War must be, while we defend our lives against a destroyer … - J. R. R. Tolkien

" "
War must be, while we defend our lives against a destroyer who would devour all; but I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend.

J. R. R. Tolkien

This quote has a book source. Sign up to see titles and page references

lotr war

English

Collect this quote

About J. R. R. Tolkien

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (January 3 1892 – September 2 1973) was an English writer, poet, philologist, and university professor, most famous for his classic high fantasy works.

Biography information from Wikiquote

Also Known As

Native Name: John Ronald Reuel Tolkien

Alternative Names: J-R-R Tolkien • Tolkien • John Tolkien • J.R.R Tolkien • J.R.R. Tolkien • John R. R. Tolkien

All quotes from J. R. R. Tolkien Similar Quotes by other Originators

Shorter versions of this quote

I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend.

Originators like J. R. R. Tolkien:

Stephen R. Lawhead Ursula K. Le Guin Lloyd Alexander George R. R. Martin Charles Dickens

Additional quotes by J. R. R. Tolkien

In such 'fantasy', as it is called, new form is made; Faerie begins; Man becomes a sub-creator.

I feel thin, sort of stretched, like butter scraped over too much bread.

Some who have read the book, or at any rate have reviewed it, have found it boring, absurd, or contemptible, and I have no cause to complain, since I have similar opinions of their works, or of the kinds of writing that they evidently prefer.

War must be, while we defend our lives against a destroyer who would devour all; but I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow … - J. R. R. Tolkien

About J. R. R. Tolkien

Also Known As

Enhance Your Quote Experience

Shorter versions of this quote

Additional quotes by J. R. R. Tolkien