J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic work, The Hobbit, is an epic tale of adventure filled with dragons, dwarves, and wizards. While the story is chock-full of fantastic elements, it is the enduring themes of the book that truly resonate with readers. One of these themes is friendship, which is highlighted in several pivotal moments throughout the novel. Here, we will explore the importance of friendship in The Hobbit, focusing on the quote that encapsulates these relationships: “Since I leave now all gold and silver, and go where it is of little worth, I wish to part in friendship from you, and I would take back my words and deeds at the Gate.”
The Context of the Quote
The quote comes towards the end of the novel, spoken by Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of the company of dwarves that sets out to reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug. After many challenges and battles, the dwarves are able to defeat Smaug and claim the treasure hoarded in the Lonely Mountain. However, the aftermath of this victory brings new challenges. The treasure provokes conflicts among the various factions involved in its acquisition, and Thorin is consumed by a desire to retain it all for himself and his fellow dwarves.
This selfishness causes a rift in the company, putting the hobbit Bilbo Baggins and the other dwarves at odds with Thorin. As tensions reach a boiling point, Bilbo attempts to reconcile with Thorin, reminding him of the camaraderie they shared during their journey. Thorin’s response is the quote above, expressing a desire to prioritize friendship over material possessions.
The Significance of the Quote
This quote underscores the importance of friendship in The Hobbit. For Thorin, the treasure represents power and security, but ultimately proves to be meaningless without the relationships he has built with his companions. This realization is a common thread throughout the novel, as the bonds between the hobbit and the dwarves act as a counterweight to the greed and corruption that often accompany quests for wealth and power.
Additionally, the quote highlights the transformative nature of friendship. Thorin’s emphasis on friendship at the end of the book represents a significant change from his earlier attitude. At the beginning of the story, Thorin is arrogant and dismissive towards Bilbo, assuming that he is not up to the task at hand. As they journey together, however, Thorin comes to value Bilbo’s contributions and grows to recognize the value of their friendship.
The Broader Lessons
The importance of friendship in The Hobbit applies not just to the characters within the novel, but also to readers outside of it. Tolkien’s work reminds us that even in the most extraordinary circumstances, it is our relationships with others that truly matter. The human (or hobbit, or dwarf) connections we make along the way are what give meaning to our experiences, just as they do for the characters in The Hobbit.
Furthermore, the quote speaks to the broader ideas of the dangers of greed and the importance of self-reflection. Thorin’s desire for wealth and power blinds him to the value of his companions and nearly causes him to destroy their relationships completely. Only when he recognizes the error of his ways can he begin to make amends and prioritize the things in life that truly matter.
Conclusion
The quote about friendship in The Hobbit is a powerful testament to the role of relationships in providing meaning and value to life’s adventures. Whether in the pages of a book or in the real world, the bonds we build with others are what help us make sense of our experiences. As we follow Bilbo and the dwarves on their journey, we are reminded of the importance of self-reflection, the dangers of greed, and the transformative nature of true friendship.
FAQ
What verse talks about friendship with the Lord?
The Bible talks extensively about our relationship with God. One aspect of this relationship is friendship with the Lord. James 4:4 states that our friendship with God is practically demonstrated through our loyalty, allegiance, and obedience to him. This means that when we commit to serving and obeying God, we become his friends. In John 15:14, Jesus also reiterated this message when he told his disciples that they were his friends if they did what he commanded them.
Friendship with God is more than a mere relationship; it is a covenant. When we enter into a covenant relationship with God, we also enter into a covenantal friendship with him. As a friend of God, we have the privilege of confiding in him, worshiping him, and enjoying his company. Furthermore, we know that God will never abandon us or give up on us, even when we fail him.
The Bible offers examples of individuals who were friends of God. For example, Abraham is known as the “friend of God” in James 2:23. This was a title that Abraham earned through his faith and obedience to God. Additionally, Moses is said to have had an intimate friendship with God as seen in Exodus 33:11. He spoke with God face-to-face and did not treat him as a distant deity.
Our friendship with God is a beautiful reality and a vital aspect of our relationship with him. We become God’s friends when we commit to following him and obeying his commands. Moreover, this intimate friendship enables us to enjoy God’s presence and confide in him. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize our friendship with God above all else.
What is the friendship quote silver and gold?
The friendship quote “make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other is gold” is a classic saying that emphasizes the value of friendship and the importance of maintaining old friendships while making new ones. The quote suggests that our friendships are like precious metals that come in different shades of value. Silver represents new friendships, just like how silver looks shiny and new. It may be tempting to ignore old friendships and replace them with new ones, as we are often drawn to making new connections. The quote, however, suggests that it’s equally important to cherish old friends, as their value is equivalent to that of gold. Gold represents old friendships that have stood the test of time and are invaluable, just like how gold is valuable and timeless.
The quote’s meaning can differ from person to person, but the primary message is clear: friendships are valuable, special, and worth preserving. It reminds us that the depth of a relationship is not measured by how long we’ve known someone; it’s measured by the quality and strength of the connection. It advises us to keep a balance between making new friends and holding onto old ones, as both contribute to our emotional well-being.
The friendship quote “make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other is gold” urges us to treasure and appreciate our friends – both new and old. Our friendships are precious commodities that we should handle with care and prioritize in our lives. The quote teaches us that as we grow older, we will continue to meet new people, but it’s the connections we’ve formed with others that are truly invaluable.
