Being a cheerful hobbit, he had not needed hope, as long as despair could be postponed. (Of Sam)

Supernatural is a dangerous and difficult word in any of its senses, looser or stricter. But to fairies it can hardly be applied, unless super is taken merely as a superlative prefix. For it is man who is, in contrast to fairies, supernatural; whereas they are natural, far more natural than he. Such is their doom.

I give you this toast: To the Hobbits. May they outlast the Sarumans and see spring again in the trees.

But do not despise the lore that has come down from distant years; for oft it may chance that old wives keep in memory word of things that once were needful for the wise to know.

It never does to leave a live Dragon out of the equation.

But he that sows lies in the end shall not lack of a harvest, and soon he may rest from toil indeed, while others reap and sow in his stead.

It is useless to meet revenge with revenge; it will heal nothing.