--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The boy who kidnapped Holly Short all…" description: "\"“The boy who kidnapped Holly Short all those years ago would never have entertained the notion of sacrificing himself. But he was no longer that boy. H..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/749/eoin-colfer-736_artemis_the-boy-who-kidnapped-holly-short-all-th_504570.png" --- # The boy who kidnapped Holly Short all those years ago… ![“The boy who kidnapped Holly Short all those years ago would never have entertained the notion of sacrificing himself. But he was no longer that boy. His parents were restored to him, and he had brothers. And dear friends. Something else Artemis had never anticipated.” quote by Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/749/eoin-colfer-736_artemis_the-boy-who-kidnapped-holly-short-all-th_504570.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/749/eoin-colfer-736_artemis_the-boy-who-kidnapped-holly-short-all-th_504570.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/749/eoin-colfer-736_artemis_the-boy-who-kidnapped-holly-short-all-th_504570.png) > ““The boy who kidnapped Holly Short all those years ago would never have entertained the notion of sacrificing himself. But he was no longer that boy. His parents were restored to him, and he had brothers. And dear friends. Something else Artemis had never anticipated.”” [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The character’s growth shows that responsibilities and relationships reshape identity, moving beyond youthful impulsiveness. **In simple terms:** Maturity changes who we are. Key Takeaway Embrace change and new responsibilities. Themes growth responsibility identity Mood reflective dramatic Type literary character When to use this quote - parental duties - leadership roles - personal sacrifice Key Concepts character development family ties friendship Questions to Reflect On - How do new duties alter self‑perception? - What sacrifices are worth making for loved ones? A Different Perspective Change can cause internal conflict and loss. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Artemis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/artemis/) [Artemis fowl](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/artemis-fowl/) [Dear friend](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dear-friend/) [Dear friends](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dear-friends/) [Holly short](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/holly-short/) ## Related quotes > [“That will be her undoing," gasped Artemis, already suffering under the weight of the flak jacket. "Artemis Fowl will never be secondary ." "I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/that-will-be-her-undoing-gasped-artemis-already-suffering-under-the/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [“Maybe I owe you something too, human," she said, drawing her pistol. Butler almost reacted, but decided to give Holly the benefit of the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/maybe-i-owe-you-something-too-human-she-said-drawing-her-pistol/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [She can't afford to commit more troops,' Holly whispered. 'The gate is her priority, and she needs to have as many Berserkers watching her…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/she-can-t-afford-to-commit-more-troops-holly-whispered-the-gate-is/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [Ah, my princess. Noble steed. How does the morning find you both?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/ah-my-princess-noble-steed-how-does-the-morning-find-you-both/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [“It looks like you've found an intellectual equal, Mulch," said Holly. "It's a pity he isn't a girl; then you could marry him." Mulch…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/it-looks-like-you-ve-found-an-intellectual-equal-mulch-said-holly-it/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [So if you're not Artemis Fowl, then who are you?" The boy extended a dripping hand straight up. "My name is Orion. I am…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/so-if-you-re-not-artemis-fowl-then-who-are-you-the-boy-extended-a/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [“This might hurt a little is universal code for this will definitely hurt a lot”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/this-might-hurt-a-little-is-universal-code-for-this-will-definitely/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [“Perhaps we can win, he thought. But there will be no happy ending”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/perhaps-we-can-win-he-thought-but-there-will-be-no-happy-ending/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [HOLLY: Are you suggesting I occasionally stray from the rule book? FOALY: No. I'm suggesting you do not own a copy of the rule…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/holly-are-you-suggesting-i-occasionally-stray-from-the-rule-book/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [I can't imagine what they're planning. But I can tell you two things. We won't like it, and it won't be legal.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/i-can-t-imagine-what-they-re-planning-but-i-can-tell-you-two-things/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [Holly frowned at her. "Glad to see you've forgiven yourself so quickly." "Harboring feelings of guilt can have a negative affect on mental health."…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/holly-frowned-at-her-glad-to-see-you-ve-forgiven-yourself-so-quickly/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [I'm LEP. A captain. No rent-a-cop gnome is going to stand in the way of my orders.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/i-m-lep-a-captain-no-rent-a-cop-gnome-is-going-to-stand-in-the-way-of/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [I'm not threatening you. I'm just informing you of police procedure. If you continue to obstruct me, I remove the obstruction, in this case…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/i-m-not-threatening-you-i-m-just-informing-you-of-police-procedure-if/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [I'm the crazy girly captain, Remember?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/i-m-the-crazy-girly-captain-remember/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [Friendship isn't a science mudboy. Just do what you think is right.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/friendship-isn-t-a-science-mudboy-just-do-what-you-think-is-right/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) ## More by Eoin Colfer > [There’s always time for babbling.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/there-s-always-time-for-babbling/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [And I will not be beaten by that jackass." "Jackass?" said Foaly, wounded. "My favorite uncle is a jackass.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/and-i-will-not-be-beaten-by-that-jackass-jackass-said-foaly-wounded/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [Thankfully the rest of the world assumed that the Irish were crazy, a theory that the Irish themselves did nothing to debunk. They had…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/thankfully-the-rest-of-the-world-assumed-that-the-irish-were-crazy-a/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [The craft's occupants clutched their armrests, and more than one of them closed their eyes. But not Artemis. He couldn't. There was something morbidly…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/the-craft-s-occupants-clutched-their-armrests-and-more-than-one-of/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [Tea? At the beach? No time for luxuries, Holly. There is important work to be done.” He winked at Butler. “Are you sure you’re…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/tea-at-the-beach-no-time-for-luxuries-holly-there-is-important-work/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [Wait," said Butler. "Just wait, Holly. Artemis has a plan." He squinted through the green dome. "What is your plan, Artemis?" All Artemis could…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/wait-said-butler-just-wait-holly-artemis-has-a-plan-he-squinted/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [Holly is alive,' thought Foaly 'My princess lives,'exulted Orion. 'And we're chasing a dragon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/holly-is-alive-thought-foaly-my-princess-lives-exulted-orion-and-we/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [“There were only two men on the planet better educated in the various martial arts than Butler, and he was related to one of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/there-were-only-two-men-on-the-planet-better-educated-in-the-various/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [If Elmore Leonard met Jim Thompson down a dark alley at midnight they might emerge a week later with thick beards, bloodshot eyes and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/if-elmore-leonard-met-jim-thompson-down-a-dark-alley-at-midnight-they/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [Sig Sauer. Nine millimetres. Thirteen in the magazine. Big bullets. One of these hits you and it could blow your head off; something even…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/sig-sauer-nine-millimetres-thirteen-in-the-magazine-big-bullets-one/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [“I feel him near in the twist of me guts. It's something I've always been able to do. --The Reluctant Assassin”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/i-feel-him-near-in-the-twist-of-me-guts-it-s-something-i-ve-always/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [Onscreen, Foaly rubbed his eyelids with his index fingers. "Yeah, yeah. Here we go. Captain Short goes rogue once more. Hands up who's surprised.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/onscreen-foaly-rubbed-his-eyelids-with-his-index-fingers-yeah-yeah/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [(about his terrible attempt at making a sandwich) It's more difficult than it looks. (Artemis Fowl)](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/about-his-terrible-attempt-at-making-a-sandwich-it-s-more-difficult/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [Play along, the wink said. I'll get you out of this. At least Artemis hoped this was what his wink communicated and not something…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/play-along-the-wink-said-i-ll-get-you-out-of-this-at-least-artemis/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [“ It's now or never , thought Otto. Now, now! thought Witmeyer. And so Ram kissed Thundercat, and suddenly neither bed of roses nor…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/it-s-now-or-never-thought-otto-now-now-thought-witmeyer-and-so-ram/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) [Explore all 371 Eoin Colfer quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) ## More Artemis quotes > [Got to say, dying would really wreck my best day. Been there, done that, and now that I think about it, Artemis forgot to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sherrilyn-kenyon/got-to-say-dying-would-really-wreck-my-best-day-been-there-done-that/) [Sherrilyn Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sherrilyn-kenyon/) > [“The bow was in my hands and an arrow notched before I could blink. I took aim and fired, as if Artemis herself had…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-a-chamberlynn/the-bow-was-in-my-hands-and-an-arrow-notched-before-i-could-blink-i/) A.A. Chamberlynn > [The craft's occupants clutched their armrests, and more than one of them closed their eyes. But not Artemis. He couldn't. There was something morbidly…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/the-craft-s-occupants-clutched-their-armrests-and-more-than-one-of/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [Tea? At the beach? No time for luxuries, Holly. There is important work to be done.” He winked at Butler. “Are you sure you’re…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/tea-at-the-beach-no-time-for-luxuries-holly-there-is-important-work/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [Wait," said Butler. "Just wait, Holly. Artemis has a plan." He squinted through the green dome. "What is your plan, Artemis?" All Artemis could…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/wait-said-butler-just-wait-holly-artemis-has-a-plan-he-squinted/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [“Greek women were not allowed to be: free and untamed. In fact, Artemis is a bit of a paradox. On the one hand, her…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-riordan/greek-women-were-not-allowed-to-be-free-and-untamed-in-fact-artemis/) [Rick Riordan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-riordan/) > [Green grass breaks through snow, Artemis pleads for my help, I am so cool.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-riordan/green-grass-breaks-through-snow-artemis-pleads-for-my-help-i-am-so/) [Rick Riordan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-riordan/) > [(about his terrible attempt at making a sandwich) It's more difficult than it looks. (Artemis Fowl)](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/about-his-terrible-attempt-at-making-a-sandwich-it-s-more-difficult/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [Play along, the wink said. I'll get you out of this. At least Artemis hoped this was what his wink communicated and not something…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/play-along-the-wink-said-i-ll-get-you-out-of-this-at-least-artemis/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [Remember the pain?' thought Artemis. I hate myself. I really do.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/remember-the-pain-thought-artemis-i-hate-myself-i-really-do/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [“ Soul mates do always find each other, Artemis thought.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/p-c-cast/soul-mates-do-always-find-each-other-artemis-thought/) [P.C. Cast](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/p-c-cast/) > [And one more thing. About my name — Artemis — you were right. In London, it is generally a female name, after the Greek…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/and-one-more-thing-about-my-name-artemis-you-were-right-in-london-it/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [Brother,” Artemis chided. “You do not help my Hunters. You do not look at, talk to, or flirt with my Hunters. And you do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-riordan/brother-artemis-chided-you-do-not-help-my-hunters-you-do-not-look-at/) [Rick Riordan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-riordan/) > [“Give me my powers back, Artemis, or I’ll take your daughter’s life. (Sin) Damn boy, you have an unholy gift for pissing off people.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sherrilyn-kenyon/give-me-my-powers-back-artemis-or-i-ll-take-your-daughter-s-life-sin/) [Sherrilyn Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sherrilyn-kenyon/) > [“There’s never been a pressure loss in Artemis’s history.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andy-weir/there-s-never-been-a-pressure-loss-in-artemis-s-history/) [Andy Weir](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andy-weir/) [Browse all 173 Artemis quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/artemis/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“The boy who kidnapped Holly Short all those years ago would never have entertained the notion of sacrificing himself. But he was no longer that boy. His parents were restored to him, and he had brothers. And dear friends. 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