Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
It began as a rule and a warning: a sword, a Gathering, and a promise that one immortal will end up with everything. Connor finally takes the words from his tormentor in the film's last duel. It stuck to the movie itself as its tagline, and fans use it in any one-winner contest from game shows to snack shelves.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for HighlanderShow the scene
The motto of Russell Mulcahy's Highlander (1986) is a rule the villain says first and the hero says last. The Kurgan, a brutal immortal, first says it in 1536 as he drives his sword into the young Connor MacLeod during a clan battle. The swordsman Ramírez teaches Connor that immortals can die only by beheading, and that in the end there can be only one, the survivor winning the Prize. The Kurgan repeats it before beheading Ramírez and again while fighting Connor in 1985 New York. After defeating the Kurgan in their last duel, Connor shouts it himself.
Sources (3)
- There can be only one, Highlander Wiki (Fandom)Highlander (1986) sectionReference checked
- Highlander (film), WikipediaPlot and leadReference checked
- Highlander (film), WikiquoteKurgan and Ramírez exchange; TaglinesReference checked
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