'I think we shall have to give the region a name. What do you propose?' 'The Porter settled that some time ago,' said the Second Voice. 'Train for Niggle's Parish in the bay; he has shouted that for a long while now. Niggle's Parish. I sent a message to both of them to tell them.' 'What did they say?' 'They both laughed. Laughed - the Mountains rang with it!'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A character proposes naming a region after Niggle, noting that others have already laughed at the idea.
- In plain terms
- Someone suggests naming a place after Niggle because he has been talking about it.
- What can you take from it?
- Names reflect how people are known by others.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does a name shape identity?
- Who decides what places are called?
Another view
The quote does not clarify if the laughter was supportive or mocking.
More from J. R. R. Tolkien
The blossom on the Great Tree was shining like flame. All the birds were flying in the air and singing. Then he smiled, and nodded to Parish, and went off with…
Permalink to quote #32 To many, perhaps to most people outside the small company of the great scholars, past and present, 'Celtic' of any sort is, nonetheless, a magic bag, into whic…
Permalink to quote #34 'Niggle's Picture!' said Parish in astonishment. 'Did you think of all this, Niggle? I never knew you were so clever. Why didn't you tell me?' 'He tried to tel…
Permalink to quote #31
Related quotes
With all of our differences, we [members of the audience] all have one thing in common, we're all gay. Now there are people out there [in audience] going 'Do t…
Ellen DeGeneresEllen DeGeneres quote #11 His father thought he had a wond'rous wise look when he was born, and so he named him Solomon, thinking that if indeed he turned out to be wise the name would …
L. Frank BaumL. Frank Baum quote #12 The other night I was in New York and I made a diner reservation in my name. I showed up with my girlfriend and they asked who I was, so I said, 'Dave Grohl.' …
Dave GrohlDave Grohl quote #14