After all, I believe that legends and myths are largely made of 'truth'.
Interpretation
Legends and myths often contain elements of truth and reality.
J. R. R. Tolkien's quote suggests that while legends and myths may be fantastical, they are rooted in truths about human experience and understanding. These narratives, though exaggerated or fictionalized, often reflect real emotions, values, and lessons that resonate across cultures and time, serving to connect people through shared stories and wisdom.
In practice
In a speech about storytelling, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of narratives in conveying truths.
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?
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.
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!
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)
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.
Alive without breath, As cold as death; Never thirsty, ever drinking, All in mail never clinking.
Simplicity is the essence of universality.
I am often mad, but I would hate to be nothing but mad: and I think I would lose what little value I may have as a writer if I were to refuse, as a matter of principle, to accept the warming rays of the sun, and to report them, whenever, and if ever, they
To be mad is to feel with excruciating intensity the sadness and joy of a time which has not arrived or has already been.
May I not come before You with empty hands, since we are rewarded according to our deeds.
Foreign Assistance is not an end in itself. The purpose of aid must be to create the conditions where it's no longer need.
But I believe above all that I wanted to build the palace of my memory, because my memory is my only homeland.
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