The Return of the King (The Lord of the Rings, #3)

by J.R.R. Tolkien

‘Do not spoil the wonder with haste!

As part of the release of Amazon’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, celebrated authors (and huge fans) of the books are sharing their exclusive annotations with readers. We hope you enjoy these notes from Jeff Wheeler, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Wise words, Mr. Legolas. Wise words. As the elven singer Sissel says in her song: Slow down. Be still.

His grief he will not forget; but it will not darken his heart, it will teach him wisdom.’

This was spoken by Aragorn about Merry after he was injured in the battle with the Witch-King. And isn't it true, though? Grief isn't easy to forget. But it does teach us wisdom.

Oft hope is born, when all is forlorn.”

Legolas said this just before they learned that Minas Tirith was burning. It's hard to see hope when all is dark. But hope we must not lose. As Carnegie wrote in his memoir: 'All is well until the stroke falls, and even then nine times out of ten it is not so bad as anticipated. A wise man is the confirmed optimist.'

As Frodo clung upon his back, arms loosely about his neck, legs clasped firmly under his arms, Sam staggered to his feet; and then to his amazement he felt the burden light.

This is probably my favorite scene in all the book: when Sam literally carries Frodo on his back to get him up Mt Doom. When we help carry others, even when our own pain is great, there is a certain magic that comes to lighten the burden.

the world is full enough of hurts and mischances without wars to multiply them.’

This was said by the Warden in the Houses of Healing to Eowyn. And it's just as true today. Aren't there enough calamities to face in the world without the added exponential suffering caused by violence?

Then the heart of Éowyn changed, or else at last she understood it. And suddenly her winter passed, and the sun shone on her.

I love Faramir and Eowyn, two broken souls who find comfort and love with one other. This was the turning point in their relationship.

It is useless to meet revenge with revenge: it will heal nothing.

We all have Sarumans and Wormtongues we've dealt with before or now and sometimes our personal Shire gets a scourging. Frodo's advice here is timeless. Revenge doesn't bring healing.

I will not say: do not weep; for not all tears are an evil.’

I love these parting words from Gandalf at the Gray Havens. Some moments are so significant that only tears do them justice. As Ovid wrote 'Tears at times have all the weight of speech.'