"There can be no triumph without loss. No victory without suffering. No freedom without sacrifice."
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
My friends, you bow to no one.
— Aragorn
Context:
During his coronation as King of Gondor, the four hobbits bow to Aragorn. He stops them and instead bows to them, and the entire crowd follows suit, honoring them for their role in saving Middle-earth.
Meaning:
This quote encapsulates the humility and respect Aragorn has for the hobbits. It signifies that true heroism is not about status or power, but about courage and sacrifice, and that the smallest of beings can be the most heroic of all.
I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you!
— Samwise Gamgee
Context:
On the slopes of Mount Doom, Frodo collapses, unable to go any further. Sam, seeing that he cannot take the Ring from Frodo, chooses to carry his friend up the final stretch of the mountain.
Meaning:
This is a powerful expression of Sam's unwavering loyalty and love for Frodo. It demonstrates that even when the burden of the Ring is too great for Frodo to bear, Sam will not let him fail, and will literally carry him to his destination.
I am no man.
— Éowyn
Context:
During the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, Éowyn confronts the Witch-king of Angmar. When he boasts that no living man can kill him, she removes her helmet and declares her identity before striking the fatal blow.
Meaning:
This quote is a powerful statement of female empowerment and a subversion of traditional gender roles in a male-dominated world. Éowyn reveals her true identity as a woman to the Witch-king, who had been prophesied not to be killed by any man.
A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day.
— Aragorn
Context:
Aragorn delivers this speech to his army at the Black Gate of Mordor, just before they charge into a seemingly unwinnable battle to distract Sauron and give Frodo a chance to destroy the Ring.
Meaning:
This is a rousing and inspirational speech that embodies the theme of hope in the face of overwhelming odds. Aragorn acknowledges the possibility of failure and despair, but resolutely declares that they will not give in, and will fight for what they believe in.
The journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take.
— Gandalf
Context:
As the battle for Minas Tirith rages, a terrified Pippin speaks with Gandalf about the fear of death. Gandalf calmly offers these words of wisdom to comfort the young hobbit.
Meaning:
This quote offers a comforting and philosophical perspective on death. Gandalf reassures Pippin that death is not an end, but a transition to another plane of existence, reflecting Tolkien's own Christian beliefs about the afterlife.