Answered Gandalf Quote by J.R.R. Tolkien
““Ash nazg durbatulûk, ash nazg gimbatul, ash nazg thrakatulûk agh burzum-ishi krimpatul.’ The change in the wizard’s voice was astounding. Suddenly it became menacing, powerful, harsh as stone. A shadow seemed to pass over the high sun, and the porch for a moment grew dark. All trembled, and the Elves stopped their ears. ‘Never before has any voice dared to utter words of that tongue in Imladris, Gandalf the Grey,’ said Elrond, as the shadow passed and the company breathed once more. ‘And let us hope that none will ever speak it here again,’ answered Gandalf. ‘Nonetheless I do not ask your pardon, Master Elrond. For if that tongue is not soon to be heard in every corner of the West, then let all put doubt aside that this thing is indeed what the Wise have declared: the treasure of the Enemy, fraught with all his malice; and in it lies a great part of his strength of old. Out of the Black Years come the words that the Smiths of Eregion heard, and knew that they had been betrayed: One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the Darkness bind them.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, 1954
The ancient, powerful language of the Ring evokes fear, history, and the darkness it embodies.
In simple terms: The Ring’s language is dark and terrifying.
Respect the power of ancient words.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- Reading the text
- role‑playing games
- fantasy writing
- film adaptations
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the language reveal about power?
- How does fear shape perception?
Overemphasis on language may distract from broader narrative.