THE DAILY NUGGET
Nugget #4
Where stories mirror life (and/or the other way around)
Fantasy stories have spawned hugely popular movies/shows that have contributed many iconic lines to the English language, often sparking new phrases, expressions, and cultural references. Here are some notable examples:
1. “My precious.” – The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Usage: Refers to something one treasures greatly, often used in a possessive or obsessive context.
2. “You shall not pass!” – The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Usage: Used to assertively deny entry or permission, often in a humorous or dramatic context.
Such pop culture media also often offer profound lessons through their memorable lines. Here are some fantasy movie lines that impart valuable life lessons:
1. “Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.” – The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Lesson: No matter how insignificant we may feel, our actions can have a significant impact.
2. “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Lesson: In difficult times, we can find happiness by focusing on the positive aspects of life.
3. “It’s not what we have but what we do with what we have that matters.” – The Golden Compass
Lesson: The value of our lives is determined by our actions and how we use our resources.
Communication (and connection) between people becomes enhanced when there is resonance between the interlocutors and many of these are rooted in common cultural experiences. So the next time a friend speaks the above and we all go “Oh…that’s a good one” with a knowing nod and a wry smile, well…that’s it 
We hope you’ve enjoyed today’s nugget!
Yours in Englisc Magic,
EL Fest 2024 team
MJR World of Words 