I’ve never been able to finish reading The Lord of the Rings. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great story, and the writing is BEAUTIFUL – shout out to J.R.R Tolkien for sharing his gift of writing with the world – but I still can’t seem to finish the books. The same goes for watching the movies.
Not having finished these books or movies has not stopped me from obsessing over all the inspiring LOTR quotes. If you don’t live under a rock, then you’ve probably heard these quotes yourself.
I’m just here to remind you of their beauty and the lessons they reveal. So, without further ado, enjoy these 8 LOTR quotes:
1. Don’t be an idiot
It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. 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, Lord of the Rings
“Keep your feet” aka, don’t be an idiot. It’s good to go on adventures and have fun because that’s the best part about life: you never know where it’s going to take you. Tolkien reminds us to hold on to our common sense so we don’t make stoopid decisions.
And because I love The Office, I will share another relevant quote: “Whenever I’m about to do something, I think, ‘Would an idiot do that?’ and if they would, I do not do that thing.”
So don’t be an idiot and you’ll be okay.
2. Darkness never lasts
But in the end it’s only a passing thing, this shadow; even darkness must pass.
J.R.R. Tolkien, Lord of the Rings
It’s important to remember that shit happens, but it never lasts. The pandemic weighs heavy in my mind when I think about this quote. I truly thought the quarantine would never end, and while it’s not completely over, I think we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.
3. You’re capable of greatness
Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.
J.R.R. Tolkien, Lord of the Rings
I know in the context of LOTR, Frodo is considered a tiny hobbit, so I’m thinking this quote is in reference to how no one would expect Frodo to change the course of the future when he’s small in stature…? Obviously Frodo proves everyone that he his capable of awesomeness.
Anyway, it doesn’t matter what your physical limitations are – you have the capability of achieving wonderful things.
4. Live your life to the fullest
‘I wish it need not have happened in my time,’ said Frodo. ‘So do I,’ said Gandolf, ‘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.’
J.R.R. Tolkien, Lord of the Rings
Kinda like the “live each day like it’s your last” mantra. We don’t get to decide everything that happens in our life. All we really have control over is what we do with the time that we have left on this crazy planet. Live your life the way you want to. Go on some crazy adventures and try new things, meet new people, etc.
5. Life is full of surprises
None knows what the new day shall bring him.
J.R.R. Tolkien, Lord of the Rings
Suuuurpise! The unknown can bring a lot of stress into your life, but isn’t that the fun of it all? I also think Forest Gump summed it up pretty well: “Life is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re going to get!”
This is a reminder not to worry about the future, since it’s unknown, and we have little to no control over it.
6. Don’t get going when the going gets tough
Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.
J.R.R. Tolkien, Lord of the Rings
In life, we encounter a lot of challenges and we’ll be stronger for having gotten through those hard times versus abandoning all effort because we’re feeling scared or uncomfortable. I kind of think of it as staying strong, holding on to hope, and/or never giving up.
7. It’s okay to cry
I will not say: do not weep; for not all tears are an evil
J.R.R. Tolkien, Lord of the Rings
It’s healthy to cry and sometimes very necessary to our mental health. Especially when you’ve endured something emotionally traumatic. If you need to cry, you cry. Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks or says.
8. Make your own path
Not all those who wander are lost.
J.R.R. Tolkien, Lord of the Rings
This is one of my favorite quotes of all time. You really don’t know where life is going to take you, and it might take you a lot of exploring to figure out where you want to be. During this time of exploration, don’t let anyone second guess your path.
I think this quote also shows us that it’s okay to be different. Just because you’re figuring out life, or going down a path no one else is following, doesn’t mean you’re lost.
Thanks for Reading!
Let me know what your favorite LOTR quote is in the comments below.
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