But this is terrible!" cried Frodo. "Far worse than the…
““But this is terrible!" cried Frodo. "Far worse than the worst that I imagined from your hints and warnings. O Gandalf, best of friends, what am I to do? For now I am really afraid. What am I to do? What a pity that Bilbo did not stab that vile creature, when he had a chance!" "Pity? It was Pity that stayed his hand. Pity, and Mercy: not to strike without need. And he has been well rewarded, Frodo. Be sure that he took so little hurt from the evil, and escaped in the end, because he began his ownership of the Ring so. With Pity." "I am sorry," said Frodo. "But I am frightened; and I do not feel any pity for Gollum.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Compassion and mercy temper justice; even when faced with evil, restraint can be noble.
In simple terms: Mercy over vengeance; restraint is noble.
Key Takeaway
Practice compassion even toward adversaries.
Themes
compassion
justice
restraint
Mood
dramatic
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- conflict resolution
- leadership
- personal moral dilemmas
Key Concepts
ethics
literature
heroism
Questions to Reflect On
- When is mercy appropriate?
- What costs does compassion incur?
A Different Perspective
Mercy may be seen as weakness.