Note: The Lord of the Rings is my favorite book and I am currently reading it for the eighth or ninth time. I must say that Tolkein’s worldview is close to mine (or mine is close to his), as can be shown by what his characters say.
Everything I ever needed to know I learned from “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” – Book 1
All we have to do is decide what to do with the time that was given us. ••• 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. ••• Even the very wise cannot see all ends.••• You have been chosen, and therefore you must use such strength and heart and wits as you have.••• The road goes ever on and on, down from the door where it began.••• It’s a dangerous business going out of your door. You step into the Road and if you don’t keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to. ••• A star shines on the hour of our meeting. ••• Others dwelt here before Hobbits were and others will dwell here again when Hobbits are no more. The wild world is all about you. You can fence yourselves in, but you cannot forever fence it out. ••• It is said, “Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards.” ••• Seldom give unguarded advice, for advice is a dangerous gift, even from the wise to the wise, and all courses may run ill. ••• Is it not enough to know that they are servants of the Enemy? Flee them, speak no words to them. They are deadly! ••• Short cuts make long delays (but inns make longer ones) ••• His memory is like a lumber room, thing wanted, always buried. ••• 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. ••• Handsome is as handsome does. ••• I am Aragorn, Son of Arathorn and if by life or by death I can save you, I will.
The Responsible Puppet 
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March 4, 2007 at 2:01 am
fundyreformed
It has to be my favorite book too. I love the genre. But even genre aside, its hard to find anything its equal. The pity sayings you list above, are an aspect of the work I hadn’t thought much about before. I’m always amazed at the great depth to the work. The allusions to tales and histories which you, the reader, don’t know about. The fact that he invented a language in his work at the book. I don’t know if you’ve read the Silmarillion, but it is amazing. It shows how most of the stories and history that the characters in the Lord of the Rings, refer to were previously written down or at least in his mind. The story of the genesis of Middleearth is quite fascinating too.
Along this line, have you ever read these books by C.S. Lewis?? They are great and approach the level of Tolkien, but probably because they draw on C.S. Lewis’ knowledge of English literature and lore, as well as his theological ruminations. It is like an adult version of Narnia, except its truths are more profound.
Also, have you read Stephen R. Lawhead?? His Pendragon Cycle is probably the next best thing to Lord of the Rings. It is his Arthurian story, except it is informed by his Christianity (Catholic) and his extensive study of Celtic history and legends. Anything by Lawhead is really good. Byzantium is a one volume story which would give you a great taste for his work. I’ve read almost all of his books, and own several (you’d be free to borrow them if you’d like).
Well, gotta go. But I like the quotes you gave here.
Bob
March 5, 2007 at 11:33 am
jamsco
I’ve read the science trilogy (quite good) but not Lawhead. Someday. And I think I’ll take you up on the offer to borrow Silmarillion. I just read a section where Sam makes reference to it.
March 17, 2007 at 6:40 pm
Bobspotted Blogroll: March 4, 2007 « Fundamentally Reformed
[…] I likewise was surprised to stumble upon a second Tolkien post this week, when my friend “jamsco” (of The Responsible Puppet) posted some of the many wise sayings Tolkien includes in his work. […]
July 9, 2010 at 1:24 am
Lord Of The Rings Quotes « The Responsible Puppet
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