JRR Tolkien Birthday: Quotes And Facts About The 'Hobbit' And 'Lord Of The Rings' Author

J.R.R. Tolkien, the acclaimed fantasy writer best known for his “Lord of the Rings” trilogy and “the Hobbit,” would have celebrated his 125th birthday Tuesday were he alive. However, his work has lived on in his stead since he died. The books he wrote, which have inspired the imaginations of millions of children around the globe, have been the subject of major blockbuster movies that have dazzled audiences with fantastical tales of elves and wizards, among other science fiction species.

Tolkien was born in England and spent much of his life there. He served in both world wars and is said to have been able to speak more than a dozen different languages. He died in 1973 and some of his work, including “the Silmarillion,” was published posthumously by his son.

To celebrate Tolkien’s day of birth, here are some of the best quotes from the author himself.

“All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost.”

“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”

“Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. For even the very wise cannot see all ends.”

“A pen is to me as a beak is to a hen.”

“Many children make up, or begin to make up, imaginary languages. I have been at it since I could write.”

“Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.”

“They say it is the first step that costs the effort. I do not find it so. I am sure I could write unlimited 'first chapters'. I have indeed written many.”

“It may be the part of a friend to rebuke a friend's folly.”

“Don't go getting mixed up in the business of your betters, or you'll land in trouble too big for you.”

“Courage is found in unlikely places.”