J.R.R. Tolkien

I tried to save the Shire, and it has been saved, but not for me. It must often be so, Sam, when things are in danger: someone has to give them up, lose them, so that others may keep them.

His grief he will not forget; but it will not darken his heart, it will teach him wisdom.

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.

I do so dearly believe that no half-heartedness and no worldly fear must turn us aside from following the light unflinchingly.

False hopes are more dangerous than fears.

There are truths, that are beyond us, transcendent truths, about beauty, truth, honour, etc. There are truths that man knows exist, but they cannot be seen - they are immaterial, but no less real, to us.

Little by little, one travels far

There is some good in this world, and it's worth fighting for.

Not all those who wander are lost.

Never laugh at live dragons.

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.

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.

Courage is found in unlikely places.

If we fail, we fall. If we succeed - then we will face the next task.

I have found that it is the small everyday deed of ordinary folks that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love.

It's a dangerous business, going out your door.

If I take one more step, it’ll be the farthest away from home I’ve ever been.

If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.

It is bitter to lose a friend to evil, before one loses him to death.