--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Sometimes a King has to do terrible…" description: "\"Sometimes a King has to do terrible things in order to protect those he has sworn to look after. When the stakes are so high, dreadful decisions have t..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ee3/cressida-cowell-7158_burden_sometimes-a-king-has-to-do-terrible-thin_366498.jpg" --- # Sometimes a King has to do terrible things in order to… ![“Sometimes a King has to do terrible things in order to protect those he has sworn to look after. When the stakes are so high, dreadful decisions have to be taken. It is the responsibility of a King to take on that burden, that guilt.” quote by Cressida Cowell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ee3/cressida-cowell-7158_burden_sometimes-a-king-has-to-do-terrible-thin_366498.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ee3/cressida-cowell-7158_burden_sometimes-a-king-has-to-do-terrible-thin_366498.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ee3/cressida-cowell-7158_burden_sometimes-a-king-has-to-do-terrible-thin_366498.jpg) > “Sometimes a King has to do terrible things in order to protect those he has sworn to look after. When the stakes are so high, dreadful decisions have to be taken. It is the responsibility of a King to take on that burden, that guilt.” [Cressida Cowell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cressida-cowell/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A ruler must sometimes make harsh choices to safeguard loved ones, bearing the weight of guilt as part of leadership. **In simple terms:** Leaders may need to act harshly to protect, accepting guilt. Key Takeaway Accept responsibility for difficult decisions. Themes leadership burden morality sacrifice duty Mood solemn reflective serious Type advice philosophical ethical When to use this quote - political crisis - family crisis - war - emergency response Key Concepts ethical dilemma authority protective instinct Questions to Reflect On - When have you faced a painful decision for others? - How do you balance duty with personal conscience? A Different Perspective Such choices can erode trust and cause personal turmoil. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Burden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/burden/) [Decision](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/decision/) [Guilt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/guilt/) [King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/king/) [Kings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/kings/) [Order](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/order/) [Regret](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/regret/) [Responsibility](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/responsibility/) ## Related quotes > [“You don’t understand.She was mean to me. Very mean. And she’s dangerous. A very dangerous girl. I’m your guardian, Ayden. 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