The story of The Lord of The Rings is in many ways about the toll that power can take on a mortal being and how that power can affect other people far and wide. Throughout the series, audiences can see just how certain characters deal with the power given to them, either rising to the occasion or becoming corrupted.
The characters within the trilogy are not unaware of this theme running through their lives and often comment on the idea of power itself. As such, the film franchise has left its viewers with some interesting quotes when it comes to contemplating the effect of power on each and every one of us.
A Prophecy Of Hope
"From The Ashes, A Fire Shall Be Woken. A Light From The Shadow Shall Spring. Renewed Shall Be The Blade That Was Broken. The Crownless Shall Again Be King." — Arwen.
Though hope often seems lost, Aragorn's true love Arwen reminds any that would listen that still a glimmer of hope remains--and that hope is power so long as it burns bright. She prophesies what will soon happen in Aragorn's life, leading to the salvation of Middle-Earth itself.
Aragorn's character arc in the films grows better with time and is aided by Arwen's belief in his ultimate destiny to regain the throne of Gondor. It is her unrelenting hope that motivates him to keep going, giving him the power to achieve his fate.
The Wrong Hands
"A Thousand Years This City Has Stood, And Now At The Whim Of A Madman It Will Fall." — Gandalf.
Denethor is one of the most despised characters in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, though the character is made somewhat more sympathetic in the films. Lamenting how the power of his station combined with the grief of Boromir's recent loss, Gandalf calls out Denethor's madness that would spell doom for Gondor.
Denethor's rule, Gandalf suggests, is symbolic of just how fickle power can be. While in the right hands, great feats can be accomplished. However, should the wrong people attain great power, there is no telling what devastation may be wrought by their misuse.
An Avalanche
"The Coming Of Merry And Pippin Will Be Like The Falling Of Small Stones That Starts An Avalanche In The Mountains." — Gandalf.
A recurring theme in Lord of the Rings is the might that even the smallest person can have on a grand scale. Gandalf the White seems to recognize this, as he prophesies that the hobbits Merry and Pippin will set off a chain of events that will lead to the fall of Saruman and Isengard.
Gandalf was not mistaken in his foretelling of Isengard's fall. Though they started small, the two hobbits managed to garner a force mighty enough to bring Saruman's rule to a sudden and complete end. This victory proved to be the first of many that would eventually lead to Sauron's final defeat.
Absolute Power Corrupts
"The Hearts Of Men Are Easily Corrupted, And The Ring Of Power Has A Mind Of Its Own." — Galadriel.
The Ring of Power tests each of its bearers, corrupting most of them before long. As Galadriel tells the audience, Men are far too easily corrupted by power of any kind and are thereby helpless when faced with the absolute power that Sauron's Ring holds.
This line sets the stage early on in the trilogy that most Men will disappoint when appointed with the power they seek. Beginning with Isildur, the trilogy features different men who deal with their respective power in different ways, most of whom ultimately fail in the duties that come with such power.
The Power Of Courage
"A Day May Come When The Courage Of Men Fails, When We Forsake Our Friends And All Bonds Of Fellowship, But It Is Not This Day." — Aragorn.
Aragorn's faith is a distinguishing character trait throughout the franchise, though it is put to the test at the Black Gate. After being told that Frodo and Sam had failed, he chooses to press onward with the hope that they may yet succeed, rallying his troops with an inspiring speech.
In a moment where it seemed as though Sauron may have won, Aragorn harnesses the hope and courage within his men to fight on once more. Though they had no way of knowing it, their courage allowed Frodo and Sam to succeed after all, saving Middle-Earth.
Not Easily Shared
"There Is Only One Lord Of The Ring, Only One Who Can Bend It To His Will, And He Does Not Share Power." — Gandalf.
Once power is attained, one will find it incredibly difficult to share that might. Gandalf reminds the young Frodo Baggins that the power the Ring professes to give truly belongs to Sauron, who will not share this power with anyone, no matter if they bear the Ring or not.
Gandalf's words are a haunting reminder of the true power behind the Ring. Though each bearer is seduced by its influence, the Ring ultimately is an extension of Sauron himself. The power it provides is merely a passing promise from a malevolent spirit with poor intentions.
Power In Judgement
"Do Not Be So Eager To Deal Out Death In Judgement. Even The Very Wise Cannot See All Ends." — Gandalf.
When discussing the merits of Bilbo Baggins leaving the wretched Gollum alive, Gandalf the Grey reminds Frodo that, simply because one has the power to take a life, does not mean that they should. He makes the point that justice is often not for any one person to decide in the heat of the moment.
Though Frodo did not understand it yet, his uncle's mercy toward Gollum would decide the fate of Middle-Earth itself. For, when he could not bring himself to destroy the Ring, it was Gollum's meddling that led to it falling into the fires of Mount Doom. In the end, Bilbo's mercy had the greatest power of all.
Weak Men Want Power
"Nine Rings Were Gifted To The Race Of Men Who Above All Things Desire Power." — Galadriel.
The Men of Middle-Earth often prove disappointing when appointed with power. This seems to be the view of Galadriel when, in the trilogy's opening monologue, she reveals that the races of Men desire power above anything else--and are willing to do anything to get it.
Men throughout the trilogy seek out power which they have no idea what to do with. Because they desire power and not the good such power can bring, Men find themselves corrupted by what they seek, misusing that which they had devoted their lives to attain.
Good And Evil
"There Are Many Powers In This World, Both For Good And For Evil. Some Are Greater Than I Am, And Against Some I Have Not Yet Been Tested." — Gandalf.
As one of the most powerful characters in The Lord of the Rings, Gandalf has a surprisingly good perspective of just what he is capable of. In a reflection that displays his humility and strength, Gandalf acknowledges that there are powers mightier than he in Middle-Earth.
Gandalf's recognition of his own limitations sets him apart from the other characters in Middle-Earth. Though he is mighty, he understands that he is not all-powerful, nor should he be. It is this humility that keeps him from taking the Ring for himself when Frodo offers it, and which helps him save Middle-Earth itself.
Size Matters Not
"Even The Smallest Person Can Change The Course Of The Future." — Galadriel.
Though they were perhaps the most unlikely heroes of Middle-Earth, it was four hobbits that ultimately brought about the Fourth Age, saving their land from the evil Sauron. In a time of doubt, Galadriel reminded them that it wasn't their size that dictated how big an impact they could have on their world.
While hobbits are often underestimated by the other races of Middle-Earth, they often prove to be the most powerful beings when the need arises, for their power lies in their hearts rather than in physical strength. In the end, it is the strength of the hobbits' character that ultimately saves their home-- and Middle-Earth.