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Then Morgoth stretching out his long arm towards Dor-lomin cursed Hurin and Morwen and their offspring, saying: 'Behold! The shadow of my thought shall lie upon them wherever they go, and my hate shall pursue them to the ends of the world.
J. R. R. Tolkien
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects the lasting impact of malice and the inescapability of a curse.

This powerful statement by Morgoth encapsulates the theme of fate and the inescapable nature of one's legacy, particularly the burdensome curse placed upon Hurin and Morwen. It highlights the idea that malevolent thoughts and actions can cast a long shadow over future generations, showing how deeply one person's hatred can affect the lives of many, emphasizing the struggle against predestined misfortune.

Themes

CurseLegacyHatredDestinyFate

In practice

Example use cases

During a discussion on the impact of familial curses in literature.

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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!
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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)
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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.
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Alive without breath, As cold as death; Never thirsty, ever drinking, All in mail never clinking.
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