J.R.R. Tolkien’s reputation as a storyteller and wordsmith has certainly grown in the 70-plus years since the first installment of The Lord of the Rings was published. The author’s now-iconic trilogy was initially met with hostility from some literary circles. But today, Tolkien is easily one of the most obsessed-over authors in existence, with many of his quotes finding their way into the cultural lexicon.
Embedded in Tolkien's work are spiritual, political, and philosophical beliefs that are, at times, beautifully expressed by some of his characters. This isn’t to suggest that Tolkien was interested in lecturing his audience, but rather to acknowledge that he was fascinated by more than just warfare and magic. He was one of the great thinkers of his time, and encapsulating his thoughts into 12 memorable quotes is a tall order.
Prioritizing quotes from the books, while also celebrating lines from the film series that are simply too unforgettable to omit, here are 12 quotes from The Lord of the Rings that are liable to get stuck inside your head, possibly for the rest of your life.
“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo. "So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” - The Fellowship of the Ring
Gandalf's motivational speech to Frodo might be the kindest, most profound way to tell someone to stop whining and do their best. Gandalf and Samwise's attempts to hype up Frodo give birth to some of Tolkien's most memorable excerpts.
"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." - Faramir in The Two Towers
This sentiment from a character who is far more interesting in the books than the films reveals much about a battle-hardened warrior who finds little joy or glory in killing. Faramir wages war because he must, and because, as Sam said in the films, "There's some good in this world...and it's worth fighting for."
“Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. For even the very wise cannot see all ends.” - Gandalf to Frodo in The Fellowship of the Ring
Amidst so much violence, Gandalf reminds Frodo that we sometimes too easily dismiss the value of others' lives, especially when those lives appear to be evil. Of course, Gandalf is right, and Gollum (the target of Frodo's scorn) inadvertently helps to destroy the One Ring.
"And in that very moment, away behind in some courtyard of the City, a cock crowed. Shrill and clear he crowed, recking nothing of wizardry or war, welcoming only the morning that in the sky far above the shadows of death was coming with the dawn. And as if in answer there came from far away another note. Horns, horns, horns...Great horns of the north wildly blowing. Rohan had come at last." - Rohan's forces arrive during the Battle of the Pelennor Fields in The Return of the King
Tolkien does here with words what Peter Jackson did with cinema: creating an overwhelming feeling of relief and joy as help arrives during a moment of despair. No matter how grim the situation might be, never count out Rohan.
“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.” - Bilbo to his birthday party guests in The Fellowship of the Ring
Bilbo might be Tolkien's sassiest character, and the old Baggins does a number on his guests here by insulting them to their faces, albeit in a manner that seems to confuse them more than anything.
“I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot pass! The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udûn. Go back to the shadows! You cannot pass!” - Gandalf to the Balrog in The Fellowship of the Ring
"You shall not pass" is the more famous version of this quote, present in the film adaptation. But regardless of the precise wording, Gandalf is throwing down the gauntlet and essentially declaring himself ready for a battle between the Middle-earth equivalent of an angel and a demon.
“We cannot get out. We cannot get out. They have taken the bridge and Second Hall. Frár and Lóni and Náli fell there (bravely while the rest retreated to Mazarbul. We still hold the passage but hope is now gone. Óin's party) went five days ago (but today only four returned.) The pool is up to the wall at West-gate. The Watcher in the Water took Óin — we cannot get out. The end comes (soon. We hear) drums, drums in the deep. They are coming.” - The Book of Mazarbul, as read by Gandalf in The Fellowship of the Ring
Few passages are creepier than this moment of realization from Balin's folk that death is pounding upon their door. The Book of Mazarbul is read aloud by Gandalf in Khazad-dûm's chamber of records, not long before the fellowship must fight off death themselves.
“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.” - The Riddle of Strider, a poem about Aragorn written by Bilbo in The Fellowship of the Ring
This lovely poem by Bilbo has been oft-quoted for its opening lines, which have served as the Instagram captions for many travel photos. It's not quite the intent Bilbo (or Tolkien) had in mind, but it does demonstrate the vast influence of The Lord of the Rings.
“Arise, arise, Riders of Théoden! Spear shall be shaken, shield shall be splintered, a sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises! Ride now, ride now, ride! Ride for ruin and the world's ending! Death! Death! Death!” - King Théoden’s battle cry in The Return of the King
This intense battle cry from the films is a rousing (albeit terrifying) speech from a king who would soon die defending both his people and Middle-Earth as a whole. As Aragorn once said, "Hail, Théoden King!"
"A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins. Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to." - Gandalf to Frodo in The Fellowship of the Ring
Arguably the greatest quote for those who are perpetually running a few minutes behind. Although, pro-tip, quoting this line will not always win over people who have been waiting for you.
“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door,” he used to say. “You step into the Road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to. - Frodo recounts what Bilbo once said to him in The Fellowship of the Ring
One of the most enduring themes of Tolkien's work is a thirst for exploration and adventure. Although he nearly died many times, the aging Bilbo is still nostalgic for his past excursions.
“Po-ta-toes! Boil ‘em, mash ‘em, stick ‘em in a stew. Lovely big golden chips with a nice piece of fried fish. Even you couldn’t say no to that.” - Samwise to Gollum in The Two Towers
Sadly, Gollum could indeed say, '"no" to that. But Sam's line, delivered when cooking up a nice stew, is easily the film series' most meme-able moment.
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