‘I will not weep for the dead. I will hold them in my heart, and I will live my life to the full in honour of them.‘
– Odysseus, to Ganny, Shield of Thunder
Tag Archives: David Gemmell
‘Nothing of real worth can ever be bought. Love, friendship, honour, valour, respect. All these things have to be earned.‘
– Kalliades, to Kalliope, Shield of Thunder
‘There’s no shame in fear. But understand this – the coward is ruled by fear, while the hero rides it like a wild stallion.‘
– Necklen, to Gelan, Dark Moon
‘These seeds are from the foxglove flower. A tiny amount of them can give a dying heart fresh life. Like a miracle. But just a pinch too much and they become the deadliest poison. Pride is like that. Too little and a man has no sense of self-worth. The world will wear him down to dust. Too much and he becomes arrogant, vain and boastful. But just enough and he is a man to walk the mountains with.‘
– Vorna, to Connavar, Sword In The Storm
‘All roads lead to death. It is inescapable. Even so, there is a right path. If you cannot recognize it, then you must find a man already upon it and follow him. You will know. Let the heart-light shine. It will lead the way.‘
– Ironhand’s Ghost, to Obrin, Ironhand’s Daughter
‘Do not speak badly of yourself, for the warrior that is inside you hears your words and is lessened by them. You are strong and you are brave. There is a nobility of spirit within you. Let it grow – you will do well enough‘
– Chareos, to Kiall, Quest For Lost Heroes
‘Look around you more often: see the people as they touch and show their love. But don’t watch coldly, like an observer. Don’t hover outside life – take part in it. There are people out there waiting to love you. It is not something you should turn down lightly.‘
– Rayvan, to Decado, The King Beyond The Gate
‘What can I do, when I am small and weak? Why should I not steal a little, everyone else does? Why should I try to be pure, when it leaves me poor and disregarded? How can I change the world? Yet all ideas, for good or evil, start in the heart of a single man or woman. From there they spread, one to one, two to two, a hundred to a hundred.’
– Gwydion, to Làmfhada, Knights of Dark Renown
‘All wars are started by angry old men, but they are fought by young men who die for reasons that are beyond them. In the end the same old men sit around tables and the war ends. Nothing is achieved. Nothing is gained.‘
– Apothecary Ramus’ Father, to Apothecary Ramus, Stormrider
‘There were once three men, proud and strong, the best mountain climbers in the land. In every city tavern people would gather and wonder which man was greatest. Finally they agreed to meet to decide the issue once and for all. There was a peak of sheer granite, three thousand feet high, which men called Rasboreth. No one had ever conquered Rasboreth, though many had tried, and many had died or been crippled in the attempt. Just as they were about to begin the climb, an angel appeared and told them all that their deaths were but one day distant. The first man said, “I shall go home and fill my belly with wine until the time of my death.” The second man said, “I shall find a woman with a soft body and welcoming eyes, and I shall lie with her until the time of my death.” Both turned to the third man. “And what of you?” they asked him.
“Me? Why I shall climb the mountain.”‘
– Aubertain, to Owen Odell, Morningstar