A silver goblet with a chain looped around its stem leading to an open padlock beside it.

Original artwork, not a still

The Two Towers • 1954

J.R.R. Tolkien

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

Behind the line

What it means

Our 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.

Context reviewed

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