These are some of the most insightful and poignant quotes spoken by Queen Elinor in the movie Brave, revealing her wisdom, her dedication to her family and kingdom, and the complexities of motherhood.
Elinor Quotes
“A wisp? You know, some say that Will O’ the Wisps lead you to your fate.”
“Your father doesn’t believe in magic.”
“A princess must be knowledgeable about her kingdom.”
“And above all, a princess strives for… Well, perfection!”
“Merida, a princess does not place her weapons on the table.”
“A princess should not have weaponry in my opinion.”
“Honestly, Merida! I don’t know why you’re acting this way. This year each clan will present a suitor to compete in the games for your hand.”
“A princess does not raise her voice! Merida, this is what you’ve been preparing for your whole life.”
“Once there was an ancient kingdom. It’s name long forgotten, ruled by a wise and fair king who was much beloved. And when he grew old he divided the kingdom among his four sons. That they should be the pillars on which their piece of land rested. But the oldest prince wanted to rule the land for himself, he followed his own path and the kingdom fell, from war and chaos and ruin.”
“It’s not just a story, Merida. Legends are lessons and they ring with truths.”
“I would advise you to make your peace with this. The clans are coming to present their suitors.”
“Oh, Merida! It’s marriage, it’s not the end of the world.”
“I blame you. Stubbornness is entirely from your side of the family.”
“I don’t know what to do.”
“I do speak to her, she just doesn’t listen!”
“Merida, all this work, all the time spent preparing you, schooling you, giving you everything we never had, I ask you, what do you expect us to do?”
“I understand this must all seem unfair, even I have reservations when I faced betrothal.”
“We can’t just run away from who we are.”
“But are you willing to pay the price your freedom will cost?”
“If you could just try to see what I do, I do out of love.”
“Listen!”
“You look absolutely beautiful.”
“It’s perfect.”
“Just… Remember to smile.”
“Now then, where were we? Ah, yes. In accordance with our laws, by the rights of our heritage, only the first born of each of the great leaders may be presented as champion.”
“And thus, compete for the hand of the princess of DunBroch. To win the fair maiden, they must prove their worth by feets of strength or arms in the games. It is customary for the challenge be determined by the princess herself.”
“Let the games begin!”
“And may the lucky arrow find its target!”
“What are you doing? Merida!”
“Merida, stop this!”
“Don’t you DARE loose another arrow!”
“Merida, I FORBID it!”
“Mighty me! I’ve just about had ENOUGH of you, lass!”
“You just embarrassed them! You embarrassed ME!”
“You DON’T know what you’ve done!”
“They’ll be FIRE and SWORD if it’s NOT set right!”
“I am the QUEEN! YOU listen to ME!”
“HA! Unfair⁈”
“You’re NEVER there for me! This WHOLE marriage is what YOU want⁈ Do you EVER bother to ask what I want⁈ NO! You walk around telling me WHAT to do, what NOT to do! Trying to make me be like YOU⁈ Well, I’m NOT going to be like you!”
“Oh, you’re ACTING like a child!”
“OH! Merida!”
“NO! Stop that!”
“Merida, you are a princess! I expect you to act like one!”
“MUM!”
“Merida! Merida!”
“Oh, no! What have I done⁈ Oh!”
“Oh, I’ve been worried sick!”
“I didn’t know where you’d gone or when you’d come back! I didn’t know what to think of…! Oh, look at your dress!”
“Well, you’re home now! So that’s the end of it.”
“Honestly?”
“I’ve pacified the lords for now. You’re father’s out there ‘entertaining’ them. Of course, we both know a decision still has to be made.”
“You made this for me?”
“Mm.”
“What…What is that?”
“Tart, and um… Gamy!”
“Now, why don’t we go upstairs to the lords and put this whole kerfuffle to rest?”
“Oh!”
“I’m woozy suddenly. Oh, my head’s spinning like a top!”
“Oh! Suddenly I’m not well.”
“Merida! Ah! Will you take me to my room?”
“My lords, I am out of sorts at the moment. But you shall have your answer… Presently. Now, if you’ll excuse us.”
“What was in that cake?”
“My Liege.”
“Fergus.”
“Oh, darling. We both have.”
“Oh, dear!”
“[to Fergus] Ooh! Um…Dear?”
“I’m naked! Naked as a wee baby. Well don’t just stare at me! Do something!”
Quotes on Duty and Tradition
“A princess must be knowledgeable about her kingdom.”
“And above all, a princess strives for… Well, perfection!”
“Legends are lessons and they ring with truths.”
“We can’t just run away from who we are.”
Quotes on Motherhood and Love
“Merida! Come on, sweetheart, we’re leaving now…”
“Oh, Merida! It’s marriage, it’s not the end of the world.”
“If you could just try to see what I do, I do out of love.”
“Just… Remember to smile.”
“Oh, I’ve been worried sick!”
“Oh, darling. We both have.”
Quotes on Wisdom and Reflection
“A wisp? You know, some say that Will O’ the Wisps lead you to your fate.”
“It’s not just a story, Merida. Legends are lessons and they ring with truths.”
“But are you willing to pay the price your freedom will cost?”