J.R.R. Tolkien Quotes

A collection of quotes by J.R.R. Tolkien.

J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973) was an English writer, poet, and university professor. He is best known as the author of the epic fantasy novels "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings." Born in South Africa, Tolkien moved to England as a child and developed a passion for languages and mythology. He served in World War I and later became a professor of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford University. Tolkien's richly imagined Middle-earth, with its intricate history and vibrant characters, has captivated readers worldwide and established him as one of the most influential fantasy authors of all time.

He may become like a glass filled with a clear light for eye

He may become like a glass filled with a clear light for eyes to see that can.

Inspirational Sci Fi

And in that very moment, away behind in some far corner of t

And in that very moment, away behind in some far corner of the city, a cock crowed. Shrill and clear he crowed reckoning nothing of wizardry or war, welcoming only the morning that in the sky far above the shadows of death was coming with the dawn.

Inspirational Dawn Tolkien Cock Crow Shadow Of Death

No, my heart will not yet despair. Gandalf fell and has retu

No, my heart will not yet despair. Gandalf fell and has returned and is with us. We may stand, if only on one leg, or at least be left still upon our knees.

Inspirational Lord Of The Rings Middle Earth Tolkien Gandalf Pippin

An author cannot of course remain wholly unaffected by his e

An author cannot of course remain wholly unaffected by his experience, but the ways in which a story-germ uses the soil of experience are extremely complex, and attempts to define the process are at best guesses from evidence that is inadequate and ambiguous.

Inspirational Tolkien

And all the host laughed and wept, and in the midst of their

And all the host laughed and wept, and in the midst of their merriment and tears the clear voice of the minstrel rose like silver and gold, and all men were hushed. And he sang to them, now in the Elven-tongue, now in the speech of the West, until their hearts, wounded with sweet words, overflowed, and their joy was like swords, and they passed in thought out to regions where pain and delight flow together and tears are the very wine of blessedness.

Love Inspirational Joy Tears

After all, I believe that legends and myths are largely made

After all, I believe that legends and myths are largely made of 'truth', and indeed present aspects of it that can only be received in this mode; and long ago certain truths and modes of this kind were discovered and must always reappear.

Truth Legends Myths

In life there can be no victor, for death comes to all and s

In life there can be no victor, for death comes to all and smites them.

Then hope unlooked-for came so suddenly to Eomer's heart, an

Then hope unlooked-for came so suddenly to Eomer's heart, and with it the bite of care and fear renewed, that he said no more, but turned and went swiftly from the hall.

Life Fear Death Hope Sudden Eomer

And yet their wills did not yield, and they struggled on.

And yet their wills did not yield, and they struggled on.

Inspirational Sam Frodo

onen i-estel edain, u-chebin estel anim(I give hope to men.

onen i-estel edain, u-chebin estel anim(I give hope to men. I keep none for myself.)

Inspirational Sadness

The world is indeed full of peril and in it there are many d

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 nowmingled with grief, it still grows, perhaps, the greater.

Hope Love Inspirational

Criticism - however valid or intellectually engaging - tends

Criticism - however valid or intellectually engaging - tends to get in the way of a writer who has anything personal to say. A tightrope walker may require practice, but if he starts a theory of equilibrium he will lose grace (and probably fall off).

Then holding the star aloft and the bright sword advanced, F

Then holding the star aloft and the bright sword advanced, Frodo, hobbit of the Shire, walked steadily down to meet the eyes.

Motivational Inspirational Lord Of The Rings Middle Earth Tolkien Frodo

Each day before the end of eveshe sought her lover, nor woul

Each day before the end of eveshe sought her lover, nor would him leave,until the stars were dimmed, and daycame glimmering eastward silver-grey.Then trembling-veiled she would appear,and dance before him, half in fear;there flitting just before his feetshe gently chid with laughter sweet:'Come! dance now, Beren, dance with me!For fain thy dancing I would see!

Love Dance Book Of Lost Tales 2 The Gest Of Beren And Luthien

Not all that have fallen are vanquished.

Not all that have fallen are vanquished.

Hope Heaven Courage Inspirational Optimism Life Lessons Poem T Jrr Tolkien Lotr The Fellowship Of The Ring The Lord Of The Rings

For like a shaft, clear and cold, the thought pierced him th

For like a shaft, clear and cold, the thought pierced him that in the end the Shadow was only a small and passing thing: there was light and high beauty for ever beyond its reach.

Hope Inspirational

It is wisdom to recognize necessity when all other courses h

It is wisdom to recognize necessity when all other courses have been weighed, though as folly it may appear to those who cling to false hope.

Inspirational Philosophical

There, peeping among the cloud-wrack above a dark tower high

There, peeping among the cloud-wrack above a dark tower high up in the mountains, Sam saw a white star twinkle for a while. The beauty of it smote his heart, as he looked up out of the forsaken land, and hope returned to him. For like a shaft, clear and cold, the thought pierced him that in the end the Shadow was only a small and passing thing: there was light and high beauty for ever beyond its reach.

Inspirational Lord Of The Rings Middle Earth Sam Tolkien

Handsome is as handsome does.

Handsome is as handsome does.