This site is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Alan William Smolowe who gave birth to the creation of this database.
J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
Grows like a seed in the dark out of the leaf-mold of the mind: out of all that has been seen or thought or read, that has long ago been forgotten, descending into the deeps.
J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
I should say that, in addition to my tree-love (it was originally called The Tree), it arose from my own pre-occupation with the Lord of the Rings, the knowledge that it would be finished in great detail or not at all, and the fear (near certainty) that it would be 'not at all'. The war had arisen to darken all horizons. But no such analyses are a complete explanation even of a short story...
Gentleness | Good | Need | Religion | Story | Will | Understand |
J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
I wished to be loved by another,' [owyn] answered. 'But I desire no man's pity.
J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
In account after account of exorcisms the demonic voices will propound nihilism of one variety or another.
J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
Having the romantic upbringing, I made a boy-and-girl affair serious, and made it the source of effort. - On his romance with Edith
J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
For we put the thought of all that we love into all that we make.
J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
Go back? he thought. No good at all! Go sideways? Impossible! Go forward? Only thing to do! On we go! So up he got, and trotted along with his little sword held in front of him and one hand feeling the wall, and his heart all of a patter and a pitter.
J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
He [Bilbo] fought the real battle in the tunnel alone, before he ever saw the vast danger that lay in wait.
Will |
J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
He found himself wondering at times, especially in the autumn, about the wild lands, and strange visions of mountains that he had never seen came into his dreams.
World | Understand |
J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
In Dwimordene, in Lorien seldom have walked the feet of Men, few mortal eyes have seen the light that lies there ever, long and bright. Galadriel! Galadriel! Clear is the water of your well; white is the star in your white hand; unmarred, unstained is leaf and land in Dwimordene, in Lorien more fair than thoughts of Mortal Men.
Will |
J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
Do not scorn pity that is the gift of a gentle heart, owyn!
System |
J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
He is not half through yet, and to what he will come in the end not even Elrond can foretell. Not to evil, I think. He may become like a glass filled with a clear light for eyes to see that can.
J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
In one thing you have not changed, dear friend,' said Aragorn: 'you still speak in riddles.' 'What? In riddles?' said Gandalf. 'No For I was talking aloud to myself. A habit of the old: they choose the wisest person present to speak to; the long explanations needed by the young are wearying.
J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
Eldest, that's what I am. Mark my words, my friends: Tom was here before the river and the trees; Tom remembers the first raindrop and the first acorn. He made paths before the Big People, and saw the Little People arriving. He was here before the Kings and the graves and the Barrow-wights. When the Elves passed westward, Tom was here already, before the seas were bent. He knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.
J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
Elves and Dragons Cabbages and potatoes are better for me and you. Don't go getting mixed up in the business of your betters, or you'll land in trouble too big for you.
Will |
J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
Each day before the end of eve she sought her lover, nor would him leave, until the stars were dimmed, and day came glimmering eastward silver-grey. Then trembling-veiled she would appear, and dance before him, half in fear; there flitting just before his feet she gently chid with laughter sweet: 'Come! dance now, Beren, dance with me! For fain thy dancing I would see!
Absence | Business | Ideas | Innovation | Life | Life | Model | Universe | Will | World | Following | Business |
J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
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.
J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
It will not do to leave a live dragon out of your plans if you live near one.
J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
Farewell, they cried, Wherever you fare till your eyries receive you at the journey's end! That is the polite thing to say among eagles. May the wind under your wings bear you where the sun sails and the moon walks, answered Gandalf, who knew the correct reply.