J.R.R. Tolkien

1892 - 1973

J.R.R. Tolkien (1892–1973) was an English writer, poet, and philologist. He is best known for his high fantasy works "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings," which have become classics of modern literature and have been hugely influential in the fantasy genre.

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.

The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, Book VI, Chapter 9, 1955

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

Little by little, one travels far

Never laugh at live dragons.

Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens. J. R. R.

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.

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

The Hobbit, p. 91, 1937

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

The Return of the King, p. 245

False hopes are more dangerous than fears.

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

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.

Courage is found in unlikely places.

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

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

The Two Towers, p. 660, 1954

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.

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.

Not all those who wander are lost.

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.

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

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

The Fellowship of the Ring, Book I, Chapter 8, 1954

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.

The Fellowship of the Ring, p. 22, 1954