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The Fellowship of the Ring
I am about halfway through the book and wanted to note a few of my favorite parts before I start forgetting too much. So far, I've come across one of my favorite quotes from the movies:
Frodo: I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.
Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides the will of evil. Bilbo was meant to find the Ring. In which case, you were also meant to have it. And that is an encouraging thought.
Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides the will of evil. Bilbo was meant to find the Ring. In which case, you were also meant to have it. And that is an encouraging thought.
If I'm remembering correctly, this conversation happens before the Mines of Moria in the movie, but in the book, it takes place before Frodo even leaves the Shire. The quote also differs slightly:
“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo.
“So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us. And already, Frodo, our time is beginning to look black…”
“So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us. And already, Frodo, our time is beginning to look black…”
The quote continues with more about the situation occurring in Middle-earth. They also have the conversation about pity being what stayed Bilbo’s hand, but it takes place in a separate part of their conversation.
In the same chapter, Frodo describes Gandalf after seeing him again after some time. He describes his face as “more lined with care and wisdom.” In an age where people desperately cling to looking youthful, it was so pleasant to read such a beautiful way of describing wrinkles.
Generally, I am so enchanted by the way Tolkien writes. I worried I wouldn’t enjoy the books after so many years of hearing that they are a hard read due to how “exhaustive” or “dry” his writing style is. What a relief to not only enjoy his writing but also find myself completely lost in it, feeling almost as though I myself am in a magical world!
Speaking of magic, getting to finally know who Tom Bombadil is was nothing short of magical. I can already tell I will enjoy a second or third read of this part of the books to absorb more from it. Fittingly for Tom’s character, I feel there is knowledge there beyond my comprehension.
Merry's character is so much richer in the books so far, and I can't wait to see more of him.
I've also finally met Strider, who is just as charming in the books. I’m very eager to continue reading and, hopefully, better articulate how truly special the writing feels.