There’s no beating around the bush: The Lord of the Rings is the best work of fantasy in existence. J.R.R. Tolkien’s rich, deeply layered world is second to none in the genre. It practically begs to be adapted for a visual medium like film, and thankfully, we have Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy to scratch that itch. While Jackson’s audacious movies aren’t a perfect, page-by-page adaptation of Tolkien’s legendary novel, they’re still a thoroughly enjoyable watch (and faithful in capturing the spirit of Middle-earth).
Jackson’s trilogy is also chock-full of iconic quotes. Some of them are plucked from Tolkien’s work, albeit recontextualized, shortened for brevity, and/or given to different characters. The trilogy’s single greatest quote is in the first film, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, and even 25 years later, it’s still unmatched by anything in fantasy.
The Mirror of Galadriel Sees the Past, the Present, and the Future
In The Fellowship of the Ring, Frodo Baggins and the Fellowship stay in Lothlórien. While the Fellowship sleeps, Galadriel invites Frodo to gaze into her Mirror. Here, one can view visions of “things that were, things that are, and some things that have not yet come to pass.” Curiosity gets the better of Frodo, so he takes a gander. Frodo sees Sauron’s victory and a Middle-earth in peril, including Samwise Gamgee, among others, in chains. Then, the Eye of Sauron appears, pulling at the One Ring chained around Frodo’s neck. Thankfully, Frodo yanks it away and tumbles backward, which breaks its hold on the Ring.
Galadriel remarks that she knows what Frodo saw in the Mirror – a dark future which will come to fruition if Frodo fails his mission. Feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders, Frodo offers the Ring to Galadriel. After a terrifying display of what Dark Queen Galadriel might look like, the Lady of Lórien ultimately resists the Ring. Her demeanor softens as she reminds Frodo that he alone was “appointed” to do this task. Frodo admits he’s afraid, impelling Galadriel to make fantasy quote history:
“Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.”
Does This Quote Exist in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ Book?
Like a good chunk of the dialogue, the quote, as amazing as it is, doesn’t exist in Tolkien’s seminal work. Interestingly, Galadriel’s dialogue preceding this line is actually from Elrond in “The Council of Elrond” chapter of The Fellowship of the Ring, which is about Frodo’s destiny as a Ring-bearer. If he can’t save Middle-earth, no one can.
Even someone as small as a Hobbit can make an impact. Galadriel’s encouragement serves as a catalyst for our protagonist’s journey. It adds fuel to his fire. Of course, seeing the future in the Mirror of Galadriel undoubtedly put things into perspective for Frodo. This is much, much bigger than him. There’s another quote from “The Council of Elrond” that’s potentially the basis for Galadriel’s memorable one-liner:
“‘At least for a while,’ said Elrond. ‘The road must be trod, but it will be very hard. And neither strength nor wisdom will carry us far upon it. This quest may be attempted by the weak with as much hope as the strong. Yet such is oft the course of deeds that move the wheels of the world: small hands do them because they must, while the eyes of the great are elsewhere.'”
“Small hands do them because they must,” and “This quest may be attempted by the weak with as much hope as the strong,” certainly seem like inspiration for that quote. Regardless, it’s a motivational line that feels more resonant today than ever. It doesn’t matter how “big” you are, or how powerful you are – like Frodo, you, too, can change the course of the future.
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