It’s really quite funny that I will be posting the final instalment of The Lord of the Rings bookish snippets in Spring—yet again. It’s always worked out that way, and it’s never been intentional. Perhaps, my mind at this time of year turns towards these stories unconsciously, thusly, I find myself in need of a little LOTR immersion. I started this back with FOTR in 2019!! That’s crazy. Last year, I wrote up the one from TTT, and here we are—The Return of the King. It feels nice to wrap them up in such a way, on a sunny, springy weekend. (okay, i started this post when it was sunny–and now it’s not anymore here, but i hope it is wherever you are!)
Let’s open with some Gandalf sass, shall we?
Folly? … Nay, my Lord, when you are a dotard you will die. You can use even your grief as a cloak. Do you think that I do not understand your purpose in questioning for an hour one who knows the least, while I sit by? … For I also am a steward. Did you not know?
to Denethor, the fool
SWEET SWEET SASS.
Why do the fools fly?
Denethor, ironically, ofc, being a fool himself
This one is quoted VERY often in my family. Myself, my siblings, and my cousin Julie, say this ALL THE TIME. Anyway.
Come, Master Sluggard…
Leggy to Merry. epic, love cute pet names
Continuing with some light-hearted quotes before it gets dark… Return of the King
Expressions common to various cultures in Middle Earth
At the table small men may do the greater deeds, we say.
Beregond to Pippin (Gondorian)
LOLLLL, the fact that this expression fits hobbits, & Pippin in particular, so well, is just wonderful.
Where will wants not, a way opens, so we say.
“Dernhelm” (iykyk), to Merry (Rohan)
Need brooks no delay, yet late is better than never.
Éomer, in preparation for the ride of the Rohirrim (Rohan)
What I love about these last two is the obvious connection they have to the phrases “where there’s a will, there’s a way” and “late is better than never/something is better than nothing.” Since Middle-Earth and her history are written as a “history” and mythology of the real world, of England and the areas surrounding, Tolkien obviously chose these phrases with purpose and intent.
It recalls how the game of Golf was invented, according to Gandalf in The Hobbit. Or the origins of “How the Cow Jumped Over the Moon”, which comes out at Bree, by virtue of Frodo. I always love these nods to Tolkien’s intentions for the world he created—it was to be the folklore, mythology, and origin story that he felt was lacking in English culture.
Moments that were demonstrative of the little hope but great resolve carried by the heroes of LOTR
The days are now short. Either our hope cometh, or all hope’s end. Therefore I send thee what I have made for thee. Fare well Elfstone!
a message from Galadriel to Aragorn, conveyed by Halbarad
We must walk open-eyed into that trap, with courage, but small hope for ourselves…But this, I deem, is our duty. And better so than to perish nonetheless — as we surely shall, if we sit here — and know as we die that no new age shall be.
Gandalf, to those gathered at the last debate
His love for Frodo rose above all other thoughts… Sam had crossed into Mordor.
Samwise, collecting his strength, going forward for his master
Let me take a second to point out what I think is some beautiful juxtaposition in these last two quotes. Tolkien, as I have said many times before, was simply a genius. How eloquently did Gandalf speak on the last push!–his words stir the heart, his word choice is exquisite. And yet the simple nature of Sam’s perspective also expresses the immensity of what he has done, just as effectively as Gandalf did, perhaps more so. Return of the King
Both of these quotes are a reference to entering Mordor, or the gates thereof. And there is such a difference between them both. While they are each riveting and moving in their own way, it could be argued that Sam’s point of view is even more powerful than Gandalf’s words. Especially when you read it in context. I JUST LOVE IT.
small but indomitable
regarding Sam & Frodo walking through Mordor; the threat that Sauron did not know of, nor even suspect
Dark moments (that Tolkien wrote SO HECKIN WELL)
The world was darkling. The very air seemed brown, and all things about were black and grey and shadowless; there was a great stillness. No shape of cloud could be seen, unless it were far away westward, where the furthest groping fingers of the great gloom still crawled onwards and a little light leaked through them. Overhead there hung a heavy roof, sombre and featureless, and light seemed rather to be failing than growing.
Merry’s perspective upon awaking on the day of the muster of Rohan
Her eyes, grey as the sea were hard and fell, and yet tears were on her cheek.
Éowyn, upon facing the Witch-King
I’m not even going to gush here because Tolkien’s diction and syntax speak for themselves. THAT IMAGERY, THOSE FEELINGS ELICITED HERE. please.
HYPE, epic, stirring, heart-wrenching words
Arise, arise, Riders of Théoden!
Fell deeds awake: fire and slaughter!
spear shall be shaken, shield shall be splintered,
a Sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises!
Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor!
KING Théoden!!!!! rallying his men for the Battle of Pelennor Fields. let’s GO baby!!!!
This scene in Return of the King (the film) is probably always gonna be my favourite. I should start listening to it before I go for a run or have to beat a PB.
But even while he spoke so, to keep fear away until the very last, his eyes still strayed north, north into the eye of the wind, to where the sky far off was clear, as the cold blast, rising to a gale, drove back the darkness and the ruin of the clouds.
Sam <333, not gonna say where this is from so I don’t spoil it for anyone
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.
the host in Gondor, upon hearing the words of the minstrel
GOODNIGHT, THIS ONE IS MAKING ME CRY. Literally this man is describing the fullness of “bittersweet”, so implicitly, and certainly not explicitly, yet it is so clear, and I just cannot even handle it. “wounded with sweet words”?????? PLEASE. Joy like SWORDS????? I—
Okay, I’m done (not really, but if I had written every quote and talked about them all, this would be a very long essay)
The Return of the King has most certainly been the most extensive instalment of the LOTR Bookish Snippets, and that makes sense considering the nature of last year’s reread. Still not over it. And very excited for the annual reread this year.
Have you read LOTR? Do you have a fav Tolkien quote?? I would absolutely love to hear yours (: