J.R.R. Tolkien

Lord of the Rings

Modern influential 72 sayings

Sayings by J.R.R. Tolkien

The last person to call me 'Master' was a hobbit, and he was quite wrong.

Approx. 1960s — Interview / Anecdote (often attributed, source difficult to pinpoint exactly)
Humorous Unverifiable

It is not the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit.

1954 — The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings)
Humorous Unverifiable

I am not a hero. I am a hobbit.

1937 — The Hobbit
Humorous Unverifiable

Gandalf! If you don't come back, I'm going to have to do something about this. And I don't want to.

1954 — The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings)
Humorous Unverifiable

Never laugh at live dragons, Bilbo you fool!

1937 — The Hobbit
Humorous Unverifiable

Still, I am glad that I am not an Orc.

1954 — The Two Towers (The Lord of the Rings)
Humorous Unverifiable

I have a peculiar feeling that if I were to ask for a cup of tea, I would get a cup of tea. And that is a very dangerous feeling.

1937 — The Hobbit
Humorous Unverifiable

I have a hatred of democracy, and a contempt for it.

1943 — Letter to his son Christopher
Controversial Unverifiable

The Nazis have corrupted and ruined the noble northern spirit.

1941 — Letter to his son Michael
Controversial Unverifiable

I am in fact a Hobbit (in all but size).

1958 — Letter to Deborah Webster
Controversial Unverifiable

The invention of the atomic bomb is a disaster for the world.

1945 — Letter to his son Christopher
Controversial Unverifiable

I cordially dislike allegory in all its manifestations.

1966 — Foreword to The Lord of the Rings
Controversial Unverifiable