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
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 was talking aloud to myself. A habit of the old: they choose the wisest person present to speak to.
J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
It is said that the skill of the Dwarves is in their hands rather than in their tongues, yet that is not true of Gimli. For none have ever made to me a request so bold and yet so courteous...I do not foretell, for all foretelling is now vain: on the one hand lies darkness, and on the other only hope. But if hope should not fail, then I say to you, Gimli son of Gl¢in, that your hands shall flow with gold, and yet over you gold shall have no dominion.
People |
J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
Fare well we call to hearth and hall Though wind may blow and rain may fall We must away ere break of day Over the wood and mountain tall To Rivendell where Elves yet dwell In glades beneath the misty fell Through moor and waste we ride in haste And wither then we cannot tell With foes ahead behind us dread Beneath the sky shall be our bed Until at last our toil be sped Our journey done, our errand sped We must away! We must away! We ride before the break of day!
Value |
J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
Few other griefs amid the ill chances of this world have more bitterness and shame for a man's heart than to behold the love of a lady so fair and brave that cannot be returned.
Right |
J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
I am old, Gandalf. I don't look it, but I am beginning to feel it in my heart of hearts. Well-preserved indeed! Why, I feel all thin, sort of stretched, if you know what I mean: like butter that has been scraped over too much bread. That can't be right. I need a change, or something.
Fear |
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
His rage passes description - the sort of rage that is only seen when rich folk that have more than they can enjoy suddenly lose something that they have long had but have never before used or wanted.
People |
J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
I do really wish to destroy it!' cried Frodo. 'Or, well, to have it destroyed. I am not made for perilous quests. I wish I had never seen the Ring! Why did it come to me? Why was I chosen?
People |
J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
I want to be a healer, and love all things that grow and are not barren.
Aims | Authenticity | People |
J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
I invented that little rhyme about 'One Ring to rule them all', I remember, in the bath one day.
J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
I tried to save the Shire, and it has been saved, but not for me. It must often be so, Sam, when things are in danger; someone has to give them up, lose them, so that others may keep them...
Conversation | Energy | Life | Life | Order | Religion | Service | Understand |
J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
GANDALF: Often does hatred hurt itself!
J. R. R. Tolkien, fully John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
His old life lay behind in the mists, dark adventure lay in front.
People |