J.R.R. Tolkien used myth and language not just to build a fantasy world, but also to explore deeply human truths about love, loss, and courage. This line appears near the end of “The Return of the King,” the final book in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, as Gandalf bids a gentle farewell to his friends. Tolkien acknowledges the value of sorrow and suggests tears are not a sign of weakness but a reflection of meaningful connection. In our own lives, this sentiment invites us to honor our grief rather than push it aside. Not all pain is harmful — sometimes it signifies the depth of what we’ve cherished.