The Sea of Trolls Quotes

“Look around you...Feel the wind, smell the air. Listen to the birds and watch the sky. Tell me what's happening in the wide world.”
― Nancy Farmer, The Sea of Trolls

“But I also know that to ignore joy while it lasts, in favor of lamenting one's fate, is a great crime.”
― Nancy Farmer, The Sea of Trolls

“No kindness is ever wasted, nor can we ever tell how much good may come of it.”
― Nancy Farmer, The Sea of Trolls

“Most people live inside a cage of their own expectations. It makes them feel safe. The world's a frightening place full of glory and wonder and, as we've both discovered, danger. Flying isn't for everyone.”
― Nancy Farmer, The Sea of Trolls

“Just say no to pillaging.”
― Nancy Farmer, The Sea of Trolls

“Death must be fought with life, and that means courage and that means joy.”
― Nancy Farmer, The Sea of Trolls

“Life and death are in constant battle. There is no way in this world for happiness to exist alone...”
― Nancy Farmer, The Sea of Trolls

“Sorrow fought with joy in his mind. He was going home, but he had lost Thorgil and Rune forever.”
― Nancy Farmer, The Sea of Trolls

“He had no more control over his life than a dog on a chain, but caring for Lucy made him feel…well…strong.”
― Nancy Farmer, The Sea of Trolls

“(M)ost people live like birds inside a cage. It makes them feel safe. The world's a frightening place, full of glory and wonder and danger. It's better—so most people think—to pretend it isn't there...A few people realize the door isn't locked...They keep pushing and pushing until—presto!—the door swings open and they fly away. The world looks completely different outside.”
― Nancy Farmer, The Sea of Trolls

“Quests always have their ups and downs...The point is never to give up, even if you're falling off a cliff. You never know what might happen on the way to the bottom.”
― Nancy Farmer, The Sea of Trolls

“Those who spend sheltered lives are ever afraid of danger. But you know danger is what we warriors were born for...Our happiness lies in risking all in some adventure, and if we survive, so much sweeter is our homecoming. But to all men, eventually, comes doom. Our only choice is to meet it boldly. It will come to us whatever we do.”
― Nancy Farmer, The Sea of Trolls

“I have lived long enough to know that nothing lasts forever...But I also know that to ignore joy while it lasts, in favor of lamenting one's fate, is a great crime.”
― Nancy Farmer, The Sea of Trolls

“Anger belongs to death...It turns on you when you least expect it.”
― Nancy Farmer, The Sea of Trolls

“to a cave-like hollow. The black river swept through the middle under a roof of trunks and branches. Jack looked up uneasily. He could see patches of sky, and it seemed little would be needed to bring the logs crashing down. But Olaf said the hollow had been there many years.”
― Nancy Farmer, The Sea of Trolls

“It means she's a wise woman… There's nothing wrong with her!" Jack cried. "Thorgil Olaf's Daugher can do whatever she likes. He accepted her. Why can't you? She fought the troll-bear by his side. She killed a young dragon. She tasted its blood by accident, just as Sigurd did. That's why she understands birds now. She drank from Mimir's Well. That's why she can make poetry now. Why can't you accept that?”
― Nancy Farmer, The Sea of Trolls

“I had no idea things could taste so good!" she exclaimed. "This is all so delicious!"
"Is she all right?" whispered Queen Glamdis to Jack.
"Just crazy in a new way," Jack whispered back.”
― Nancy Farmer, The Sea of Trolls

“He says you freed him," Thorgil said with a face like a thundercloud.
"I did. Wait a minute. How did you know what he said?... You're like Sigurd. You got dragon's blood in your mouth.”
― Nancy Farmer, The Sea of Trolls

“Norns keep the tree Yggdrassil alive. Without them, nothing would exist… They show up when you're born and decide what kind of life you're going to have."
"I guess they were in a rotten mood when I came along," Jack said. He loaded up the water bag and supplies.
"Me too," Thorgil said gravely.”
― Nancy Farmer, The Sea of Trolls

“It's my fault," said Rune. "He's untrained and likely to overdo things."
"Like turning the queen bald. That was a good trick, though." Olaf smiled.”
― Nancy Farmer, The Sea of Trolls