Middle-earth Maxims

[Guinevere]

Great thread, Inziladun!
I love all Tolkien's "proverbs", "aphorisms" "sayings, general wisdoms or whatever you like to call them. They are so applicable!
Some years ago I started collecting them - I think it was the game in "quotable quotes" that started me on this.

And for many situations in everyday life one of these proverbs comes to my mind.

"Advice is a dangerous gift, even from the wise to the wise."

Gildor's answer to Frodo one is useful when friends ask for advice in very personal matters...

"Despair is only for those who see the end beyond all doubt."

"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us."

Gandalf's wisdom is always a comfort and encouragement in difficult times!

"It's the job that's never started as takes longest to finish"

I use the Gaffer's down-to-earth statement to remind myself, but also for my son who is a master of procrastination!

"For such is the way of it: to find and lose, as it seems to those whose boat is on the running stream."

I love Legolas' melancholy but poetical truth

"There are some things that it is better to begin than to refuse, even though the end may be dark."

Aragorn's words are an encouragement to me


Btw, have you checked out The Gaffer's Mixed-up Proverbs by Esty?