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It’s been me all along,” said September slowly. “Me who…

“It’s been me all along,” said September slowly. “Me who gave up my shadow, me who went down into Fairyland-Below and Fairyland-Lower-Than-That to wake up the Prince. Me who shot the poor Minotaur. You oughtn’t just hand the whole business over the moment a Prince comes on the scene. I’ve got to…” quote by Catherynne M. Valente
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“It’s been me all along,” said September slowly. “Me who gave up my shadow, me who went down into Fairyland-Below and Fairyland-Lower-Than-That to wake up the Prince. Me who shot the poor Minotaur. You oughtn’t just hand the whole business over the moment a Prince comes on the scene. I’ve got to see it through, don’t you see? The Hollow Queen is hollow because she’s missing the part of her that’s me. We’ve got to come together again. And he can’t do a thing about that.”

Catherynne M. Valente

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The narrator claims responsibility for a quest, emphasizing personal sacrifice and the need for collective effort despite a hollow leader.

In simple terms: Accept personal responsibility and unite for a cause.

Key Takeaway

Embrace personal agency and teamwork.

Themes

responsibility heroism collective action

Mood

determined melancholic

Type

narrative inspirational

When to use this quote

  • team projects
  • leadership challenges
  • personal growth
  • creative storytelling

Key Concepts

sacrifice identity leadership mythic journey

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does “the part of her that’s me” symbolize?
  • How can you balance personal sacrifice with self‑care?
A Different Perspective

The narrator’s self‑importance may overlook others’ contributions.

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