The most iconic and profound quotes from The Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien. These quotes reflect the major themes of courage, friendship, hope, and the battle between good and evil.
1. On Hope and Resilience:
- “Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.” – Galadriel, The Fellowship of the Ring
- “There is some good in this world, and it’s worth fighting for.” – Samwise Gamgee, The Two Towers
2. On Time and Decisions:
- “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” – Gandalf, The Fellowship of the Ring
- “It’s the job that’s never started as takes longest to finish.” – Samwise Gamgee, The Fellowship of the Ring
3. On Power and Corruption:
- “The Ring is treacherous. It will corrupt anyone who seeks to possess it.” – Gandalf, The Fellowship of the Ring
- “There is no curse in Elvish, Entish, or the tongues of Men for this treachery.” – Treebeard, The Two Towers
4. On Friendship and Loyalty:
- “I am glad you are here with me. Here at the end of all things, Sam.” – Frodo, The Return of the King
- “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 keep it yourself. But you cannot trust us to let you face trouble alone, and go off without a word. We are your friends.” – Merry and Pippin, The Fellowship of the Ring
5. On Courage and Fear:
- “Courage is found in unlikely places.” – Gildor, The Fellowship of the Ring
- “A wizard is never late, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to.” – Gandalf, The Fellowship of the Ring
6. On Darkness and Light:
- “The shadow does not hold sway yet. Not over you, not over me.” – Aragorn, The Return of the King
- “I will not say: do not weep; for not all tears are an evil.” – Gandalf, The Return of the King
7. On Nature and Beauty:
- “There is a seed of courage hidden (often deeply, it is true) in the heart of the fattest and most timid hobbit.” – Gandalf, The Fellowship of the Ring
- “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, The Fellowship of the Ring
8. On Wisdom and Destiny:
- “Not all those who wander are lost.” – Bilbo Baggins, The Fellowship of the Ring
- “The road goes ever on and on, down from the door where it began.” – Bilbo Baggins, The Fellowship of the Ring
9. On Leadership and Responsibility:
- “Authority is not given to you to deny the return of the King, Steward!” – Gandalf, The Return of the King
- “The day may come when the courage of Men fails... but it is not this day!” – Aragorn, The Return of the King
10. On Sacrifice and Triumph:
- “I wish it need not have happened in my time.” “So do I,” said Gandalf, “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 us.” – Frodo and Gandalf, The Fellowship of the RingA profound exchange on accepting challenges and making the best of one’s circumstances.
These quotes capture the epic scope, emotional depth, and philosophical richness of The Lord of the Rings, making it a timeless classic.
