Quotes from Lloyd Alexander

There is much to be known, said Adaon, and above all much to be loved, be it the turn of the seasons or the shape of a river pebble. Indeed, the more we find to love, the more we add to the measure of our hearts.

As a boy, he had dreamed of taking a man's place among men; and, as a boy, had deemed himself well fit to do so. Now, amid the grizzled, battle-wise warriors, his strength seemed feeble, his knowledge clouded.

At the end of their grim race, death might be the only prize.

Our pride is not in fighting but in farming; In the work of our, hands not our blades. Never have we sought war. We come to the Banner of the white pig because it is the banner of our friend, Terran Wanderer.

All agreed that Quickset was the cleverest cat in the world. And, since Quickset had the same opinion, it was surely true.

Surely you can entrust your task to your friends. No, said Taran, after a long pause, I have taken it on myself through my own choice. If that is so, answered Medwyn, then you can give it up through your own choice.

Well, said Eilonwy, you can't blame Rhun for being born. I mean, you could, but that wouldn't help matters. It's like kicking a rock with your bare foot.

It would be a shame if you were killed. I should be very sorry. I know I wouldn't like it to happen to me.

Don't frown so, you'll look old before your time.

There is an exuberance in good fantasy quite unlike the most exalted moments of realistic fiction. Both forms have similar goals; but realism walks where fantasy dances.

When prophecies give no help, men must find it themselves.

Like his fellow genius, Tolkien, C.S. Lewis has redefined the nature of fantasy, adding richness beauty, and dimension... In our times, every fantasy realm must be measured in comparison with Narnia.

Two things never mix: one is enchantments and the other is meddling with them.

A lady doesn't insist on having her own way. Then, next thing you know, it all works out somehow, without one's even trying. I thought I'd never learn, though it's really quite easy once you get the knack.

Namaste , Prince of Naga-loka. I'm grateful. You're a fine fellow. He stuck out his tongue and grinned wickedly. For a royal wriggler. Namaste , O flea-ridden tree-climber, Shesha replied, with a fond glint in his eyes. May your life be as long as you insolence is great.

It may be, replied Coll, smiling, we know least what we treasure most. But we will have more than enough to keep us busy when you come back, and you will learn, my boy, there is nothing like work to put the heart at rest.

Ah, Princess, Dallben said, with a furrowed smile, a crown is more discomfort than adornment. If you have learned that, you have already learned much.

There are heroes and heroes. I don't deny he's acted bravely on occasion. He's fought beside Lord Gwydion and been proud of himself as a chick wearing eagle's feathers. But that's only one kind of bravery. Has the darling robin ever scratched for his own worms? That's bravery of another sort. And between the two, dear Orwen, he might find the latter shows the greater courage.

Even in a fantasy realm, growing up is accomplished not without cost.

Every living thing deserves our respect... be it humble or proud, ugly or beautiful.

Good-bye, good-bye,' muttered Gwystyl. 'I hate to see you waste your time, not to mention your lives. But that's the way of it, I suppose. Here today, gone tomorrow, and what's anyone to do about it? Good-bye. I hope we meet again. But not soon. Good-bye.

I fear I our good dwarf has lost his taste for adventure. I managed to get word to him, thinking he might come along with me for the sport of it. He sent back a message. All it said was 'Humph!

I can't say I'm unhappy about it,' added the bard, 'I get along well enough with mice, and I've always been found of birds, but when you put the two together I'd just as soon avoid them.

Children's literature as a literary aberration or at best a minor amusement is a notion held most strongly by people who read the fewest children's books. I think it was Ruth Hill Viguers who compared this attitude with asking a pediatrician when he's going to stop fooling around and get down to the serious business of treating adults.