25 Years Later, the Greatest Quote in This Iconic Lord of the Rings Movie Still Lives Rent-Free In Our Heads

The Lord of the Rings is full of moments that inspire, characters that rouse the heart, and quotes that stick with us long after the end credits roll. Peter Jackson certainly knew what he was doing when he brought J.R.R. Tolkien‘s high-fantasy epic to life, and although it departs quite considerably at times from the books themselves, the trilogy certainly captures the spirit of his work. However, it may surprise you to note that one of the most famous quotes from The Fellowship of the Ring — “Even the smallest person can change the course of the future” — doesn’t come from the novels, but was an original creation by Jackson and co-writers Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens. Even so, we cannot shake the powerful themes it evokes.

Galadriel’s Words Continue To Inspire Decades After ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’

After the demise of Gandalf (Ian McKellen) at the hands of the Balrog of Moria, Frodo (Elijah Wood) and the rest of the Fellowship retreat into the realm of Lothlórien where they encounter Galadriel (Cate Blanchett). Upon speaking with the young hobbit, the Elven ruler reminds him that to bear a Ring of Power is to “be alone,” noting that this task was divinely appointed to him. “I know what I must do, it’s just, I’m afraid to do it,” Frodo replies. It’s here that Galadriel reminds him that “even the smallest person can change the course of the future.” What seems like a reinterpretation of a line or idea from Tolkien’s works is actually nothing of the sort. While some have connected this quote to Elrond’s (Hugo Weaving) words during the Council of Elrond in the book (“Yet such is oft the course of deeds that move the wheels of the world: small hands do them because they must, while the eyes of the great are elsewhere.”), the truth is that they aren’t really saying the same thing. What the film is noting, however, is that Frodo ought not let his stature determine his destiny — and that is certainly an idea consistent with Tolkien’s writings.

Admittedly, this line doesn’t quite compare to Sam’s (Sean Astin) epic “the tales that really mattered” monologue from The Two Towers, but if we were to pull a single line from The Fellowship of the Ring to hold onto, this would certainly be at the top. After all, is this not exactly the role of Frodo, Sam, Merry (Dominic Monaghan), and Pippin (Billy Boyd)? Does this small line not explicitly reveal their part in the story? No matter their size, no matter where they come from, no matter their lack of expertise, they are invaluable to the saving of Middle-earth. They, too, have a destiny like Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), and though perhaps smaller in some ways, there is a reason he refuses to let them bow to him in The Return of the King. It’s an encouraging prospect, as it reminds us that we might also influence the course of history in the present age, even if we do not believe we’re big enough for such a monumental task.

And this is, perhaps, where Tolkien’s philosophy is woven into a quote that did not originate from his own work. The idea that someone seemingly insignificant can change the world is something that would certainly be compatible with Tolkien’s Catholic faith. It’s no doubt that Tolkien had these ideas in mind when writing The Lord of the Rings, be it consciously or not, and given that Jackson and company aimed to keep those religious undertones prevalent in the final product, we can see how they relate.

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Has Some Pretty Iconic Lines

Of course, it’s hard to pick a single Lord of the Rings quote to consider the “best” or “greatest.” The trilogy — much like the novels themselves — is chock-full of fabulous lines that cut to the heart. For instance, one might only look a bit earlier in the film to remember Gandalf’s wise words to a doubting Frodo: “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” This quote (which does originate from Tolkien) juxtaposes quite neatly with Galadriel’s later encouragement, and offers the viewer a more eternal perspective on life and the future as we, like Frodo, seek to rise to the challenge.

Whether you prefer Galadriel’s providential words or Gandalf’s, The Lord of the Rings is a masterwork that seeks to not only entertain its audience but, like Tolkien’s books, inspire us to greatness. No matter how small, everyone can make a difference, if only in the life of another.