Trees Quote by J. R. R. Tolkein
““Then the Unlight of Ungoliant rose up even to the roots of the trees, and Melkor sprang upon the mound; and with his black spear he smote each Tree to its core, wounded them deep, and their sap poured forth as it were their blood, and was spilled upon the ground. But Ungoliant sucked it up, and going then from Tree to Tree she set her black beak to their wounds, till they were drained; and the poison of Death that was in her went into their tissues and withered them, root, branch, and leaf; and they died. And still she thirsted, and going to the Wells of Varda she drank them dry; but Ungoliant belched forth black vapours as she drank, and swelled to a shape so vast and hideous that Melkor was afraid.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Silmarillion, 1977
Melkor’s assault on the Two Trees shows how unchecked evil can corrupt and destroy even the purest sources of light, while Ungoliant’s greed amplifies devastation.
In simple terms: Evil corrupts and destroys light, greed worsens harm.
Key Takeaway
Beware destructive power of unchecked greed and malice.
Themes
corruption
destruction
greed
power
light
Mood
foreboding
dark
mythic
Type
narrative
mythic
cautionary
When to use this quote
- worldbuilding
- fantasy literature
- environmental storytelling
- ethical cautionary tales
Key Concepts
mythology
cosmic evil
environmental decay
Questions to Reflect On
- How does greed amplify initial harm?
- What safeguards can protect vital sources from corruption?
A Different Perspective
Even great powers can be terrified by overwhelming darkness.
