The Hobbit: Some of the Great Quotes

Last updated on Sep 18th, 2023

The Hobbit: Some of the Great Quotes

The Hobbit was the first book by well-known English writer John Ronald Reuel Tolkien. This high fantasy novel was first published and presented to the public on 21 September 1937 by George Allen & Unwin with a print run of 1,500 copies.

The Hobbit is a book about a great adventure that introduces readers to the magical world of Middle-earth. The main protagonist of The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, and the wizard Gandalf embark on an adventure with Thorin and his dwarves to help them regain their lost treasure from the mighty dragon Smaug. But before they do that, they will have to go through various challenges with trolls, goblins, wargs, and other inhabitants of Middle-earth.

Since its first publication, the book remains popular and recognized as a timeless classic.

The Hobbit Quotes Infographic

Here are some of the best quotes from Bilbo and his companions.

In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. - J.R.R. Tolkien (The Hobbit Quotes)
1

In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.(George Allen & Unwin, ed. 1951), Chapter I. An Unexpected Party, Page 11

Do you wish me a good morning, or mean that it is a good morning whether I want it or not; or that you feel good this morning; or that it is a morning to be good on? - J.R.R. Tolkien (The Hobbit Book Quotes)
2

Do you wish me a good morning, or mean that it is a good morning whether I want it or not; or that you feel good this morning; or that it is a morning to be good on?(George Allen & Unwin, ed. 1951), Chapter I. An Unexpected Party, Page 15

Now it is a strange thing, but things that are good to have and days that are good to spend are soon told about, and not much to listen to; while things that are uncomfortable, palpitating, and even gruesome, may make a good tale, and take a deal of telling anyway. - J.R.R. Tolkien (The Hobbit Quotes)
3

Now it is a strange thing, but things that are good to have and days that are good to spend are soon told about, and not much to listen to; while things that are uncomfortable, palpitating, and even gruesome, may make a good tale, and take a deal of telling anyway.(George Allen & Unwin, ed. 1951), Chapter III. A Short Rest, Page 61

There is nothing like looking, if you want to find something. You certainly usually find something, if you look, but it is not always quite the something you were after. - J.R.R. Tolkien (The Hobbit Quotes)
4

There is nothing like looking, if you want to find something. You certainly usually find something, if you look, but it is not always quite the something you were after.George Allen & Unwin, ed. 1951), Chapter IV. Over Hill and Under Hill, Page 69

May the wind under your wings bear you where the sun sails and the moon walks. - J.R.R. Tolkien (The Hobbit Quotes)
5

May the wind under your wings bear you where the sun sails and the moon walks.(George Allen & Unwin, ed. 1951), Chapter VII. Queer Lodgings, Page 124

There are no safe paths in this part of the world. - J.R.R. Tolkien (The Hobbit Quotes)
6

There are no safe paths in this part of the world.(George Allen & Unwin, ed. 1951), Chapter VII. Queer Lodgings, Page 149

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It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him. - J.R.R. Tolkien (The Hobbit Quotes)
7

It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him. (George Allen & Unwin, ed. 1951), Chapter XII. Inside Information, Page 228

While there's life there's hope! - J.R.R. Tolkien (The Hobbit Quotes)
8

While there’s life there’s hope!(George Allen & Unwin, ed. 1951), Chapter XVIII. Not at Home, Page 245

If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world. - J.R.R. Tolkien (The Hobbit Quotes)
9

If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.(George Allen & Unwin, ed. 1951), Chapter XVIII. The Return Journey, Page 299

So comes snow after fire, and even dragons have their ending! - J.R.R. Tolkien (The Hobbit Book Quotes)
10

So comes snow after fire, and even dragons have their ending!(George Allen & Unwin, ed. 1951), Chapter XVIII. The Return Journey, Page 305