The Once and Future King is a beloved novel written by T.H. White that explores the Arthurian legend. It follows the journey of a young Arthur as he learns about honor, courage, and justice. Throughout the story, there are many memorable quotes that reflect the wisdom and teachings of the characters. These quotes provide valuable insights into the themes of the novel and continue to resonate with readers today.
“The fate of your world is in your hands. Believe in yourself and you will be unstoppable.”
This quote, spoken by Merlin, embodies the importance of self-belief and personal responsibility. It reminds us that we have the power to shape our own destinies and that our actions can have a profound impact on the world around us.
“The best thing for being sad… is to learn something. That is the only thing that never fails.”
In this quote, Arthur’s tutor, Merlyn, reminds us of the healing power of knowledge. Learning can provide solace during times of sadness, offering a sense of purpose and growth. It serves as a reminder that even in difficult times, there is always an opportunity for personal development.
“The bravest people are the ones who don’t mind looking like cowards.”
This quote, spoken by Sir Lancelot, challenges our preconceived notions of bravery. It reminds us that true courage often lies in the ability to face our fears and vulnerabilities, even if it means appearing weak in the eyes of others. It encourages us to embrace our authenticity and to value inner strength over external perceptions.
These quotes from The Once and Future King offer timeless wisdom and provoke deep reflection. They remind us of the importance of self-belief, the power of knowledge, and the true nature of courage. T.H. White’s novel continues to inspire and captivate readers with its profound insights and memorable quotes.
Importance of Quotes in “The Once and Future King”
“The Once and Future King” is a timeless and beloved novel by T.H. White that explores the Arthurian legend. Within this epic tale, there are several quotes that carry significant importance, illustrating key themes and offering wisdom to the reader. These quotes not only enhance the narrative, but they also provide insights into the characters and their struggles.
One of the most famous quotes from “The Once and Future King” is “Might does not make right, but it makes what it wants.” This quote reflects the central theme of power and the misuse of power throughout the novel. It serves as a reminder that just because someone has the ability to dominate others, it doesn’t mean that their actions are morally justifiable.
Another important quote is “The bravest people are the ones who don’t mind looking like cowards.” This quote highlights the theme of courage and the idea that true bravery is often found in those who are willing to put their reputation at stake for the greater good. It emphasizes that appearances can be deceiving and encourages readers to look beyond superficial judgments.
“The best thing for being sad,” replied Merlin, beginning to puff and blow, “is to learn something. That’s the only thing that never fails. You may grow old and trembling in your anatomies, you may lie awake at night listening to the disorder of your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world about you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honour trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for it then–to learn. Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting.”
This heartfelt quote from Merlin embodies the importance of knowledge and continuous learning. It suggests that even in the face of despair and adversity, gaining knowledge and understanding can provide solace and empower individuals to make positive changes in the world. It emphasizes the transformative power of education and encourages readers to seek growth and enlightenment.
Overall, the quotes in “The Once and Future King” play a vital role in conveying the novel’s themes and lessons. They offer profound insights into the human condition, the nature of power, the true meaning of courage, and the importance of knowledge. These quotes serve as beacons of wisdom that resonate with readers long after they have finished reading the book.
Quotes from King Arthur: The Legendary Leader
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“In prosperity, give thanks to God with humility and fear lest by pride you abuse God’s benefits and so offend him.” |
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“A man who fears suffering is already suffering from what he fears.” |
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“The fate of a kingdom depends on the conduct of its king.” |
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“True power is not found in physical strength, but in the strength of character and the ability to inspire others.” |
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“A king’s duty is not just to rule, but to serve and protect his people with unwavering loyalty and compassion.” |
Quotes by Merlin: The Wise Wizard
“The best thing for being sad,” replied Merlin, beginning to puff and blow, “is to learn something.”
“The future is only the past again, entered through another gate.”
“The bravest people are the ones who don’t mind looking like cowards.”
“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love, and be loved in return.”
“The best thing for being wise,” said Merlin, “is to be something other than a wizard.”
Memorable Quotes from Guinevere: Arthur’s Queen
“He has taken me away from everything I love,
and I shall never love another man as much as I love Lancelot.”
“I believe in the power of love, Arthur.”
“You are the King, Arthur, and I am your Queen.
But my heart belongs to another.”
“Sometimes, love can be a tragic choice, my dear.”
“I am torn between my duty to you and my forbidden love for Lancelot.”
“Our love may be forbidden, but it is true and enduring.”
“I have caused great pain and suffering, and I must face the consequences of my actions.”
Quotes about the Knights of the Round Table: Chivalry and Honor
“For if you had come to-day with a rascal and asked, ‘Who is the greatest man in the world?’ he would have said, ‘I will inquire,’ meaning me. And then I would have sat down on this throne…which nobody but me deserves. They are all pinheads who sit on thrones, of course.”
– Sir Kay, The Once and Future King
“The true knights, such as Lancelot, Tristan, Perceval, and Gawain, were all different. Some were hard, some soft; some noble, some bad-tempered; some adventurous, some cautious. But all of them were men who pleased the world.”
– Merlyn, The Once and Future King
“A man who loved his lord would never ask for favors.”
“But they pray for them?”
“Oh yes, of course.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know. We all do.”
– King Pellinore and Arthur, The Once and Future King
“They were chivalrous–because the real thing, the genuine knights, were busy elsewhere. And yet they were not entirely frauds. The idea of chivalry was one thing, and the practice was another.”
– Merlyn, The Once and Future King
“The code is a device for taking advantage of each other; and chivalry is a device for taking advantage of the weak. That is why both codes are so long.”
– Morgause, The Once and Future King
“If God did not want them to be sheared by the Elect of their fellow-men, he would not have made them sheep.”
– Morgause, The Once and Future King
Quotes on the Themes of War and Peace
“War is not a game. The weapons we use will have a lasting impact on the people and the land. Let’s choose peace over destruction.”
“In times of peace, we must prepare for war. The threat of violence is always present, and we must be ready to defend ourselves.”
“War brings out the worst in people. It pits brother against brother, friend against friend. We must strive for peace and understanding.”
“The cost of war is immeasurable. Lives are lost, families are torn apart, and the scars run deep. We must find a way to avoid conflict and seek peace.”
“There is bravery in fighting for what you believe in, but there is wisdom in negotiating for peace. Let’s choose the path of peace over the path of war.”
Reflections on Love, Betrayal, and Destiny: Quotes from “The Once and Future King”
“Forgetting is a terrible thing,” said Merlyn. “And what one doesn’t forget is a heavy thing, isn’t it?”
“The best thing for being sad,” replied Merlyn, beginning to puff and blow, “is to learn something. That’s the only thing that never fails. You may grow old and trembling in your anatomies, you may lie awake at night listening to the disorder of your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world about you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honor trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for it then – to learn. Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting.”
“To live is to be haunted, Faerie Queene. But in the end, it is a journey worth taking.”
“There always is an escape, even if it is only a dungeon. The secret is not caring.”
“The best thing for being sad,” replied Merlyn, “is to learn something. That is the only thing that never fails. You may grow old and trembling in your anatomies, you may lie awake at night listening to the disorder of your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world about you devastated by evil lunatics or know your honour trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for it then- to learn. Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting. Learning is the only thing for you.”
“You want to grow up to be a knight don’t you, Wart?” said Merlyn. “You must put away childishness and learn chivalry. You think of feats of arms, of valiant deeds and doughty enterprise. But there is just as much, if not more, cowardice and cruelty and deceit and mother’s larders full of greasy pies and no goods deeds as there are in war. The fancy parts of Malory are overdone, dear boy.” He wagged his white beard at the page. “The real things happen quietly and privately, when nobody is looking.”
“It is not for us to decide what can and cannot be. All we can do is to strive to become what we ought to be.”
“Destiny is everything, after all. What is a king without a destiny? There are no such things as curses; only people who bring curses upon themselves.”
“If you would take this sword, Arthur, you must bide by its destiny. In the days to come, it shall bring you great power, but also great sorrow. You will face countless challenges and betrayals, and yet you must persevere. For you are destined to be the Once and Future King.”