--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We have sworn, and not lightly. This oath…" description: "\"We have sworn, and not lightly. This oath we will keep. We are threatened with many evils, and treason not least; but one thing is not said: that we sh..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/595/j-r-r-tolkien-2-1316_add_we-have-sworn-and-not-lightly-this-oath_2425742.png" --- # We have sworn, and not lightly. This oath we will keep. We… ![“We have sworn, and not lightly. This oath we will keep. We are threatened with many evils, and treason not least; but one thing is not said: that we shall suffer from cowardice, from cravens or the fear of cravens. Therefore I say that we will go on, and this doom I add: the deeds that we shall do…” quote by J. R. R. Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/595/j-r-r-tolkien-2-1316_add_we-have-sworn-and-not-lightly-this-oath_2425742.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/595/j-r-r-tolkien-2-1316_add_we-have-sworn-and-not-lightly-this-oath_2425742.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/595/j-r-r-tolkien-2-1316_add_we-have-sworn-and-not-lightly-this-oath_2425742.png) > “We have sworn, and not lightly. This oath we will keep. We are threatened with many evils, and treason not least; but one thing is not said: that we shall suffer from cowardice, from cravens or the fear of cravens. Therefore I say that we will go on, and this doom I add: the deeds that we shall do shall be the matter of song until the last days of Arda.” [J. R. R. Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-r-r-tolkien-2/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A solemn oath binds us to face evil without cowardice, promising our deeds will become legend. **In simple terms:** Keep vows, face danger bravely, become legendary. Key Takeaway Honor commitments, act courageously. Themes courage honor legacy Mood determined inspirational Type motivational epic When to use this quote - military service - activism - personal challenges - team projects Key Concepts heroism oath‑keeping Questions to Reflect On - What oath guides your actions? - How will you ensure your deeds endure? A Different Perspective Fear of failure may still paralyze despite resolve. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Cowardice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cowardice/) [Deeds](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/deeds/) [Doom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/doom/) [Evil](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/evil/) [Last day](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/last-day/) [Last Days](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/last-days/) [Oath](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/oath/) [Song](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/song/) [Suffering](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/suffering/) [Treason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/treason/) ## Related quotes > [Good words shall gain you honor in the marketplace, but good deeds shall gain you friends among men.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/good-words-shall-gain-you-honor-in-the-marketplace-but-good-deeds/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [“Your own good deeds shall surround you like a shield.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lailah-gifty-akita/your-own-good-deeds-shall-surround-you-like-a-shield/) [Lailah Gifty Akita](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lailah-gifty-akita/) > [On a certain day shall every soul come to plead for itself, and every soul shall be repaid according to its deeds; and they…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elijah-muhammad/on-a-certain-day-shall-every-soul-come-to-plead-for-itself-and-every/) [Elijah Muhammad](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elijah-muhammad/) > [And what do you wish?' he said at last. 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