894 Quotes by J.R.R. Tolkien
- Author J.R.R. Tolkien
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I don't know how to say it, but after last night I feel different. I seem to see ahead, in a kind of way. I know we are going to take a very long road, into darkness; but I know I can't turn back. It isn't right to see Elves now, nor dragons, nor mountains, that I want - I don't rightly know what I want: but I have something to do before the end, and it lies ahead, not in the Shire. I must see it through, sir, if you understand me.
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- Author J.R.R. Tolkien
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And the smell of the air! I used to spend a week just breathing.
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- Author J.R.R. Tolkien
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I thought all the trees were whispering to each other, passing news and plots along in an unintelligible language; and the branches swayed and groped without any wind. They do say the trees do actually move, and can surround strangers and hem them.
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- Author J.R.R. Tolkien
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Where and what are Helm’s Deep and all the rest of it?” said Merry. “I don’t know anything about this country.” “Then you’d best learn something, if you wish to understand what is happening,” said Gandalf. “But not just now, and not from me: I have too many pressing things to think about.” “All right, I’ll tackle Strider at the camp-fire: he’s less testy. But why all this secrecy? I though we’d won the battle!
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- Author J.R.R. Tolkien
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How shall a man judge what to do in such times?''As he has ever judged,' said Aragorn. 'Good and ill have not changed since yesteryear; nor are they one thing among Elves and Dwarves and another among Men. It is a man's part to discern them, as much in the Golden Wood as in his own house.
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Actually I am a Christian, and indeed a Roman Catholic, so that I do not expect 'history' to be anything but a 'long defeat' - though it contains (and in a legend may contain more clearly and movingly) some samples or glimpses of final victory. (Letter #195)
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We were born in a dark age out of due time (for use). But there is this comfort: otherwise we should not know, or so much live, what we do love. I imagine the fish out of water is the only fish to have an inkling of water. (Letter #52)
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- Author J.R.R. Tolkien
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An ultimately evil job. For we are attempting to conquer Sauron with the Ring. And we shall (it seems) succeed. But the penalty is, as you will know, to breed new Saurons, and slowly turn Men and Elves into Orcs. Not that in real life things are as clear cut as in a story, and we started out with a great many Orcs on our side. (letter 66)
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- Author J.R.R. Tolkien
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Seek for the Sword that was brokenIn Imladris it dwells;There shall be counsels takenStronger than Morgul-spells.There shall be shown a tokenThat Doom is near at hand,For Isuldur's Bane shall waken,And the halfling forth shall stand.
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