QuoteProject
And she looked at him and saw the grave tenderness in his eyes, and yet knew, for she was bred among men of war, that here was one whom no Rider of the Mark could outmatch in battle.
J. R. R. Tolkien
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote illustrates the deep emotional connection and respect between two individuals, highlighting strength and vulnerability.

In this quote, J.R.R. Tolkien captures a moment of profound understanding and admiration between two characters. The woman perceives the strength and bravery in the man’s eyes, acknowledging his unmatched prowess in battle, while also sensing the deep tenderness he possesses. This duality of fierce strength paired with gentle emotion portrays a complex character who embodies both martial prowess and deep empathetic love, showcasing how strength and sensitivity can coexist.

Themes

LoveStrengthTendernessRespectWar

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be used in a romantic setting to illustrate the beauty of love that encompasses both strength and vulnerability.

More from J. R. R. Tolkien

All the same, I should like it all plain and clear," said he obstinately, putting on his business manner (usually reserved for people who tried to borrow money off him), and doing his best to appear wise and prudent and professional and live up to Gandalf's recommendation. "Also I should like to know about risks, out-of-pocket expenses, time required and remuneration, and so forth"--by which he meant: "What am I going to get out of it ? and am I going to come back alive?
J. R. R. TolkienRead
Go not to the Elves for counsel,_x000D_ for they will say both no and yes._x000D_ Elves seldom give unguarded advice,_x000D_ for advice is a dangerous gift,_x000D_ even from the wise to the wise,_x000D_ and all courses may run ill.
J. R. R. TolkienRead
What did I tell you, Mr. Pippin?' said Sam, sheathing his sword. 'Wolves won't get him. That was an eye-opener, and no mistake! Nearly singed the hair off my head!
J. R. R. TolkienRead
Under the Mountain dark and tall The King has come unto his hall! His foe is dead, the Worm of Dread, And ever so his foes shall fall. The sword is sharp, the spear is long, The arrow swift, the Gate is strong; The heart is bold that looks on gold; The dwarves no more shall suffer wrong. The dwarves of yore made mighty spells, While hammers fells like ringing bells In places deep, where dark things sleep, In hollow halls beneath the fells. -from The Hobbit (Dwarves Battle Song)
J. R. R. TolkienRead
The chief purpose of life, for any of us, is to increase according to our capacity our knowledge of God by all means we have, and to be moved by it to praise and thanks.
J. R. R. TolkienRead
Alive without breath, As cold as death; Never thirsty, ever drinking, All in mail never clinking.
J. R. R. TolkienRead

Similar quotes

The people who help us grow toward true self offer unconditional love, neither judging us to be deficient nor trying to force us to change but accepting us exactly as we are. And yet this unconditional love does not lead us to rest on our laurels. Instead, it surrounds us with a charged force field that makes us want to grow from the inside out - a force field that is safe enough to take the risks and endure the failures that growth requires.
Parker J. PalmerRead
He's all my exercise, my mirth, my matter.
William ShakespeareRead
Her body calculated to a millimeter to suggest a bud yet guarantee a flower.
F. Scott FitzgeraldRead
Love in all eight tones and all five semitones of the word's full octave.
Stephen FryRead
What is this terror? what is this ecstasy? he thought to himself. What is it that fills me with this extraordinary excitement? It is Clarissa, he said. For there she was.
Virginia WoolfRead
For thou hast given me in this beauteous face A world of earthly blessings to my soul, If sympathy of love unite our thoughts.
William ShakespeareRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.