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J. R. R. Tolkien Quotes

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Famous J. R. R. Tolkien Quotes

“the association of children and fairy-stories is an accident of our domestic history. Fairy-stories have in the modern lettered world been relegated to the “nursery,” as shabby or old-fashioned furniture is relegated to the play-room, primarily because the adults do not want it, and do not mind if it is misused.”

IfsWorldWantMindChildrenPlayStoriesRoomsModernAdultsAccidentsFairyAssociationOld FashionedFurnitureNurseryShabbyMisusedFairy Stories
Book:Tales from the Perilous Realm
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“I should like to save the Shire, if I could - though there have been times when I thought the inhabitants too stupid and dull for words, and have felt that an earthquake or an invasion of dragons might be good for them. But I don't feel like that now. I feel that as long as the Shire lies behind, safe and comfortable, I shall find wandering more bearable: I shall know that somewhere there is a firm foothold, even if my feet cannot stand there again.”

IfsKnowsFeelsShouldLongHas BeensMightLyingFeltBehindsFeetStupidSafeComfortableBe GoodWanderFirmDullIf I CouldDragonsInvasionEarthquakesBearableFellowship Of The RingShire
Book:The Fellowship of the Ring: Being the First Part of The Lord of the Rings
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“At last, Lady Evenstar, fairest in this world, and most beloved, my world is fading. Lo! we have gathered, and we have spent, and now the time of payment draws near." 'Arwen knew well what he intended, and long had foreseen it; nonetheless she was overborne by her grief. "Would you then, lord, before your time leave your people that live by your word?" she said.”

PeopleWorldWellsLongSaidLastsGriefLordThis WorldDrawsBelovedLive ByPaymentFadingForeseen
Author:J. R. R. Tolkien
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“All the same, I should like it all plain and clear," said he obstinately, putting on his business manner (usually reserved for people who tried to borrow money off him), and doing his best to appear wise and prudent and professional and live up to Gandalf's recommendation. "Also I should like to know about risks, out-of-pocket expenses, time required and remuneration, and so forth"--by which he meant: "What am I going to get out of it ? and am I going to come back alive?”

PeopleKnowsShouldSaidClearWiseAliveRiskPocketsExpensesReservedPrudentRecommendationsRemuneration
Book:The Hobbit (Enhanced Edition)
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“Torment in the dark was the danger that I feared, and it did not hold me back. But I would not have come, had I known the danger of light and joy. Now I have taken my worst wound in this parting, even if I were to go this night straight to the Dark Lord. Alas for Gimli son of Glóin!”

IfsLightJoyNightDarkKnownLordTakenWorstDangerSonWoundsTormentAlasPartingSaying GoodbyeHold MeGimli
Book:The Lord of the Rings: One Volume
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“Somehow the killing of the giant spider, all alone by himself in the dark without the help of the wizard or the dwarves or of anyone else, made a great difference to Mr. Baggins. He felt a different person, and much fiercer and bolder in spite of an empty stomach, as he wiped his sword on the grass and put it back into its sheath.”

PersonsMadeDifferentHelpingFeltDifferencesDarkEmptyKillingGrassGiantsSpiteStomachSpidersWizardsAll AloneDwarvesEmpty StomachGreat Hobbit
Book:The Hobbit
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“We are truth-speakers, we men of Gondor. We boast seldom, and then perform, or die in the attempt. "Not if I found it on the highway would I take it," I said. Even if I were such a man as to desire this thing, and even though I knew not clearly what this thing was when I spoke, still I should take those words as a vow, and be held by them.”

IfsMenShouldSaidStillsDesireDiesFoundSpokesSpeakersBoastHighwaysVowGondorFaramir
Book:The Lord of the Rings: One Volume
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“I don't know how to say it, but after last night I feel different. I seem to see ahead, in a kind of way. I know we are going to take a very long road, into darkness; but I know I can't turn back. It isn't right to see Elves now, nor dragons, nor mountains, that I want - I don't rightly know what I want: but I have something to do before the end, and it lies ahead, not in the Shire. I must see it through, sir, if you understand me.”

IfsKnowsWayWantFeelsKindLongI CanDifferentEndsSeemsLastsLyingNightTurnsDarknessKnow HowMountainDragonsLast NightUnderstand MeLong RoadShire
Author:J. R. R. Tolkien
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“Pippin: I didn't think it would end this way. Gandalf: End? No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path... One that we all must take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass... And then you see it. Pippin: What? Gandalf?... See what? Gandalf: White shores... and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise. Pippin: Well, that isn't so bad. Gandalf: No... No it isn't.”

ThinkingWorldWayWellsEndsCountryTurnsWhitePathJourneyThis WorldRainGreenGlassesRingsSilverShoreSunriseGreyCurtainsReturn Of The KingPippin
Author:J. R. R. Tolkien
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