Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
The film's whole attitude in one kick: a king who decides that talk is over and that Sparta answers threats with violence. Because it is shouted, over-the-top and followed by a long drop, it became the internet's favourite template, endlessly edited so that someone is kicked into a pit over something small. Fans quote it for any mock-heroic last straw.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for 300Show the scene
At the start of 300, King Leonidas of Sparta receives a Persian messenger at the steps of his city, who demands earth and water as a token of submission to Xerxes. Leonidas mocks him, points out that the messenger insulted his queen, Gorgo, and draws his sword. The messenger calls it blasphemy and madness. Leonidas, after a nod from Gorgo, repeats the word as a question, shouts the line and kicks the messenger backwards into a deep well. The film came out on 9 March 2007, directed by Zack Snyder from Frank Miller's graphic novel.
Sources (2)
- Wikiquote: 300 (film)Leonidas and the Persian messenger sceneReference checked
- Wikipedia: 300 (film)Cast sectionReference checked
Context reviewed