J. R. R. Tolkien May Quotations

Adventures are not all pony-rides in May-sunshine.

Life is rather above the measure of us all (save for a very few perhaps). We all need literature that is above our measure--though we may not have sufficient energy for it all the time.

For the less even as for the greater there is some deed that he may accomplish but once only; and in that deed his heart shall rest.

We may stand, if only on one leg, or at least be left still upon our knees.

Where did you go to, if I may ask?' said Thorin to Gandalf as they rode along. To look ahead,' said he. And what brought you back in the nick of time?' Looking behind,' said he.

Where there are so many, all speech becomes a debate without end. But two together may perhaps find wisdom.

I may be a burglar...but I'm an honest one, I hope, more or less.

For you do not yet know the strengths of your hearts, and you cannot foresee what each may meet on the road.

A traitor may betray himself and do good he does not intend.

Touching your cap to the Squire may be damn bad for the Squire, but it's damn good for you.

Well, you can go on looking forward," said Gandalf. "There may be many unexpected feasts ahead of you.

But do you remember Gandalf’s words: Even Gollum may have something yet to do? But for him, Sam, I could not have destroyed the Ring. The Quest would have been in vain, even at the bitter end. So let us forgive him! For the Quest is achieved, and now all is over. I am glad you are here with me. Here at the end of all things, Sam

Hinder me? Thou fool. No living man may hinder me!" “But no living man am I!

It is wisdom to recognize necessity when all other courses have been weighed, though as folly it may appear to those who cling to false hope.

Of all the things that men may heed 'Tis most of love they sing indeed.

Tomorrow we may come this way, And take the hidden paths that run Towards the Moon or to the Sun

And that's the way of a real tale. Take any one that you're fond of. You may know, or guess, what kind of a tale it is, happy-ending or sad-ending, but the people in it don't know. And you don't want them to.

Farewell! O Gandalf! May you ever appear where you are most needed and least expected!

Why was I chosen?' 'Such questions cannot be answered,' said Gandalf. 'You may be sure that it was not for any merit that others do not possess. But you have been chosen, and you must therefore use such strength and heart and wits as you have.

And thou, Melkor, shalt see that no theme may be played that hath not its uttermost source in me, nor can any alter the music in my despite. For he that attempteth this shall prove but mine instrument in the devising of things more wonderful, which he himself hath not imagined.

Fair speech may hide a foul heart.

I can put it no plainer than by saying that Bilbo was meant to find the Ring, and not by its maker. In which case you also were meant to have it. And that may be an encouraging thought.

To crooked eyes truth may wear a wry face

May the hair on your toes never fall out!

But he that sows lies in the end shall not lack of a harvest, and soon he may rest from toil indeed, while others reap and sow in his stead.

Faithful heart may have froward tongue.

There are some things that it is better to begin than to refuse, even though the end may be dark.

May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out.

You may not like my burglar, but please don't damage him.

Now it is a strange thing, but things that are good to have and days that are good to spend are soon told about, and not much to listen to; while things that are uncomfortable, palpitating, and even gruesome, may make a good tale, and take a deal of telling anyway.

We may indeed in counsel point to the higher road, but we cannot compel any free creature to walk upon it. That leadeth to tyranny, which disfigureth good and maketh it seem hateful.