83 of the Best Quotes from The Lord of the Rings

Do you want to relive some of the best moments from "The Lord of the Rings"? We've compiled a list of 83 of its best quotes to remind you of some of its most epic scenes.

Reviewed and approved by the psychologist Gema Sánchez Cuevas.

Written by Josberth Johan Benitez Colmenares

Last update: 29 August, 2023

The Lord of the Rings is one of the most important sagas of fantasy literature. It was written by JRR Tolkien, and he planned for it to be published in a single volume. However, for editorial reasons, it was published as a trilogy. If you consider yourself to be a fan, here are a selection of some of the best quotes from The Lord of the Rings.

Since its publication in 1954, the work has been adapted countless times for the stage, radio, and cinema. Although several adaptations to the big screen had already been made, it wasn’t until Peter Jackson’s versions that the saga was consolidated in this format.

Our selection of quotes from The Lord of the Rings is from the book and the movies. There are even some from The Hobbit. We hope you enjoy them.

83 of the best quotes from The Lord of the Rings

The new generation of fans encountered the saga for the first time through the movie adaptations released between 2001 and 2003. This trilogy was awarded 17 Oscars, which was a record at the time.

1. “Even the smallest person can change the course of the future”. (Galadriel)

We start our list of the best quotes from The Lord of the Rings with one that makes sense of the entire plot. Indeed, if we focus on the role that the hobbits play in the books and movies, this quote is pretty enlightening.

You’ll find this quote in the meeting between Galadriel and Frodo in The Fellowship of the Ring, the first installment of the trilogy.

2. “Few other griefs amid the ill chances of this world have more bitterness and shame for a man’s heart than to behold the love of a lady so fair and brave that cannot be returned”. (Aragorn)

Aragorn is one of the most renowned characters in the entire saga of books and movies. He’s synonymous with bravery, courage, intelligence, and strength. He’s one of the protagonists of the story. In fact, he leads, among other things, the Fellowship of the Ring after the fall of Gandalf, the battle of the Pelennor Fields, and the army of Rohan and Gondor against the attack of Mordor.

3. “The world is indeed full of peril, and in it 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)

Although in the movies his role is rather secondary, in the books, the elf Haldir participates actively in giving shelter to the Fellowship of the Ring. These words describe the intrigue of his work extremely well, especially when showing the contrast between darkness/light that occurs throughout the plot.

4. “He who breaks something to find out what it is has abandoned the path of wisdom”. (Gandalf)

Naturally, our quotes from The Lord of the Rings are full of Gandalf’s teachings. The magician, or more precisely the istari, is another beloved character in the saga who’s impossible not to like.

5. “I would rather share a life with you than face all the ages of this world alone”. (Arwen)

This quote goes on to say: ” I live a mortal life”. They’re said by Arwen in the presence of Aragorn, as part of the pledge they seal on the mound of Cerin Amroth.

Arwen is a half-elf, better known as a peredhel, who’s granted immortality by living in the Blessed Realm. He renounces this capability to maintain his union with Aragorn.

6. “Death is just another road, one we all must take”. (Gandalf)

Given the nature of the work, many of our Lord of the Rings quotes focus on death, pain, and war but, of course, hope, victory, and courage as well. Indeed, throughout our lives, we all take different paths that lead us to unequal destinations, but in the end, they all converge in one: death.

7. “I don’t know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve”. (Bilbo)

Undoubtedly, one of the funniest quotes from The Lord of the Rings that every fan will remember with special affection. It synthesizes the character of the hobbits really well, more specifically, that of Bilbo Baggins. This has been partially captured in the movie adaptations.

8. “Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens”. (Gimli)

Also known as Gimli, son of Glóin, he’s a character we all remember due to the constant rivalry between dwarves and elves.

Despite this fact, Gimli is more open, to the point that he considers himself to be a friend of the elf, Legolas. Given the courage, commitment, and loyalty of the character, these words are extremely well suited to the characteristics he demonstrates throughout the story.

9. “Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall”. (Elrond)

Elrond is another legendary character, in the strict sense of the word, who we couldn’t omit from our compilation of the best quotes from The Lord of the Rings. He pronounces this immediately after Gimli said the previous ones. The metaphor of the dark path is a constant in Tolkien’s work.

10. “Is it not a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt for so small a thing?” (Boromir)

This seems like an innocent phrase, but only when not interpreted in its context in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, the movie. The Fellowship crosses Caradhras Pass and Frodo slips and loses the ring in the snow. Boromir picks it up and, with a look of desire, pronounces these words. It’s an event that precedes what’s to come.

11. “Do not trouble your hearts overmuch with thought of the road tonight. Maybe the paths that you shall each tread are already laid before your feet, though you do not see them”. (Galadriel)

Fate always looms large throughout the development of the trilogy’s plot. However, it never does so in a decisive way. An example can be found in this quote by Galadriel. It precedes the adventure that awaits the members of the Community.

12. “Don’t adventures ever have an end? I guess not. Someone else always has to carry on the story”. (Bilbo)

Every great adventure has a story that precedes it and a later one, as fans of this saga well know and these words from Bilbo Baggins are essential in any list of quotes from The Lord of the Rings. If you’ve followed the story carefully, you’ll know that the life of this particular hobbit is full of adventures.

13. “This day does not belong to one man, but to all. Let us together rebuild this world that we may share in the days of peace”. (Aragorn)

These words are said in The Return of the King, just as the story is coming to an end. They summarize the idea of war depicted in the books and movies really well. It’s not a senseless war, but one that’s justified for the sake of peace. In fact, it synthesizes the value and courage of the Dúnedain.

14. “You may learn something, and whether what you see be fair or evil, that may be profitable, and yet it may not. Seeing is both good and perilous”. (Galadriel)

The number of contributions from Galadriel to our list of quotes from The Lord of the Rings suggests the importance of this character in the development of the plot. She’s also one of those most closely linked to the spiritual world. Her perfect and angelic appearance accounts for this. Indeed, it’s no coincidence that she’s one of the most prominent Noldor elves.

15. “Courage is found in unlikely places”. (Gildor)

Another Noldor elf. Despite not having a leading role in the story, thanks to the wisdom of his words, his interventions always mark a before and after.  For example, courage tends to spring from the characters who initially show the greatest mettle. For instance, Frodo and Bilbo.

16. “Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. For even the very wise cannot see all ends”. (Gandalf)

Gandalf’s wisdom is undoubtedly the best help for those around him. This quote comes from The Fellowship of the Ring, although it’s incomplete. Later, we’ll show you the other part of the quote that completes the puzzle.

17. “Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines, it’ll shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something. Even if you were too small to understand why”. (Sam)

Samsagaz Gamgei is an unforgettable character thanks to his integrity. Of all his words, these are the most resonant in this saga.

Undoubtedly, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, when what lurks is only darkness, is one of the characteristics of those who are part of the plot. Sam’s determination and optimism repeatedly lift Frodo’s spirits.

18. “Not all those who wander are lost”. (Bilbo)

These words are embedded within a poem, one that Bilbo dedicates to Aragorn. Since you’re no doubt a fan of the saga, we’re going to write it down in full.

“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.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,

A light from the shadows shall spring;

Renewed shall be blade that was broken,

The crownless again shall be king.”

19. “All we have to do is decide what to do with the time that is given to us”. (Gandalf)

As with our other quotes from The Lord of the Rings, to understand these words you have to place them in their context. They’re inserted in a conversation with Frodo when he says: “I wish it need not have happened in my time” to which Gandalf replies “So do I. And so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us”.

20. “Oft hope is born when all is forlorn”. (Legolas)

The Sinda elf is another protagonist of the story. He stands out for his intrepidity and courage. His words combine particularly well with the attitude of the characters in certain dark passages of the plot. Despite finding themselves in the abyss, they always find hope to continue.

21. “A traitor may betray himself and do good he does not intend”.  (Gandalf)

This is one of the quotes that are most reminiscent of the evolution of history. Indeed, betrayal is a ghost that’s always present throughout the saga, to the point that it often serves as a plot twist. With Gandalf being such a wise character, it’s natural that he alerts the others to this characteristic of those he considers traitors.

22. “Elves seldom give unguarded advice, for advice is a dangerous gift, even from the wise to the wise and all courses may run ill”. (Gildor)

The elves are portrayed as beings full of wisdom. They’re methodical in what they say and do, making sure to keep their distance on matters that don’t concern them.

23. “A hero only plays a small role in great deeds”. (Gandalf)

These are just the sum of repeated actions by multiple heroes. One individual alone can’t completely change the course of destiny, but they need the mediation of others.

24. “Home is behind, the world ahead, and there are many paths to tread. Through shadow to the edge of night, until the stars are all alight”. (J.R.R. Tolkien)

This poem is inserted in the third chapter of the first book of the saga. It appears in the work that’s authored by Bilbo, although in the passage it’s sung by Frodo, Pippin, and Sam. It’s one of the last stanzas of the poem and is followed by these words: “Then, world behind and home ahead, we’ll wander back and home to bed”.

25. “I will not say “Do not cry’ because not all tears are evil”. (Gandalf)

These are some of Gandalf’s last words to the Fellowship of the Ring. In fact, this is the full phrase “Well, here at last dear friends on the shores of the Sea comes the end of our fellowship in Middle Earth. Go in peace!”.

26. “One ring to rule them all, one ring to find them, one ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them”. (JR Tolkien)

Of all the quotes from The Lord of the Rings, this is one of those that fans will remember the most. It’s about the inscription forged on the ring in the language of Tengwar. It appears on its edge when exposed to high temperatures. When said out loud, the words are painful to elves.

27. “Oft in lies truth is hidden”. (Glorfindel)

The sobering content of these words tells us that they could only have been said by an elf. In the movies, Glorfindel isn’t a main character, although he does appear partially in the book and in some video game adaptations.

28. “Valour needs first strength and then a weapon”. (Boromir)

It doesn’t take much imagination to realize the powerful truth of this statement. In fact, many of the characters in the course of the story only needed courage to prove their worth. For example, Frodo and Sam.

29. “The praise of the praiseworthy is above all rewards”. (Faramir)

Apart from material rewards, the honor of the warrior or the hero is important. Curiously, Tolkien pointed out that the character of Faramir is the one who possesses the greatest number of characteristics of his own personality. Therefore, in a way, he’s a partial reflection of how Tolkien saw himself.

30. “The wise speak only what they know”. (Gandalf)

This is why he and the other magicians (istars) are so measured when speaking. Perhaps we should take particular note of these words bearing in mind the times we’re living in.

31. “It’s not a bad thing to celebrate a simple life”. (Bilbo)

One quality that characterizes the characters in the saga is humility. Although it’s not present in all the characters, in general, most of them are humble beings. Humble in acting, thinking, and the way they lead their lives. Frodo, the protagonist, is the best example.

32. “There is something good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it is worth fighting for”. (Sam)

These words of encouragement are used by Sam to increase Frodo’s low spirits and give him courage in The Two Towers. They’re not the only words he directs at the ring bearer. In fact, throughout the trilogy, we discover that he often helps the hobbit carry on when his hopes fail.

33. “How do you pick up the threads of an old life? How do you go on when in your heart you begin to understand there is no going back? There are some things that time cannot mend. Some hurts that go too deep, that have taken hold “. (Frodo)

These words crown the denouement of the plot in The Return of the King. Undoubtedly, this is one of the many quotes from The Lord of the Rings that can be easily assimilated with real life. Those who’ve had to deal with shocking events will identify with these words.

34. “Oft the unbidden guest proves the best company”. (Eomer)

Especially when whoever receives them always keeps the doors of the fraternity open, as is the case with dwarves and hobbits. Although Eomer isn’t a protagonist in the last two literary works, he does have a much deeper role than he’s given in the movie adaptations. The books depict the union of him with another fictional character, Erkenbrand.

35. “Snow’s alright on a fine morning, but I like to be in bed when it’s falling”. (Sam)

Humor appears in the trilogy at different times, especially in those where there’s a respite from pain or war. In fact, Pippin, Merry, Sam, and Frodo use humor whenever possible. Moreover, we often identify with their words.

36. “If many of us valued food, cheer, and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world”. (Thorin)

This isn’t a quote from The Lord of the Rings. It’s from The Hobbit. However, we did mention earlier a few of our quotes would be from this publication. The words are said by Thorin II Oakenshield.

37. “It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door. You step into the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there is no knowing where you may be swept off to”. (Bilbo)

Traveling unknown paths is another constant in the development of the trilogy. All the characters embark on paths that they’re only partially aware of or, in some cases, completely unaware of. Most of them end up going to places they didn’t plan to go.

38. “But in the end, it’s only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass”. (Sam)

The idea that darkness is fleeting and light is always behind forms some of the plot twists. This principle is also maintained in the movies and further accentuated by the visual power of the scenes.

39. “A hunted man sometimes wearies of distrust and longs for friendship”. (Aragorn)

Bearing in mind all the adventures its members had to go through, it would’ve been impossible for them not to form bonds of friendship.

40. “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)

Small hands like those of Frodo and Sam, the main ones in charge of mediating the destruction of the ring. If we interpret these words and combine them with other phrases from The Lord of the Rings, we see Tolkien is pronouncing that courage, strength, intelligence, and prominence can also come from those we least expect.

41. “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)

Do you remember that, in previous quotes of Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings, we told you that one was incomplete? (Number 16). Well, here’s the other part of the sentence that makes sense of those words.

42. “Many are the strange chances of the world… and help oft  shall come from the hands of the weak when the wise falter”. (Gandalf)

So far, three different characters have represented how valuable weak characters can be, in contrast to stronger or braver ones. As we’ve already mentioned, this is also transferred to real life.

43. “It’s the job that’s never started that takes the longest to finish”. (Sam)

Undoubtedly, this is one of the best motivational quotes from The Lord of the Rings. It’s one that you can even use yourself when you feel apprehensive about starting something. Whether that something is small or big, you’ll never finish it if you don’t take the first step first.

44. “A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship. But it is not this day”. (Aragorn)

The community always promotes in the individual the values of loyalty and camaraderie. If we extrapolate this to real life, we can say that great feats are easier to achieve when you have the support of friends.

45. “When in doubt… just follow your nose”. (Gandalf)

Actually, the full sentence is: ” If in doubt, Meriadoc… just follow your nose”. It’s said by Gandalf in The Fellowship of the Ring before he descends into the darkness. Like many of our Lord of the Rings quotes, it’s said in a hilarious context.

46. “The world is changed. I feel it in the water. I feel it on the land. I smell it in the air. Much that once was is lost, for none now live who remember it”. (Galadriel)

Both in real life and this story, change characterizes the evolution of history. We go through periods of war followed by periods of peace, only to fall back into an endless cycle.

As you’ll understand, this isn’t something only found in Tolkien’s universe, but it lies at the origin of humanity.

47. “The Ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli son of Glóin, by any craft that we here possess. It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came. One of you must do this”. (Elrond)

These words are important to the extent that they’re the starting point for everything that happens later. They’re pronounced by the elf, Elrond, when the Fellowship of the Ring is formed, in the first book of the trilogy.

48. “Now at this last, we must take a hard road, a road unforeseen. There lies our hope, if hope it be. To walk into peril – to Mordor. We must send the Ring to the Fire”. (Elrond)

This sentence is complemented by the previous one. The reader or viewer who’s just approaching the trilogy thus discovers the prelude to the plot that’ll develop throughout the journey. Even when heard or read for the umpteenth time, they’re shocking to the true fan.

49. “A wizard is never late nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to”. (Gandalf)

We couldn’t make a list of the best quotes from The Lord of the Rings without including this one from Gandalf. Many consider it one of its most characteristic since it’s implied throughout the story. In short, Gandalf always arrives when he wants, at the right time.

50. “You can trust us to stick to you through thick and thin – to the bitter end. And you can trust us to keep any secret of yours – closer than you yourself keep it. But you cannot trust us to let you face trouble alone and go off without a word. We are your friends, Frodo”. (Merry)

What better words could there be about friendship? As we mentioned earlier, this quality is frequently found in important events in the book.

51. “Where there’s life there’s hope”. (Sam)

One of Sam’s many quotes from The Lord of the Rings used to give his lord, Frodo, strength and encouragement. These words are also found in the proverbs of several countries and even biblical sources.

For example, in Ecclesiastes 9, 4-6 we read: “Anyone who is among the living has hope – even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!” And, in the second part of Don Quixote, Cervantes claims  “Until death, it is all life”.

52. “His grief he will not forget but it will not darken his heart, it will teach him wisdom”. (Aragorn)

Pain can end in two ways: it can end up in more pain or become a source of wisdom. Most of the characters in this story are facing or have faced, in the past, difficult events. The kinds in which their true characters resurface and they show who they really are.

53. “It is not despair, for despair is only for those who see the end beyond all doubt. We don’t”. (Gandalf)

This is why, even when all the odds are against them, the Community moves forward. There are a thousand reasons for abandoning the journey. However, hope means they can turn their backs on this idea and maintain their purpose.

54. “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 its glory. I love only that which they defend”. (Faramir)

As we mentioned in relation to other quotes from The Lord of the Rings, the idea of war in the work always revolves around a purpose: that of peace. Indeed, the emblematic warriors of the saga don’t want to wage war just to shed blood. On the contrary, they do so with the firm idea that, through war, they’ll leave the darkness behind and embrace the light.

55. “Moonlight drowns out all but the brightest stars”. (JR Tolkien)

This is a brightness that has nothing to do with size or distance, only with the ability to illuminate. The light that accompanies our travelers is enough for them not to allow themselves to be wrapped in a cloak of darkness. Although some may be tempted, they pull together to return to the right path.

56. “It’s a comfort not to be mistaken at all points. Do I not know it only too well!” (Gandalf)

In other words, even the wisest make the wrong decisions. When we think of a wise person, we usually interpret them as someone who doesn’t make mistakes. However, as Gandalf teaches us with this sentence, it’s a consolation that few have.

57. “Do not scorn pity that is the gift of a gentle heart.” (Faramir)

A gift that several of the characters in the play possess. Compassion toward those who suffer is a gift that few boast. But, Frodo is one of the few to possess it.

58. “We will not abandon Merry and Pippin to torment and death. Not while we have strength left”. (Aragorn)

In other words, as long as there’s encouragement there’ll be reasons to keep fighting. Declining to fight is a sure route to torment and death, so it’s not an appealing alternative. Darkness is by no means an option over light, especially when there’s still hope.

59. “Still round the corner there may wait you a new road or a secret gate”. (Bilbo)

In the movies and the books, we find this quote from Bilbo. It’s even seen in The Hobbit. It’s a resource that Tolkien used to take the plot to an apparent exit with no return.

60. “Yet the deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised”. (Aragorn)

Nor because someone wasn’t there to witness them. This is another quote from The Lord of the Rings that has echoes in reality. Just because no one witnesses or knows of a brave action, it doesn’t prevent it from being brave.

61. “Memory is not what the heart desires. That is only a mirror…” (Gimli)

As you can see, Gimli isn’t only a character who says funny things. While it’s true that dwarves aren’t renowned for their wisdom, as elves are, their empirical experience is certainly far ahead of that of the other races.

62. “Well, you can go on looking forward. There may be many unexpected feasts ahead of you”. (Gandalf)

An individual’s present doesn’t have to condition their future. Often, their future may seem uncertain, or even non-existent, but as long as they possess the will to look forward, there’ll be hope. As you can see, our quotes from The Lord of the Rings are connected to each other via a single idea.

63. “The world is full enough of hurts and mischances without wars to multiply them”. (Warden)

In other words, the consequences of war are injuries and misfortunes. This is a necessary evil from which we can’t escape. Every peace process needs war to mediate. There’s no escaping this fact. Nor can the consequences of a war in full swing be avoided.

64. “True courage is about knowing not when to take a life, but when to spare one”. (Gandalf)

These words are dedicated by Gandalf to Bilbo when he gives him a weapon with which to defend himself. But, Bilbo has never wielded a weapon in his entire life. The gift comes accompanied by Gandalf’s wise lesson, one that the hobbit employs later in the story.

65. “It’s true, you don’t see many dwarf women. And, in fact, they are so alike in voice and appearance, that they are often mistaken for dwarf men. And this, in turn, has given rise to the belief that there are no dwarf women, and that dwarves just spring out of holes in the ground. Which is, of course, ridiculous”. (Gimli)

It might not be one of the most momentous quotes from The Lord of the Rings, but it’s one that allows you to connect with the dwarf Gimli and his race. Without a doubt, the trilogy wouldn’t be the same without him and his witticisms.

66. “I have found that it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay”. (Gandalf)

Another sentence that maintains the idea that one doesn’t have to be part of a great lineage, have a crown on one’s head or be particularly strong or intelligent to contribute in a small way to the course of a story.

67. “Hobbits really are amazing creatures as I have said before. You can learn all that there is to know about their ways in a month, and yet after a hundred years they can still surprise you at a pinch”. (Gandalf)

Without a doubt, some like Bilbo, Frodo, and Sam never cease to surprise both readers and viewers. Indeed, this breed created by Tolkien arouses the greatest empathy and admiration among fans of the saga. They also teach us that Gandalf’s words are connected with the whole course of history.

68. “…Night changes many thoughts.” (Aragorn)

These words don’t have a terrific impact on the trilogy, but they’re words you might find yourself using on a daily basis. Several of the characters in this saga are characterized by not meditating on things or acting through their impulses or feelings. One of the ways to prevent this is through rest and sleep.

69. “There can be no triumph without loss. No victory without suffering. No freedom without sacrifice”. (J.R.R. Tolkien)

The triumph, victory, and freedom that come from war are always accompanied by loss, suffering, and sacrifice. But, these three qualities would be much worse in the face of inaction. Freedom can only be exercised on the basis of force.

70. “I don’t want to be in a battle. But waiting on the edge of one I can’t escape is even worse”. (Pippin)

Peregrin Tuk, better known as Pippin, doesn’t stand out for his intelligence. However, this doesn’t mean that he’s stupid.  He’s a little opportunistic, thoughtless, and curious. But, he doesn’t play a secondary role, and many of his actions have a positive impact on the plot.

71. “Courage will now be your best defense against the storm that is at hand – that and such hope as I bring”. (Gandalf)

Many of the plot twists are based on values. Values that are maintained despite all odds and that flourish in the souls of those who might be thought to be weak. Gandalf is the teacher who represents the hope that a better future is possible.

72. “There is nothing like looking if you want to find something. You certainly usually find something if you look, but it is not always quite the something you were after”. (Thorin)

These words are found in The Hobbit. They align extremely well with the development of the whole story. A search can sometimes lead to something completely different from what was being sought.

73. “Such is the nature of evil. Out there in the vast ignorance of the world it festers and spreads. A shadow that grows in the dark. A sleepless malice as black as the oncoming wall of night. So it ever was. So will it always be. In time, all foul things come forth”. (Thranduil)

A shadow that grows in the dark is perhaps the best way of referring to evil. It’s also a contagious shadow that spreads without stopping. If not dealt with, it’ll keep advancing until it engulfs everything around it. This is one of the many reasons that motivate the characters to face evil, through war.

74. “I will take the ring, though I do not know the way”. (Frodo)

When he said these words, Frodo was completely unaware of the whole adventure that awaited him. Pain, suffering, and fatigue are some of the barriers he was to find along the path. His words seal the beginning of the journey that forms the heart of the story.

75. “Often does hatred hurt itself!” (Gandalf)

Every one of Gandalf’s quotes is full of wisdom. The idea that hate hurts itself is one of the many cards the adventurers have in their favor to help them fulfill their mission. But, it’s one that, unfortunately, isn’t always in plain sight.

76. “The mightiest man may be slayed by one arrow”. (Pippin)

In this respect at least, he’s more like a weakling than you might think.

77. “Yet sworn oath may strengthen quaking heart”. (Gimli)

Especially when the promise comes from someone who’s respected or admired. Indeed, when an oath comes from someone like this, the heart stops trembling and the seed of hope is planted in it. Although these words come out of Gimli’s mouth, this is something that Gandalf also practices on a couple of occasions when he knows it to be worthwhile.

78. “I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened”. (Frodo)

This quote is the opposite of Frodo’s earlier statement. With those words, he was determined to carry the ring to his destination. Now, he wishes it’d never fallen into his hands. However, despite this wish, he doesn’t step backward to the path of destruction.

79. “The reason of my wakened mind tells me that great evil has befallen and we stand at the end of days. But my heart says nay; and all my limbs are light, and a hope and a joy are come to me that no reason can deny”. (Faramir)

Without a doubt, hope is one of the leitmotifs found throughout this work. The kind of hope that’s taken to the extreme, since some events lead us to think that there are no longer any reasons for maintaining it.

80. “War will make corpses of us all”. (Faramir)

Although there’s always a dose of hope that’s contrasted with reality.

81. “If anyone was to ask for my opinion, which I note they’re not I’d say we were taking the long way around”. (Gimli)

As an extra, let’s remember other of Gimli’s words from The Lord of the Rings. ” I’m wasted on cross-country. We dwarves are natural sprinters. Very dangerous over short distances!”

82. “I’m glad to be with you, Samwise Gamgee… Here at the end of all things”. (Frodo)

One of the best Frodo quotes that demonstrates the appreciation he feels for his partner. Although it’s true that at certain points along the way he doubts that friendship, deep down he never denies it. This scene, both in the book and the movie, is one of the most remembered by fans of the trilogy.

83. “All our hopes now lie with two little hobbits, somewhere in the wilderness”. (Gandalf)

The entire plot of The Lord of the Rings is summed up really well in these words. In the end, it all comes down to the courage and commitment of Frodo and Sam. While we don’t want to underestimate the role of the other characters, these two are undoubtedly the central figures in this monumental work.

And, with this last reflection, we conclude our list of quotes from The Lord of the Rings. We hope that reading them has made you appreciate how the value of history is depicted in the trilogy and that you’ve noticed certain things you may have missed before.