Yona of the Dawn, also known as Akatsuki no Yona, follows Princess Yona as she transforms from a sheltered royal into a resilient leader after her father’s murder, gathering legendary dragon warriors to reclaim her kingdom.
The series delves into themes of courage, friendship, personal growth, and the complexities of leadership amidst betrayal and war. This curated collection of 25 canonical quotes highlights pivotal moments of emotional depth, character evolution, and ties to the story’s broader narrative of resilience and human bonds.
Keep your mouth shut and hang on, Princess. Think of me as a tool. Use me so that you can live! That’s what I’m here for!
Episode 1 (The Princess Yona)
Speaker: Son Hak
Context: Hak’s fierce loyalty shines in a desperate escape, marking his self-sacrificial devotion and Yona’s early dependence, tying to themes of protection and growth.
To protect you, I’m willing to take up a weapon, even if it means sacrificing someone!
Episode 3 (The Distant Sky)
Speaker: Princess Yona
Context: Yona’s resolve awakens during a tense standoff, showing her shift from naivety to warrior spirit, emphasizing courage and the emotional cost of leadership.
Inability to overcome fear is human.
Episode 5 (Howl)
Speaker: Yun
Context: In a moment of vulnerability, Yun reassures allies, highlighting humanity’s flaws and fostering group bonds, connecting to themes of empathy and inner strength.
I might be the ugly duckling of the group, but I’ll make sure that I’ll protect all of you with all my might.
Episode 24 (From Now On)
Speaker: Ouryuu Zeno
Context: Zeno’s heartfelt pledge during a climactic battle reveals his hidden pain and eternal loyalty, underscoring themes of sacrifice and found family.
There is strength in words. Sometimes, they become words of power. I thought that if I said I’m fine, then I really would be fine. But it’s no use… it doesn’t work. I’m sad, so sad.
Episode 2 (Torn Bonds)
Speaker: Ik-su
Context: Ik-su’s confession exposes emotional suppression’s futility, aiding Yona’s grief processing and her development toward authentic resilience.
Sometimes we women must fight too; don’t underestimate us!
Episode 7 (The Dragon’s Claw)
Speaker: Captain Gi-gan
Context: Gi-gan’s bold stand in a pirate skirmish empowers Yona, challenging gender norms and tying to themes of equality and hidden strength.
I always wanted to become stronger. At first it was to protect myself. Next, it was to protect Hak, who gave up everything for me. Now, it’s to repay my friends, who enabled me to live.
Episode 9 (Shaking Resolve)
Speaker: Princess Yona
Context: Yona reflects post-battle, illustrating her arc from self-preservation to selfless guardianship, evoking profound growth in friendship’s power.
We’ll go anywhere, as long as it means you’ll live.
Episode 1 (The Princess Yona)
Speaker: Son Hak
Context: Hak’s vow during their flight carries heavy emotional weight, solidifying his role as protector and Yona’s initial survival theme.
Before I question the gods, there are questions I should ask myself!
Episode 4 (The Wind Clan)
Speaker: Princess Yona
Context: Yona’s introspection in a quiet village moment sparks self-reliance, marking early development amid themes of destiny and personal agency.
A heaven that only watches has no meaning for me. I do not want gods, but the power of people.
Episode 6 (The Red Hair)
Speaker: Soo-won
Context: Soo-won’s declaration reveals his pragmatic ambition, contrasting divine fate with human will, adding depth to betrayal’s emotional fallout.
I can’t even remember the face of the man who meant so much to me.
Episode 10 (Anticipation)
Speaker: Seiryuu Shin-ah
Context: Shin-ah’s poignant revelation during a peaceful bonding scene exposes isolation’s toll, fostering empathy and his gradual social growth.
A world without weaponry and war, where no one gets hurt, is but a pipe dream.
Episode 12 (Blindfold)
Speaker: Son Hak
Context: Hak’s cynical wisdom in a reflective talk challenges idealism, highlighting war’s inevitability and his protective cynicism’s evolution.
Within my tiny world, I protected my tiny happiness.
Episode 2 (Torn Bonds)
Speaker: Princess Yona
Context: Yona mourns her lost innocence post-tragedy, evoking deep sorrow while catalyzing her journey toward broader purpose and strength.
When you protect someone you want to keep safe, do you always weigh your own life against theirs?
Episode 8 (The Chosen Door)
Speaker: Son Hak
Context: Hak questions duty in a heated confrontation, revealing internal conflict and deepening his bond with Yona through sacrificial love.
If you simply obey orders without question to protect your master, that isn’t your greatest wish, but your greatest tragedy.
Episode 13 (Pirates of Awa)
Speaker: Ryokuryuu Jae-ha
Context: Jae-ha’s insight during recruitment challenges blind loyalty, promoting freedom and his own rebellious development in the group.
Being destined from birth to do something goes against my aesthetic.
Episode 13 (Pirates of Awa)
Speaker: Ryokuryuu Jae-ha
Context: Jae-ha’s witty defiance in a lighthearted escape defies fate, showcasing his charm and growth toward voluntary commitment.
I know that I have no strengths to offer. It irritates me how weak I am. But let me protect them!
Episode 14 (Light)
Speaker: Princess Yona
Context: Yona’s frustrated determination in battle training highlights her impatience for power, tying to themes of self-empowerment and resolve.
Drawing a bow means taking and losing lives. My father hated pain. But, Father, if I do not take lives, I cannot live.
Episode 15 (To a New Land)
Speaker: Princess Yona
Context: Yona grapples with violence in a moral dilemma, evoking paternal conflict and her maturation into a compassionate leader.
Though the humans may hate and betray me, I cannot help but love them.
Episode 16 (War Games)
Speaker: King Hiryuu
Context: Hiryuu’s ancient words in a vision inspire forgiveness, connecting to enduring love themes and Yona’s empathetic development.
No matter how foolish or incomprehensible, some love cannot be discarded. You may try to stop your heart, unable to forgive yourself, but there will be times when you lose hope and your heart is moved again.
Episode 17 (The Pirates of Awa)
Speaker: Ik-su
Context: Ik-su’s wisdom aids emotional healing, underscoring unyielding love’s pain and Yona’s struggle with betrayal’s aftermath.
I’m immortal. Actually, I can’t afford to die. I’ve got a troublesome princess to look after.
Episode 24 (From Now On)
Speaker: Son Hak
Context: Hak’s humorous yet devoted quip in a dire fight reveals vulnerability, strengthening his unbreakable bond with Yona.
Kindness is not a crime. But sometimes, it awakens the weakness and greed in others.
Episode 18 (Bonds)
Speaker: Soo-won
Context: Soo-won’s observation during political intrigue exposes kindness’s double edge, adding layers to his complex character and leadership themes.
I am who I am now. I have my own resolve.
Chapter 65 (From the manga, Vol. 12)
Speaker: Princess Yona
Context: Yona affirms identity post-hardship, evoking empowerment and tying to self-acceptance amid ongoing growth and resilience.
As long as the sun rises each day, we can start anew.
Chapter 66 (From the manga, Vol. 12)
Speaker: Princess Yona
Context: In a serene dawn reflection, Yona embraces hope, highlighting renewal themes and her evolving optimism after loss.
Even if you lose sight of the path, you can’t stay lost forever. Keep moving forward, one step at a time.
Chapter 79 (From the manga, Vol. 14)
Speaker: Princess Yona
Context: Yona motivates allies in uncertainty, embodying perseverance’s emotional uplift and her leadership’s inspirational core.
