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And some things that should not have been forgotten were lost. History became legend. Legend became myth. And for two and a half thousand years, the ring passed out of all knowledge.
J. R. R. Tolkien
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects on the nature of history and how significant events can fade into obscurity, transforming into myth over time.

This quote by J. R. R. Tolkien highlights the transient nature of history and knowledge. It suggests that important truths can be forgotten as they are passed down through generations, morphing from factual history into legendary narratives and ultimately into myth. This transformation emphasizes the fragility of memory and the way stories evolve over time, often losing their original context and meaning.

Themes

HistoryMythLegendMemoryTruth

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a presentation on the importance of preserving history in education.

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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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