Coward Quote by Homer
““Vain is your boast in that you have scratched the sole of my foot... A worthless coward can inflict but a light wound. When I wound a man, though I but graze his skin, it is another matter, for my weapon will lay him low. His wife will tear her cheeks out for grief and his children will be fatherless: there he will rot, reddening the earth with his blood, and vultures, not women, will gather round him.””
About This Quote
Source Epic: Iliad, Book 22, attributed to Homer, 8th century BC
A warrior boasts that even a minor wound from him is devastating, causing family tragedy and death, highlighting the disproportionate impact of his power.
In simple terms: His small attack causes massive suffering.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the far‑reaching consequences of one's actions.
Themes
power
war
family
consequences
violence
Mood
somber
intense
reflective
Type
literary
historical
tragic
When to use this quote
- battlefields
- political intrigue
- personal vendettas
Key Concepts
retribution
heroic code
tragic fate
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibility do we have for indirect harm?
- How can power be wielded responsibly?
A Different Perspective
Even a minor injury can have huge ripple effects, but not all conflicts are so extreme.
