“The Two Towers” by J.R.R Tolkien is one of the most important books in the fantasy fiction genre. It challenges the reader to consider several of its strong narratives, like the decline and decay of civilization, duty and honor, and the value of friendship.
Loss and Decay
Songs we have that tell of these things, but we are forgetting them, teaching them only to children, as a careless custom. And now the songs have come down among us out of strange places, and walk visible under the Sun. Yet I should also be sad, for however the fortune of war shall go, may it not so end that much that was fair and wonderful shall pass for ever out of Middle-earth?
– Theoden
Theoden, king of the Rohirrim, made this quote when he saw Ents for the first time.
Ents were known to the people of Rohan from their songs and the legendary tales they told each other, but no one in their memory had ever seen one. He was marveled to bear witness to a piece of legend coming to life.
He was also saddened about the potential effects of Sauron’s war on the free peoples of Middle-earth. He mourned the potential loss of these legendary creatures from the memory of the world because of the devastating effects of the war. And at that point he played the role of a prophet, seeing from afar the things that were yet to come.
Where now are the horse and the rider? Where is the horn that was blowing?”
– Théoden
Aragorn recited this old poem of the Rohirrim that laments the loss of glory and the passing of the golden age of Rohan.
The four companions, Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas, and Gandalf the White, were on their way to Edoras, the seat of King Theoden when they passed between the burial mounds of the past kings of Rohan when Aragorn raised the song, singing it in the old tongue of the Rohirrim.
The old world will burn in the fires of industry. The forests will fall. A new order will rise.
– Saruman
Saruman makes this quote while speaking to Gandalf, justifying his betrayal.
After Gandalf the Grey had confirmed that Bilbo’s magical ring was indeed Sauron’s One Ring, he paid a visit to Saruman the White, the head of the Order of Wizards, to report his findings and seek his advice. Not knowing the purpose of Gandalf’s visit, the corrupted Wizard makes him an offer of alliance, proposing that they swear allegiance to Sauron while they search for the Ring in secret, and when they find it, use it to defeat the Dark Lord and replace him.
I have spoken words of hope. But only of hope. Hope is not victory. War is upon us and all our friends, a war in which only the use of the Ring could give us surety of victory. It fills me with great sorrow and great fear: for much shall be destroyed and all may be lost. I am Gandalf, Gandalf the White, but Black is mightier still.
– Gandalf
Gandalf made this quote in the Fangorn Forest while addressing the Three Hunters.
The recently returned Gandalf the White addressed the Three Hunters, a fragment of the Fellowship including Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas. He reminded them of the coming storm of the war of Sauron and their slim chances for success. He briefly regretted his and the Council of Elrond’s decision to let the Ring go instead of depending on its power to withstand the onslaught of Sauron’s armies, admitting his fear of their inability to decisively checkmate the power of Mordor and the consequences of that failure.
The Fight for a Just Cause
For myself, I would see the White Tree in flower again in the courts of the kings, and the Silver Crown return, and Minas Tirith in peace: Minas Anor again as of old, full of light, high and fair, beautiful as a queen among other queens: not a mistress of many slaves, nay, not even a kind mistress of willing slaves.
– Faramir
Faramir says this to Frodo and Sam as he interrogates them about their journey.
Faramir, Captain of Gondor, explains to Frodo his motivations for fighting in the wars against Sauron for many years. Even though he was a great warrior of renown in the story of “The Two Towers,” Faramir was a kind and gentle man, and due to Gandalf’s influence, he was also a deep thinker. He was not a warrior who lived with the art of war, strategies, and brave deeds. He fought because it was necessary to stand against the evil of Sauron to protect his home and his city.
He supposes that we are all going to Minas Tirith; for that is what he would himself have done in our place. And according to his wisdom it would have been a heavy stroke against his power. Indeed he is in great fear, not knowing what mighty one may suddenly appear, wielding the Ring and assailing him with war, seeking to cast him down and take his place. That we should wish to cast him down and have no one in his place is not a thought that occurs to his mind.
– Gandalf
Gandalf made this quote to the Three Hunters in the Forest of Fangorn.
Gandalf the White was explaining to Aragorn the things that were probably going on in the mind of their Enemy Sauron. Sauron had long known that the One Ring had been found and was in the hands of a Hobbit. He also knew that the Ring was in Rivendell in the home of Elven lord Elrond and that the Bearer left in the company of other Hobbits, an Elf, Gandalf, a Dwarf, and two Men.
War must be, while we defend our lives against a destroyer who would devour all; but I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend.
-Faramir
Faramir said this to Frodo after he and his Rangers intercepted their party in Ithilien.
After Frodo and Sam’s capture, Faramir interrogates them about their journey and intentions. He learns that they are heading towards Mordor with the One Ring, although Frodo does not initially disclose the full purpose of their mission. During their discussions, Faramir talks about the war against Sauron, Gondor’s struggle, and his views on power and violence. This particular quote reflects Faramir’s philosophical stance on war, acknowledging the necessity of fighting to defend his people and land, he expresses disdain for the glorification of violence and battle for its own sake.
From the lowest dungeon to the highest peak I fought with the Balrog of Morgoth. Until at last I threw down my enemy and smote his ruin upon the mountain side. Darkness took me and I strayed away through thought and time. Stars wheeled overhead and every day was as long as a life age of the earth. But it was not the end. I felt life in me again. I’ve been sent back until my task is done.
– Gandalf
Gandalf made this quote while speaking to the Three Hunters in Fangorn Forest.
When Gandalf returned to Middle-earth in “The Two Towers,” he recounted his experience after he fell into the chasm in Khazad-dum. He had fallen to the very roots of the Mountain where he fought the Balrog through the deep tunnels of the Misty Mountains and up the Endless Stair which led to the tip of the Silvertine Mountain, built by Durin’s Folk. High up on that peak Gandalf finally defeated the Balrog and threw him down the slopes where its body broke on the rocks.
Courage will now be your best defense against the storm that is at hand. That and such hope as I bring.
– Gandalf
Gandalf said this to the old king, Theoden, after healing him of Wormtongue’s poisons.
Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli have arrive at Edoras, the capital of Rohan to discover that Rohan is under siege from Saruman’s forces, and King Théoden has been manipulated and weakened by Saruman through his servant, Gríma Wormtongue. Théoden has become frail and withdrawn, under the influence of Wormtongue’s deceit and despair.
Seeing the dire situation, Gandalf confronts Théoden, driving Wormtongue away and helping the king regain his strength and will to fight. As Théoden begins to emerge from his stupor, Gandalf warns him about the imminent threat Saruman’s army poses.
Alas! that these evil days should be mine, and should come in my old age instead of that peace which I have earned. Alas for Boromir the brave! The young perish and the old linger, withering.
– King Theoden
King Theoden made this quote after he regained his senses following Gandalf’s healing.
Gandalf arrived in Edoras to heal King Theoden right in the nick of time before Saruman made his final push to crush the armies of the Rohirrim. When the newly healed and revitalized king looked around his empty hall and saw ruin. He noticed the absence of his lords and his son, who was killed in an ambush, and anguish overwhelmed him.
Friendship The Two Towers
Come, come! We are all friends here, or should be; for the laughter of Mordor will be our only reward if we quarrel. My errand is pressing. Here at least is my sword, goodman Hama. Keep it well. Glamdring it is called, for the Elves made it long ago. Now let me pass. Come, Aragorn!
– Gandalf
Gandalf says this to Hama, one of King Theoden’s guards at the doors of the Meduseld, Theoden’s hall.
When Gandalf, Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas got to the Great Hall of King Theoden in Edoras the king’s guards refused the company entrance with their weapons. This surprised Gandalf and Aragorn since they each had a long friendship with the king. Each member of the company had reasons to hold onto their weapons dearly and was loathe to hand them over to the guards.
Aragorn carried Anduril, the reforged blade of his ancestors and an heirloom of his House, Legolas had the bow and arrows given to him by Lady Galadriel of Lothlorien, and Gandalf carried the ancient Elven blade made in the days of the Elf lord Turgon of ancient Gondolin.
A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something, even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn’t. They kept going, because they were holding on to something. That there is some good in this world, and it’s worth fighting for.
Samwise Gamgee made this quote to cheer Frodo up as they climbed the Stairs of Cirith Ungol.
They were running low on lembas bread and water, and the Ring was taking a great toll on Frodo’s spirit. Earlier they had encountered the Witch King riding his fell creature, and his influence nearly overcame Frodo. Sam reminded him not only of the importance of their quest but of all the good things that awaited them at home in the Shire.
Not if we hold true to each other. We will not abandon Merry and Pippin to torment and death. Not while we have strength left. Leave all that can be spared behind. We travel light. Let’s hunt some Orc.
– Aragorn
Aragorn said this to his two remaining companions, Gimli and Legolas at Nan Hithoel after he decided to let Frodo and Sam continue the journey to Mordor on their own.
After the companions had given Boromir his funeral rites and sent him down the Anduin, Aragorn decided the remaining fragment of the Fellowship must chase after the Orc band who kidnapped the Hobbits Merry and Pippin to rescue them. The fragment became known as the Three Hunters.
