10 Best Quotes From The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy, According to Reddit

Fans have been waiting for years for more Lord of the Rings lore and, in September 2022, they will finally get that in the form of a television series on Amazon Prime. It’s said to take place thousands of years before both the original trilogy as well as The Hobbit trilogy, serving as a prequel.

The Lord of the Rings films are of course based off a brilliant piece of literature filled with timeless quotes that though grounded in fantasy relate a lot to life. One Reddit user may have put it best by saying, “One does not simply have a single favorite LoTR quote” but still, fans weighed in on several threads to discuss some of the best from the trilogy.

Gandalf to Frodo

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.”

Like much of what Gandalf has to say, this line is perhaps one of the trilogy’s heaviest. It seems like such a small thing but implies great responsibility involving crucial decision making about a person’s time on earth, or in this case, Middle-earth.

Reddit user thefrozenfoodsection says, “Tolkien has a way of distilling situations like this down to its raw elements and expressing it in beautiful and tragic ways.” It asks the audience to reflect on what they’ll do with their own time. Waste it or make the most of it?

Bilbo to Frodo

“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 telling where you might be swept off to.”

In the beginning of the first movie, as Sam and Frodo are about to set off, Sam understands the weight of their journey, that they are about to cross a threshold. Arguably one of Bilbo’s best quotes, Frodo recalls what Bilbo once said to him and it’s a good leeway into their long trek to Mount Doom in Mordor.

Jay_Sarais says, “I just feel it encapsulates the spirit of adventure the books embody and the journey at the heart of the story.” Jay is right in explaining that’s what the story is truly about: seeking certain freedoms and liberties that have been lost for a long time in Middle-earth. Bilbo’s wisdom reminds the audience that life is meant to be lived. People must go out their door and step onto the road to do so.

Gandalf to Pippin

“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…White shores… and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise.”

Before the last battle in Fellowship of the Ring, Pippin receives some wisdom from Gandalf in a vulnerable moment. It’s the kind of encouragement Pippin needs to push forward. Not long after, the audience watches as he digs down deep and finds a fight in him braver than most. It could be argued that Gandalf saying this gives him the motivation to use that grit.

Reddit user protespojken says, “I almost can’t handle it.” It’s a moving line that, in a way, reminds fans that no matter how grave life gets, the best is yet to come.

Sam to Frodo

“There’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it’s worth fighting for.”

This one comes after a great monologue delivered by Samwise Gamgee in The Two Towers when Frodo asks him what they’re holding on for. It’s a poignant moment of the movie where the hero must decide whether or not to keep going. Reddit user SaiMan says, “I get goosebumps when I hear that.”

It’s a point of no return moment and Sam says this exactly when Frodo needs to hear it most. It also seems to hit Gollum in a way that surprises even him. Another Reddit user agrees, adding “that it’s a great truth of life.”

Legolas to Gimli

“What about side by side with a friend?”

In Return of the King, when Gimli realizes he may not come out of the final battle alive, he admits that he never thought he’d die fighting side by side with an Elf. However, in a kind moment, Legolas responds with this quote.

For Reddit user Rowan_As_Roxii, they enjoyed this scene a lot as it showed that “their friendship [was] wholesome.” It’s a sweet moment that tells the audience their poking at each other’s kind (Elves and Dwarves) may have started out personal, but they’ve grown fond of one another. Who can’t relate to a quote about unexpected friendship?

Sam to Frodo

“I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you.”

Fans argue that out of everyone Sam was the only character who didn’t have much of a reason to embark on this journey, apart from friendship. This line represents just how deep his loyalty and friendship runs. In other words, he can’t take away Frodo’s trauma caused by the ring, but he can support Frodo no matter what – a truly selfless thing to do.

Bilbo To The Hobbits In Bag End

“I don’t know half of you as well as I should like and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.”

As one of the lighter lines throughout the trilogy, it’s met with an uncomfortable yet hilarious silence among the Hobbits in the crowd, along with a smirking Gandalf. It’s paired greatly with the fact that just before delivering this line he calls them “such excellent and admirable” Hobbits.

One Reddit user, gerpaz, believes that it’s just so terribly applicable to every day actual life and another named YohannaLPDJ makes a joke saying, “My fiancé wants to use it in his wedding speech.” It’s easy to imagine it being just as hilariously backhanded there as it is in the Shire.

Gimli to Legolas

“That still only counts as one!”

Many fans would agree that Legolas’ strongest character traits are his swift and agile ability to strike down enemies. In Return of the King, he and Gimli go head to head adding up their kill count. After Legolas impressively slays a number of orcs plus the massive elephant they ride, Gimli tells him that all that effort only counts as one. Reddit user HeatherFeather11 says the line cracks her up every time.

The two have hilarious, friendly banter throughout such as Legolas making fun of his height, or when Gimli finally relents and asks Aragorn to toss him but also adds, “Don’t tell the Elf.” It’s all fun and games with these two.

Gandalf to Frodo

“It was pity that stayed Bilbo’s hand. Many that live deserve death and some that die deserve life.”

Near the beginning of their journey in The Fellowship of the Ring, Gandalf gives Frodo a little backstory on Gollum. Out of fear, Frodo says that Bilbo should have killed Gollum when he had the chance.

This is an example of how wisely Gandalf uses his power. Gandalf has the power to solve many of the conflicts throughout the story, but his purpose is to help characters choose a moral path. Reddit user hill1205 puts it well in saying, “Gandalf’s real power was his words.” This line may very well alter future decisions Frodo makes.

Aragorn To The Hobbits

“My friends, you bow to no one.”

In the Return of the King, after Aragorn is finally crowned king, he thanks Frodo, Samwise, Merry, and Pippin with this touching line. Not only does it show his great gratitude but it’s proven by his bowing to them, along with the entire kingdom.

Reddit user eequalsmc2 reveals, “It was the first time I’d ever bawled in a movie theater.” Several fans agree as they know exactly what Aragorn means in this moment. Hobbits may be the smallest but their hearts are the largest.

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