: However, when Frodo remembers Gandalf's words upon meeting Gollum, he remembers them as "And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be so quick to deal out death in judgement, fearing for your own safety."

: This isn't my own question, but was raised on another BB. Any idea why the two quotes differ? Or must we read LOTR like the synoptic gospels, where Matthew, Mark, Luke and John each give similar accounts with more or less detail depending on their perspectives. My own hunch is that Tolkien revised the quote in one part, but neglected to do the same later on. Or am I missing the point entirely?

: Goodgulf

I think we can credit Tolkien's characters, as well as the author, with lapses in memory. Plus the first quote was made in the context of there being greater safety in killing than in being merciful. If Bilbo had stabbed Gollum from the safety of invisibility he would not have faced the peril of having to leap over him to escape. It is not therefore surpising that Frodo would remember the quote in this context and add a little to it. Frodo was after all in the same dilemma as Bilbo - killing Gollum out of hand would have been the safest course.