In under one month, The Rings of Power will premiere on Amazon Prime. It's the first live-action Middle-earth production since Peter Jackson's The Hobbit trilogy was released in the early 2010s. Amazon's show has some impressive-looking sets and visual effects, but fans still have limited insight into how the performances, story, and dialogue will turn out.
J.R.R. Tolkien's works have always had powerful themes running through them, and oftentimes his characters make statements of great wisdom. With The Lord of the Rings, Jackson - along with writers Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens - directly translated many of Tolkien's lines to the screen, but made tweaks on others and even invented a few quotes of their own. A great number of them are excellent words to live by and have stuck with fans for many years.
"There's Some Good In This World ... And It's Worth Fighting For!"
Samwise Gamgee In The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
Hopelessness is a terrible burden, and it often feels unavoidable. People can choose to overcome it, though, by focusing on the good in the world. Sam understands the importance of having this perspective throughout life. He shared that view with Frodo at the perfect time, just as Frodo was ready to give up all hope.
Latching on to the small beauties in the world makes it possible for hope to endure. No matter how bleak things appear or how difficult life becomes, maintaining a grasp on the good allows people to keep moving forward. It's a truth that's always important to remember.
"All We Have To Decide Is What To Do With The Time That's Given To Us."
Gandalf the Grey In The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
When Gandalf is unable to remember the way through Moria, the Fellowship is forced to wait while he contemplates their next move. Frodo comes up to Gandalf while they wait and has a discussion with him. He shares his grief with the fact that fate has chosen him to carry the Ring.
Gandalf's gentle reminder that people can only control their own responses, and not their circumstances, is one that all viewers can take to heart. This quote is also just one of many examples of why Gandalf is the best wizard in Middle-earth. Mithrandir knows that because life can be difficult, all anyone should be concerned with is giving their best effort to make choices they believe are right.
"It's A Dangerous Business, Frodo, Going Out Your Door."
Bilbo Baggins In The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
"...You step into the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to." Of the many quotes attributed to Bilbo, this little bit of advice he shared with Frodo was the wisest. It's so influential that Frodo even shares it with Sam on their journey across the Shire.
Taking risks in life and making steps toward adventure can be scary. They require wit and a clear set of goals, but if done properly there are wonderful new experiences to be had. On the other hand, when people are ill-prepared for the road ahead of them they might get lost along the way, ending up in an entirely different place than they intended.
"It Is No Bad Thing To Celebrate A Simple Life."
Bilbo Baggins In The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Unfortunately, there's no book containing a collection of Hobbit proverbs, but if there was one then this quote would definitely be in it. Hobbits live far different lives than the Big Folk and are often content with their quaint and slow-paced lifestyle.
In the real world, there's often pressure to stay busy and productive, even if it means sacrificing personal wellness. Bilbo's understanding of the importance of small pleasures is one that many people lack. There's great beauty in finding joy from a morning cup of coffee, in reading a book on a hammock, etc. Taking comfort in these things is nothing to look down on, but is rather something to honor.
"Even The Smallest Person Can Change The Course Of The Future."
Galadriel In The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
When Frodo learns of the great perils that carrying the Ring will bring, he grows full of doubt and fear. The concept of moving forward on his journey sounds impossible, and he wonders just how much he can actually accomplish.
Here is where Lady Galadriel proves how she is wise by sharing some excellent words with Frodo, reminding him that the stature of a person does not change their ability to make an impact. It's a great reminder for fans, as well. Anyone can make a difference in the world; they need only try.
"You Carry A Heavy Burden, Frodo. Don't Carry The Weight Of The Dead."
Boromir In The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
The death of Gandalf haunted the Fellowship for a long time after Moria, but they finally had time to truly dwell on it in Lothlórien. While on the edges of the realm, Boromir tells Frodo that Gandalf's death wasn't in vain and that it was not Frodo's fault.
The wisdom in Boromir's words lies in the idea that people shouldn't put undue pressure on themselves for circumstances that were beyond their control. Frodo wasn't directly responsible for Gandalf's death, so he shouldn't feel compelled to shoulder the blame. Instead, the right thing to do is to honor the wizard's life by continuing on.
"His Sense Of Duty Was No Less Than Yours, I Deem."
Faramir In The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
As Frodo and Sam near Mordor, they spot some Haradrim and Mûmakil. As they watch, a group of rangers attacks. A Harad falls near Frodo and Sam, and shortly after that Faramir approaches with his men. The Ringbearer asks Faramir to let them pass, citing that they have a common enemy.
Faramir realizes things are not as plain as that. Oftentimes enemies are simply regular people and are the pawns of those that are more powerful. There are few differences between soldiers of one army or another. It's beautiful that instead of blindly labeling him as evil, he instead considers what his name might have been, or where he was from, and if he would have rather stayed home in peace.
"You Cannot Always Be Torn In Two ... Your Part In The Story Will Go On."
Frodo Baggins In The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
It should come as no surprise that Sam was heartbroken when Frodo left Middle-earth for the Undying Lands. Sam was extremely loyal to Frodo, and the two of them were near inseparable for many years. But Frodo reminds Sam that there's so much more to life to look forward to.
People can easily get trapped in feelings of disappointment when good things come to an end, but keeping an eye out for other beauties in life is a must. Remembering that the story will go on gives people an entirely new perspective on life, one that is full of hope for the future rather than sorrow for what has passed.
"A Generous Deed Should Not Be Checked With Cold Council."
Faramir In The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Pippin felt a fool after offering his service to Denethor, and as he talks to himself about how silly he was he is approached by Faramir. The son of Denethor tells him he was right to offer his service, and should not be ashamed of his authentic desire to help.
People who struggle with self-doubt can take great comfort in Faramir's words. There's a certain sense of nobility in the very act of offering service to someone else, whether or not it's needed. When individuals diminish their own acts of goodwill, it does nothing but harm.
"Do Not Be Too Eager To Deal Out Death In Judgment."
Gandalf the Grey In The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Gandalf may have given Frodo great comfort during their conversation in Moria, but he also shared this hard truth. Frodo had wished Bilbo would've killed Gollum many years earlier, but Gandalf knew that was arrogant and short-sighted. The perspective one person has is often incomplete.
Gandalf ends by saying, "Even the very wise cannot see all ends." It takes great wisdom and humility for an individual to admit they don't know everything for certain. Willingness to be open to different options and ideas requires a great deal of courage, but it almost always ends up proving to be the right choice.