Skip to content

I felt that something horrible was near from the moment…

“I felt that something horrible was near from the moment that my foot first touched the water,' said Frodo. 'What was that thing, or were there many of them?' 'I do not know,' answered Gandalf; 'but the arms were all guided by one purpose. Something has crept, or has been driven out of dark waters…” quote by J.R.R. Tolkien
Download Open image
““I felt that something horrible was near from the moment that my foot first touched the water,' said Frodo. 'What was that thing, or were there many of them?' 'I do not know,' answered Gandalf; 'but the arms were all guided by one purpose. Something has crept, or has been driven out of dark waters under the mountains. There are older and fouler things than Orcs in the deep places of the world.' He did not speak aloud his thought that whatever it was that dwelt in the lake, it had seized upon Frodo first among all the Company.””

J.R.R. Tolkien

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

An ancient, unseen menace lurks beneath the surface, hinting at primordial evils older than the known monsters of the world.

In simple terms: A deep, ancient threat is emerging.

Key Takeaway

Older, darker forces exist beyond current understanding.

Themes

mythology danger unknown ancient evil adventure

Mood

foreboding mysterious

Type

narrative mythic

When to use this quote

  • exploring uncharted caves
  • investigating mysterious phenomena
  • facing hidden personal fears

Key Concepts

cosmic horror the unknown

Practical Applications

  • remain vigilant in unfamiliar places
  • prepare for unseen challenges

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the 'deep water' symbolize in our lives?
  • How do we confront fears that are only hinted at?
A Different Perspective

The passage may dramatize fear, but such threats are often symbolic rather than literal.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by J.R.R. Tolkien

Explore all 857 J.R.R. Tolkien quotes

More Dark water quotes

Browse all 92 Dark water quotes