12. "Go not to the Elves for counsel, for they will say both no and yes."

'Elves seldom give unguarded advice, for advice is a dangerous gift, even from the wise to the wise, and all courses may run ill.  But what would you?  You have not told me all concerning yourself; and how then shall I choose better than you?' (FotR 93).

Good advice from Gildor Inglorion (great name, no?) about advice.  Frodo's encounter with the elves in the Shire is one of my favorite scenes of Book I--full of good stuff.  Check it out if all you can remember is Peter Jackson's Fellowship.  And yes, that was advice, but I doubt its course will run ill. :)

"Tolkien 365" is a (hopefully) daily reflection on a quote from the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien, beginning with The Lord of the Rings and branching into his other writings as opportunity and inspiration allow.  Comments are especially welcome.  Page references are from the hardcover American Second Edition, published by Houghton Mifflin.