Although originally published some 60 years ago, J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings saga remains a popular classic Its debut volume, The Fellowship of the Rings,
is one of the best-selling novels of all time, having sold more than 150 million copies
worldwide. This story of fantasy and adventure, beyond being wonderfully entertaining, contains a myriad of profound messages about friendship, love, and hope.
Inspirational Quotes
While many of its characters do not possess these traits at start, through their adventures they learn some invaluable life lessons and grow to persevere in the face of hardship, danger, and evil. The next time you feel hopeless or lost, these Lord of the Rings quotes will offer comfort and encouragement.
1. "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
2. “Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
3. “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.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
4. “The praise of the praiseworthy is above all rewards.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Two Towers
5. “Do not then stumble at the end of the road.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Two Towers
6. “Oft hope is born when all is forlorn.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, Return of the King
7. "It is useless to meet revenge with revenge; it will heal nothing." – J.R.R. Tolkien, Return of the King
8. “Courage will now be your best defence against the storm that is at hand—that and such hope as I bring.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, Return of the King
Funny Quotes
While The Lord of the Rings has its fair share of somber moments, there are plenty of bright scenes throughout the books as well. From Merry and Pippin to Gimli and Legolas, there is no shortage of light-hearted quotes and cheerful musings—we’ve gathered some of our favorites below.
9. “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.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
10. “It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
11. "Yes, I am here. And you are lucky to be here too after all the absurd things you've done since you left home." – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
12. “Being a cheerful hobbit, he had not needed hope, as long as despair could be postponed.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Two Towers
13. “Elves and Dragons! Cabbages and potatoes are better for me and you. Don't go getting mixed up in the business of your betters, or you'll land in trouble too big for you.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
14. “Speak, or I will make a dint in your hat that even a wizard will find it hard to deal with!” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Two Towers
Quotes About Friendship
Friendship is one of the central themes in The Lord of the Rings. These quotes touch on the many nuanced, loving relationships throughout the story—and perhaps in your own life as well.
15. “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." – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
16. “I am going with him, if he climbs to the Moon.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
17. “Don't go where I can't follow!” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Two Towers
18. “For behold! the storm comes, and now all friends should gather together, lest each singly be destroyed.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Two Towers
19. “‘He stands not alone... You would die before your stroke fell.’” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Two Towers
20. “‘Come, Mr. Frodo!' he cried. 'I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you.’” – J.R.R. Tolkien, Return of the King
21. “I am glad you are here with me. Here at the end of all things.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, Return of the King
Quotes About Adventure
Adventure is a major motif in The Lord of the Rings. The characters are on a journey with life-or-death implications, casting aside their fears to join together to save Middle Earth. Notions of freedom and excitement meld with the terrifying unknown. These quotes get to the heart of the meaning of true adventure.
22. “Not all those who wander are lost." – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
23. “The wide world is all about you: you can fence yourselves in, but you cannot forever fence it out.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
24. “You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
25. “Don't adventures ever have an end? I suppose not. Someone else always has to carry on the story.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
Quotes About Love
Tolkien’s stories also contain explorations of love, both romantic and platonic. These heartfelt quotes shared between characters may make you want to hug your loved ones a little tighter.
26. “For we put the thought of all that we love into all that we make.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
27. “Memory is not what the heart desires. That is only a mirror.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
28. “Often does hatred hurt itself!” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Two Towers
29. “I wished to be loved by another, but I desire no man's pity.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, Return of the King
30. “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.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, Return of the King
