Middle-earth Maxims - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Inziladun · 11-08-2008, 10:50 PM

There is possibly a similar thread buried somewhere among these ancient barrows, but I didn't see one. I hope also that I have placed this correctly.
Being a great admirer of the linguistic style of the books, and having read LOTR, The Silmarillion, and Unfinished Tales more times than I could say, phrases from the books sometimes come into my mind as I'm going about daily business.
The one that I think of the most is from UT, Túrin's words to Androg at Amon Rûdh:

Quote:

Why must you speak your thoughts? Silence, if fair words stick in your throat, would serve all our ends better.

No doubt that one has kept me out of serious trouble at one time or another.
There are other sayings of a non-Tolkien nature, I'm sure, that carry the same sentiment. What I was wondering is this: Do certain lines from the books occur to you on a regular basis as helpful proverbs?

Morthoron · 11-09-2008, 07:13 AM

I prefer the profound witticisms of the renowned sage Hamfast 'Gaffer' Gamgee"

"It's an ill wind as blows nobody no good, as I always say. And All's well as ends Better!"

"Where there's life there's hope, and need of vittles. "

"Make it short, and then you won't have to cut it short before you can use it [referring to names]."

"I don't hold with wearing ironmongery whether it wear well or no."

"The servant has a claim on the master for service, even service in fear. "

"Elves and Dragons! I says to him. Cabbages and potatoes are better for me and you."

"Don't go getting mixed up in the business of your betters, or you'll land in trouble too big for you."

And now that I am on the subject, I would just like to espouse my firmest opinion that the Gaffer was yet another Tolkien character that Peter Jackson slighted in his films.

Tuor in Gondolin · 11-09-2008, 07:44 AM

"Never laugh at live dragons."

Elmo · 11-09-2008, 08:46 AM

"malice that wakes in the morning is the mirth of Morgoth ere night."

Gwathagor · 11-09-2008, 12:24 PM

"Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger."

Ibrîniðilpathânezel · 11-09-2008, 12:45 PM

"Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment."

Not that I've wanted to kill people on a daily basis

, but a point well made, that justice and judgment are not things to be handed out rashly, for people and situations are often more complex than we know.

11-09-2008, 07:13 AM	#2
Morthoron Curmudgeonly Wordwraith Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Ensconced in curmudgeonly pursuits Posts: 2,509	I prefer the profound witticisms of the renowned sage Hamfast 'Gaffer' Gamgee" "It's an ill wind as blows nobody no good, as I always say. And All's well as ends Better!" "Where there's life there's hope, and need of vittles. " "Make it short, and then you won't have to cut it short before you can use it [referring to names]." "I don't hold with wearing ironmongery whether it wear well or no." "The servant has a claim on the master for service, even service in fear. " "Elves and Dragons! I says to him. Cabbages and potatoes are better for me and you." "Don't go getting mixed up in the business of your betters, or you'll land in trouble too big for you." And now that I am on the subject, I would just like to espouse my firmest opinion that the Gaffer was yet another Tolkien character that Peter Jackson slighted in his films. __________________ And your little sister's immaculate virginity wings away on the bony shoulders of a young horse named George who stole surreptitiously into her geography revision.

11-09-2008, 07:44 AM	#3
Tuor in Gondolin Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Southeast Pennsylvania Posts: 3,651	"Never laugh at live dragons." __________________ The poster formerly known as Tuor of Gondolin. Walking To Rivendell and beyond 12,555 miles passed Nt./Day 5: Pass the beacon on Nardol, the 'Fire Hill.'

11-09-2008, 08:46 AM	#4
Elmo Pittodrie Poltergeist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: trying to find that warm and winding lane again Posts: 633	"malice that wakes in the morning is the mirth of Morgoth ere night." __________________ As Beren looked into her eyes within the shadows of her hair, The trembling starlight of the skies he saw there mirrored shimmering.

11-09-2008, 12:24 PM	#5
Gwathagor Shade with a Blade Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: A Rainy Night In Soho Posts: 2,512	"Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger." __________________ Stories and songs.

11-09-2008, 12:45 PM	#6
Ibrîniðilpathânezel Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Back on the Helcaraxe Posts: 733	"Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment." Not that I've wanted to kill people on a daily basis , but a point well made, that justice and judgment are not things to be handed out rashly, for people and situations are often more complex than we know. __________________ Call me Ibrin (or Ibri) :) Originality is the one thing that unoriginal minds cannot feel the use of. — John Stewart Mill