
Thursday, July 3, 2025
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.
Advertisement
recommended articles

12 Quotes About Making Big Changes Later in Life
Bidding farewell to the familiar and embracing change is always difficult to some degree, especially later in life once we’ve...
Advertisement
More hope inspiration