The premiere for the Prime Video series The Rings of Power is growing ever closer, and audiences are excited to get to know some of the ancestors of the Fellowship of the Ring from The Lord of the Rings trilogy. While the series will take place several thousand years before Frodo, Gimli, Aragorn, and the rest of the group were born, Harfoots (an ancestor race of hobbits), the dwarves of Moria, and the Númenoreans are all guaranteed to appear. This will let fans get to know their favorite characters' stories in a whole new light.
Until the series' highly anticipated release, fans of Tolkien's Middle-earth will have to content themselves with watching and rewatching Peter Jackson's film trilogy and possibly reading and rereading the original novels they are based on. The quotes from the members of the Fellowship from between the pages or on the screen can tell audiences all they need to know about these dynamic individuals, with some perfectly summing up who they are to their fictional friends and real-world fans.
Merry
"I Know You've Run Out. You Smoke Too Much, Pippin."
Merry and Pippin were often the comic relief of the Lord of the Rings movies, so it could sometimes be strange to see them in a genuinely heartfelt moment. However, Merry proved himself capable of sentiment and showed that he cared deeply for those around him.
When he and Pippin had to part ways, Merry presented him with what was left of the smoking tobacco from their home. While he would likely miss the remainder of his stores during his journey, he knew that Pippin was out. Merry's action and quote perfectly demonstrated his selfless and genuine care for his best friend.
Pippin
"What About Second Breakfast?"
Pippin exclaiming his dismay at the realization that his journey would not contain the number of meals that he was used to is not only iconic to the Lord of the Rings series but also perfectly sums up who Pippin is to the audience.
Pippin represented the Shire in which everyone has a peaceful heart, a joyful grin, and a full belly. He is more innocent and carefree than the rest of the Fellowship, even when things become so dark that no one can bear it. Pippin represented what the group was fighting for, and his comical question proved it.
Sam
"But In The End, It's Only A Passing Thing, This Shadow. Even Darkness Must Pass. A New Day Will Come. And When The Sun Shines, It Will Shine Out The Clearer."
Sam was the perfect companion for Frodo. The Ring dragged at the hobbit's soul to the point that he could hardly continue his quest, and if anyone other than this pure-hearted gardener had tried to support him, the quest would have likely failed.
While Sam was often nervous and unsure of himself, he had enduring goodness that always inspired those around him. As bad as things got, and as often as Frodo felt like never standing back up again, Sam was always there to remind him that brighter days were ahead.
Aragorn
"If By My Life Or Death I Can Protect You, I Will. You Have My Sword."
As the heir to the crown of Gondor, Aragorn would have been expected to have the hubris of his ancestors. Generations of mistakes had begun to define the race of men, but from the shadowy guise of a ranger rose a man who truly deserved the crown.
Aragorn was always selfless in his actions. He never wished for glory but only sought to protect his people. This is perfectly demonstrated by his vow to protect Frodo. While he knew the mission was likely doomed, he was prepared to give his life anyway, just like the historical kings that J.R.R. Tolkien used as inspiration for his character.
Boromir
"To Let That Fear Drive Us, To Destroy What Hope We Have — That Is Madness!"
Boromir was the most complicated member of the Fellowship. While the others were secure in their goodness, Boromir had to constantly work to determine the difference between what was right and what would guide his people from the darkness.
Unfortunately, Boromir represented how the strength of men often failed in LOTR. He was right when he told Frodo that fear should not lead them to make the wrong decision, but he did not realize that his fear led him to believe that the Ring could be used for good. Ultimately, Boromir's wish to do good while consistently making the wrong decision defined his character.
Legolas
"You Would Die Before Your Stroke Fell!"
Above all else, Legolas was loyal. When he joined the Fellowship, he saw it as his duty to protect the other members. This extended even to Gimli, whom he initially identified as someone he could never call a friend. All the same, he defended the dwarf when it was needed.
This ultimately showed Gimli that the elf was trustworthy, and the two joined Frodo and Sam as one of the most iconic duos of the series. Legolas may have frequently teased Gimli, but his quote proves that he would do anything to aid his companion.
Gimli
"Oh, Come On, We Can Take 'Em!"
Lord of the Rings fans know that dwarves are stubborn, enthusiastic, and extremely strong. This perfectly describes the dwarf of the Fellowship, Gimli. Where Aragorn and Legolas were often calm and collected, Gimli provided a more impulsive and energetic angle to their situations.
This created an effective balance. When Gimli and Aragorn saw a bridge covered in enemies, Gimli announced that they could take them on, quelling any reservations that Aragorn might have had.
Gandalf
"It Is Not Our Part To Master All The Tides Of The World, But To Do What Is In Us For the Succour Of Those Years Wherein We Are Set, Uprooting The Evil In The Fields That We Know So That Those Who Live After May Have A Clean Earth To Till."
While Gandalf is typically perceived as an old wizard, he is actually a member of a godlike race called the Maiar. Near the beginning of the Third Age, Gandalf came to Middle-earth in a form that would be perceived as harmless and trustworthy with the intent of helping men, dwarves, elves, and hobbits in the war to come.
Gandalf's quote from the LOTR books that was not in the movies perfectly represents Gandalf's mission. He is not there to create a better Age for himself or even to find any satisfaction in the general destruction of evil. His task is to create a better world for those who would live in it in the future, and this is a philosophy that he taught to Frodo.
Frodo
"I Will Take The Ring, Though I Do Not Know The Way."
Frodo was the least likely of choices for someone to take the One Ring to Mordor and ensure Sauron's destruction. He was not a warrior like Gimli or Legolas or a king like Aragorn. He was only a hobbit with no extraordinary talent other than his enduring spirit.
This was precisely why the task had to be his, and he knew it. Frodo saw how the Ring affected the people who held his respect, and he knew that if he did not volunteer, the world's destruction was guaranteed. What made Frodo the hobbit worthy of saving Middle-earth was the fact that he volunteered, despite not knowing how he would succeed.