Brave follows Merida, a headstrong Scottish princess, as she challenges tradition to forge her path, exploring themes of family, fate, and self-determination.
This collection highlights 25 quotes that encapsulate the film’s heart-mother-daughter reconciliation, courage in adversity, and the power of rewriting destiny.
Our fate lives within us. You only have to be brave enough to see it
Scene: Closing Narration
Speaker: Merida
Context: Merida’s matured understanding of self-agency, rejecting passive acceptance of tradition.
I don’t want to get married! I want to stay single and let my hair flow in the wind as I ride through the glen, firing arrows into the sunset!
Scene: Argument with Queen Elinor
Speaker: Merida
Context: Defines her rejection of societal expectations, prioritizing personal freedom.
Legends are lessons. They ring with truths
Scene: Clan History Lesson
Speaker: Queen Elinor
Context: Emphasizes respecting legacy while challenging its constraints.
You control your destiny-you don’t need magic to do it
Scene: Confronting the Witch
Speaker: Merida
Context: Rejects shortcuts, affirming accountability for one’s choices.
If you could just try to see what I do, I do out of love
Scene: Post-Spell Argument
Speaker: Queen Elinor (as a bear)
Context: Elinor’s vulnerability, bridging her strictness with maternal care.
I’ve been selfish. I tore a great rift in this kingdom
Scene: Apology to the Clans
Speaker: Merida
Context: Merida’s growth from rebellion to responsibility.
A princess does not chortle, doesn’t stuff her gob, rises early, is compassionate, patient, cautious, clean, and above all… strives for perfection
Scene: Etiquette Lesson
Speaker: Queen Elinor
Context: Highlights generational clash over rigid definitions of femininity.
By the second sunrise, your spell will be permanent, unless you remember these words: ‘Fate be changed. Look inside. Mend the bond torn by pride.’
Scene: Witch’s Warning
Speaker: The Witch
Context: Propels Merida’s quest to repair familial bonds.
We can’t just run away from who we are
Scene: Betrothal Argument
Speaker: Queen Elinor
Context: Initial refusal to adapt traditions, contrasting later growth.
You’ve always been there for me. You’ve never given up on me
Scene: Bear Elinor’s Comfort
Speaker: Merida
Context: Emotional climax of Merida’s appreciation for her mother.
Leave her be. Princess or not, learning to fight is essential
Scene: Training with Fergus
Speaker: King Fergus
Context: Fergus’ support for Merida’s autonomy, defying Elinor’s norms.
The bigger organization isn’t always the best
Scene: Mor’du’s Defeat
Speaker: N/A (Thematic Context)
Context: Elinor’s bear form overcoming Mor’du’s brute strength through love.
I am Merida, firstborn descendant of Clan Dunbroch. And I’LL be shooting FOR MY OWN HAND!
Scene: Archery Contest
Speaker: Merida
Context: Defiant assertion of agency, disrupting patriarchal traditions.
Change your fate
Scene: Witch’s Hut
Speaker: The Witch
Context: Catalyzes Merida’s journey to challenge destiny.
You don’t know what you’ve done!
Scene: After the Spell
Speaker: Queen Elinor
Context: Panic over consequences, underscoring the cost of impulsive actions.
It’ll be fire and sword if it’s not set right
Scene: Post-Contest Confrontation
Speaker: Queen Elinor
Context: Foreshadows the clan conflict Merida’s rebellion incites.
I just want you back. I want you back, Mummy
Scene: Forest Reconciliation
Speaker: Merida
Context: Raw plea symbolizing her desperation to heal their relationship.
Some never find [their fate]. But there are some who are led
Scene: Opening Narration
Speaker: Merida
Context: Introduces the film’s exploration of active vs. passive destiny.
Oh, that’s attractive
Scene: Suitor’s Failed Archery
Speaker: Merida
Context: Sarcasm highlighting her disdain for forced betrothal.
Wee devils, more like. They get away with murder
Scene: Introducing the Triplets
Speaker: Merida
Context: Humorous sibling dynamic, grounding her in familial bonds.
And such lovely, flowing locks
Scene: Post-Battle Banter
Speaker: King Fergus
Context: Lightheartedness amid tension, showcasing Fergus’ supportive role.
Good day to you. We’ll expect your declarations of war in the morning
Scene: Rehearsing a Speech
Speaker: Merida
Context: Mocking royal protocol, emphasizing her rebellious spirit.
Find those by the creek, did you? They’re nightshade berries. They’re poisonous
Scene: Bear Elinor’s Mishap
Speaker: Merida
Context: Humor and tension during their forest survival.
SHUT IT!!!
Scene: Throne Room Breakdown
Speaker: Merida
Context: Fractured leadership moment before her heartfelt apology.
Not if I have any say in it
Scene: Defying Betrothal
Speaker: Merida
Context: Early declaration of autonomy, setting her arc in motion.
Why These Quotes Work for Brave Fans
These lines capture Merida’s fiery spirit, Elinor’s growth from rigidity to empathy, and the film’s core message: destiny is shaped by courage, not complacency. From humorous quips to emotional reckonings, each quote underscores the power of mending bonds and rewriting one’s story-a testament to Pixar’s nuanced storytelling.
