“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.”

From: Gandalf the Grey

Genre: Movies/Books

Who said it?: The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the first chapter of the Lord of the Ring trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring. The story is all about Frodo Baggins, who becomes the bearing of the One Ring and his and his party’s quest to travel to Mordor to destroy it before the Dark Lord Sauron can get his hands on it.

The quote comes during the middle of the film. The party tries to take a shortcut through the mines of Moria, only to discover that the place has been overrun by Orcs and Trolls. Frodo (played by Elijah Wood) notices someone following them. Galdalf comments that it is Gollum, the former owner of the One Ring, who has become obsessed by the Ring’s power. Frodo despairs and wishes he had never come across the item in the first place. This is when Gandalf delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: It is so easy to fall into desperation and despair during troubled times and it is also easy to wallow in the feeling of hopelessness of the situation. But the worst thing you can do during troubling times is do nothing. Whatever the situation is and no matter how dire, there is always something you can do about it. All you have to do is take action.

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“Come on, Mr. Frodo. I can’t carry it for you… but I can carry you!”

From: Samwise “Sam” Gamgee

Genre: Movies/Books

Who said it?: The Lord of The Rings: The Return of the King

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the final entry of The Lord of The Rings, The Return of the King. The final chapter closes out Frodo Baggins and his friend Samwise “Sam” Gamgee’s trial/adventure to take the One Ring into Mordor to destroy it by tossing it into the fires of Mount Doom.

The quote comes from near the end of the movie but somewhere in the middle of the book. Frodo and Sam (played in the films by Elijah Wood and Sean Astin, respectively) have entered Mordor and are making the trek to the top of Mount Doom. Tired and exhausted, Frodo collapses. Sam tried to comfort his comrade by telling him about their home. The Shire. However, Frodo only feels paranoia from carrying the One Ring for so long. Sam then makes his decision on how they should press on…

Geek wisdom: You don’t have to go through hardships all by yourself. Friends will support you whenever you have a heavy burden to carry. They may not be able to solve the problem or completely take the load off. However, true friends will be there for you to assist you in whatever way they can.