WEAKNESS IS A GUISE

— Neil Gaiman, The Ocean at the End of the Lane

TANGLED 2010 | dir. Byron Howard & Nathan Greno

“I can’t go back,” I screamed, not caring who heard me. “Even if you take away this collar and the sea whip’s scales, you can’t carve this power out of me.” “And what if I could? Would you let it go? Would you give it up?” “N e v e r.” The truth of that word hung between us.

— Louise Glück, from Prism: XIX; Averno, 2006

“Kaz turned to Jesper. “Fit Helvar with some shackles to keep him honest,” he said as he headed below. “And get me clean clothes and fresh water.” “Since when am I your valet?” “Man with a knife, remember?” he said over his shoulder. “Man with a gun!” Jesper called after him.”

Why do the gods make kings and queens, if not to protect the ones who can’t protect themselves?

The Princess Diaries (2001) dir. Garry Marshall

If you hope to winter here, see that your playing pleases Lady Genna. She’s the one that matters. ⟡ No one frightened Cersei. She was a daughter of the Rock, a lion. Casterly Rock was hers now and all the power of House Lannister. No one would ever disregard her again. ⟡ Many people said that Lord Tywin Lannister ruled the Seven Kingdoms, but Lady Joanna ruled Lord Tywin.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

— Friedrich Nietzsche