Tolkien Proverbs

My book, The Proverbs of Middle-earth, came out 6 months before my publisher folded, so since then I’ve self-published – dependent on word of mouth. It’s done very well. My original goal was to sell 2000 – I’m now at 3202. Buy one! Direct or via Amazon. goo.gl/i26f4x

I have some extra copies of my book burning a metaphorical hole in my bookshelf, so… PRICE REDUCTION – $10 each! or BOGOF – $15 for two! (Cost of shipping will vary depending on where you are...) All books can be signed/dedicated/annotated/whatever. DM me for details!

I've always admired those who are "not on anybody's side" – Ents, Eagles, Drúedain, Beorn, Bombadil... even, in their own way, Shire-hobbits and Breelanders. They want to be left alone: to be bound more by friendship than by fealty. I wonder if that instinct was Tolkien's own.

Ill it is to be trapped between the Doom of the Valar & the Malice of the Enemy. TUOR.

Not in all lands is it safe to hunt, be the game never so plentiful. TUOR.

Do as thy heart and valour lead thee. ULMO.

In the armour of Fate there is ever a rift, & in the walls of Doom a breach. ULMO.

Through darkness one may come to the light. GELMIR.

The days of an outlaw are numbered. NARRATOR.

And so, farewell to the Silmarillion! Next comes proverbs from Unfinished Tales – Tolkien’s wonderful later narratives and essays…

Many are the strange chances of the world. GANDALF.

Help oft shall come from the hands of the weak when the Wise falter. GANDALF.

'Seeing is both good and perilous' says Galadriel – but it is Denethor who proves this proverb. He sees much, but when his need of knowledge outstrips his judgement, Sauron can use the palantir to directly influence his perception. Denethor still sees much, but he sees crooked.

Great kings do not brook denials, and take what is their due. SAURON.

For blood ye shall render blood. MANDOS.

Illuvatar does not plant to no purpose. NARRATOR.

Go whither love leads you. GWINDOR.

He that seeth through Morgoth's eyes seeth all things crooked. MELIAN.

Luthien Tinuviel more fair than mortal tongue can tell. BEREN.

Swords and their counsels have two edges. MELIAN.

Maybe there is woe enough yet to come, though still hope may seem bright. GALADRIEL.