In honor of the upcoming release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, I thought I’d examine just how influential The Lord of The Rings has been on my life since the end of the film trilogy in 2003.
Just like Friends or Harry Potter, there are certain turns of phrase from The Lord of the Rings films that have engrained themselves into my vocabulary. Expressions that the uninitiated would either never notice or think was just me using weird old-timey grammar. Here are The Lord of the Rings quotes that I use most often in my every day life:
The Fellowship of the Ring
“A wizard is never late… he arrives precisely when he means to.” – Gandalf
For when I’m late and don’t want to apologize.
“Is it secret? Is it safe?” – Gandalf
For keeping track of important documents and possessions… and the grocery list (we forget it a lot).
“Don’t… tempt me [Frodo]!” – Gandalf
Sometimes I decline an offer just so I can say this. Most often in reference to chocolate or candy.
“You shall not pass!” – Gandalf
You know that situation when you’re passing another person but neither of you can choose or commit to which way to go around? Left or right? ARGHH! This is how I break the tension.
“All shall love me and despair!” – Galadriel
Just for when I’m feeling good about myself. Or for when I realize I’m getting a little self-righteous.
The Two Towers
“Tricksy”, “POH-TAY-TOES!”, “Man flesh!” – Lurtz
I probably talk like Gollum a little too much, am way too enthusiastic about mashed potatoes, and sometimes call my steaks “man flesh”… even though they are animals and that’s weird. I blame Peter Jackson.
“I’m wasted on cross-country!… [I’m a] natural sprinter. Dangerous over short distances.” – Gimli
This is true to my athletic ability, but also serves as a handy excuse when my sisters want to go run 5 miles. No thank you.
“Meat’s back on the menu, boys!” – Uglúk
When I order steak at a restaurant. Or make my own at home. I like steak.
“To catch a fish so juicy sweat!” – Gollum
I also like salmon A LOT.
“And then… the tunnel!” – Gollum
I say this the same way Gollum does. His voice goes up at the end. It’s super creepy, but I usually save this one for people that know LOTR. And sometimes they still judge me.
Return of the King
“Show us the meaning of haste.” – Gandalf
What I’m really saying is, “We’re late and you drive like an old man. Either let me drive or pick up the pace.”
“What say you?” – Aragorn
Basically any time I’m asking someone’s opinion and they don’t answer fast enough. I try to say this whenever I can.
“I am no man!” – Eowyn
Girl power! Feminism!… “Open the door for me.” “Pull out my chair.” “Help me down from this higher-than-one-foot-tall location on which I am standing or sitting.” This is basically just a way to guilt my guy friends into treating me like a lady.
“For Frodo!” – Aragorn
I say this in my head more than out loud, but it really is an effective battle cry. When I DO get sucked into running with my sisters and I can finally see my house again, I think, “Don’t be a wuss! Do it for Frodo!” I pretend I’m running across the plain toward the Black Gate. My sisters overtake me soon thereafter because I’m a Hobbit and they are Men and have greater mechanical advantage (a.k.a. they’re bigger and faster), but I know I’ll get to the finish line where we’ll celebrate by grilling juicy orc steaks and smashing some poh-tay-toes.
What Lord of the Rings quotes have weaseled their way into your daily lives?
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