2006-05-05

Pity

"But this is terrible!" cried Frodo. "Far worse than the worst that I imagined from your hints and warnings. O Gandalf, best of friends, what am I to do? For now I am really afraid. What am I to do? What a pity that Bilbo did not stab that vile creature, when he had a chance!"

"Pity? It was Pity that stayed his hand. Pity, and Mercy: not to strike without need."

     --J.R.R. Tolkien

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Then, after Frodo further argues that Gollum deserves to die, Gandalf answers:

"Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them?"

...One of the most powerful cautions in all of literature.