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"One who cannot cast away a treasure at need is in fetters."

— J.R.R. Tolkien • The Two Towers

A silver goblet with a chain looped around its stem leading to an open padlock beside it.
Original artwork
Behind the line May contain spoilers.

Our reading

An editorial interpretation.

Being unable to give up a treasure when you must means the treasure owns you. The metaphor turns possessions into shackles: real freedom includes the ability to let valuable things go when the moment calls for it.

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