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And some things that should not have been forgotten were lost. History became legend. Legend became myth. And for two and a half thousand years, the ring passed out of all knowledge.
J. R. R. Tolkien
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects on the nature of history and how significant events can fade into obscurity, transforming into myth over time.

This quote by J. R. R. Tolkien highlights the transient nature of history and knowledge. It suggests that important truths can be forgotten as they are passed down through generations, morphing from factual history into legendary narratives and ultimately into myth. This transformation emphasizes the fragility of memory and the way stories evolve over time, often losing their original context and meaning.

Themes

HistoryMythLegendMemoryTruth

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a presentation on the importance of preserving history in education.

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The chief purpose of life, for any of us, is to increase according to our capacity our knowledge of God by all means we have, and to be moved by it to praise and thanks.
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Alive without breath, As cold as death; Never thirsty, ever drinking, All in mail never clinking.
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Quote by J. R. R. Tolkien | QuoteProject