who can bend it to his will. And he does not share power.”

Gandalf

Gandalf said this to Saruman at the tower of Orthanc in an attempt to warn him against his unwise decision to ally himself with Sauron as a path to power.

Gandalf’s warning to Saruman points to the monopolistic nature of the One Ring’s power. Gandallf’s dire warning is in tune with the theme that the hunger for power breeds delusion and leads to destruction. Gandalf’s words show his deep understanding of the Ring’s true nature and the knowledge of the impossibility of controlling it without succumbing to its evil.

As the Power grows, its proved friends will also grow; and the Wise, such as you and I, may with patience come at last to direct its courses, to control it.”

– Saruman

Saruman the White, the wisest and the most powerful of the Order of Wizards sent by the Valar to aid the free peoples, had fallen to the Shadow. He had long envied Sauron of the influence and control he wielded over large swathes of Middle-earth through the power of his One Ring. Like Sauron, Saruman had also been a follower of Aule the Smith of the Valar, and he yearned to know the secrets of the Ring. Failing that, he yearned for the Ring itself.

When Gandalf arrived at Saurman’s fortress in Isengard intending to inform him that Sauron’s One Ring had been found and to seek his advice as the head of their Order, he was beset by Saruman who at first tried to convince him to betray the faith of the free peoples and the Valar and join him as a servant of Sauron. He had seen Sauron’s massive armies through the Palantir of Orthanc and had lost hope of the Dark Lord ever being defeated except through subterfuge after gaining his trust through service.