89 Years Later, The Greatest Closing Line In Fantasy History Is Still Undefeated

Published Sep 9, 2026, 7:32 PM EDT TJ Mills is an editor on ScreenRant's Comic team, where she combines her lifelong passion for DC with her analytical background as a former Intelligence Analyst. Since joining ScreenRant in 2023, she has specialized in covering major DC storylines, character evolutions, and industry developments. The fantasy genre has no shortage of legendary closing lines, but when it comes to the greatest closing line in all of fantasy history, there is one that stands out above the rest. First published 89 years ago, this iconic closing line has stood the test of time and still reigns supreme as one of the greatest the fantasy genre has ever produced. But it isn't the only unforgettable ending worth highlighting, so read until the end to see which legendary final line takes the runner-up spot! From George MacDonald, C.S. Lewis, Robert E. Howard, Ursula K. Le Guin, Octavia E. Butler, George R.R. Martin, and countless others who came before, after, and in between, the fantasy genre is home to some of the greatest writers of all time. It should come as no surprise, then, that the genre is also filled with legendary closing lines. But when it comes to the “greatest closing line in fantasy history,” it would almost feel blasphemous for most fantasy lovers not to give credit where credit is due: J.R.R. Tolkien. Of course, when it comes to J.R.R. Tolkien, the author has more than a few books under his belt, with The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit standing as some of his most celebrated works. However, if only one could be chosen, it would have to be The Hobbit. The novel ends with three simple words that carry a gargantuan impact, perfectly exemplifying Tolkien’s brilliance and remaining a favorite among fans even 89 years later: “Well, I'm back.” The Hobbit’s Legendary 3-Word Ending, Explained The Hobbit Was Published on September 21, 1937 If you haven’t read The Hobbit, then “Well, I'm back” doesn’t seem all that great. In fact, it may even come off as a lackluster closing line. However, for those who have read the book in its entirety, this last line represents one of the most beautiful full-circle moments in novel history, making it an exceptionally emotionally hard-hitting line. What makes the line so ingenious is how it manages to not only act as a full-circle moment, but also resolve Bilbo's entire character arc in just three small words. At the beginning of the story, Bilbo is defined by his love for home and has little interest in leaving Hobbiton or chasing adventure. However, as all fans know, Bilbo does, in fact, get dragged into one of the greatest adventures of all-time. Hence, when Bilbo returns home and ends the story by saying “Well, I'm back,” it encompasses everything he experienced on his adventure while also reflecting his love for home, as he returns to the very place where he started. However, the three words also carry a bittersweet quality because, while Bilbo has returned home, home isn't quite the same as it was before he left, showing how deeply his character has changed. The book's subtitle and overarching theme, “There and Back Again,” are also represented in this closing line. Hence, J.R.R. Tolkien does an unparalleled amount of heavy lifting with just three words, making this truly one of the greatest closing lines in fantasy history. RUNNER-UP: Robin Hobb’s “Wolves Have No Kings” Is One of Fantasy’s Greatest Closing Lines Royal Assassin Was Published in 1996 When it comes to some other standout closing lines in fantasy, there are more than a few notable mentions. However, one of the greatest would be the closing line of Robin Hobb’s Royal Assassin (1996), the second novel in The Farseer Trilogy: “Come, hunt with me, the invitation whispers in my heart. Leave the pain behind and let your life be your own again. There is a place where all time is now, and the choices are simple and always your own. Wolves have no kings.” While the whole paragraph adds to the overall context, it truly is the last line, “Wolves have no kings,” that does the heavy lifting, serving as a gorgeous metaphor for absolute freedom. It leaves the reader with the idea that choosing to be a wolf means choosing to exist outside the hierarchies and social structures that dictate human life. Of course, the greatest closing line in fantasy history is ultimately subjective, so which final line in fantasy do you think is the best?