Wisdom from Gemmell's books - Heroism

Dark Moon

"I have often wondered what constitutes heroism," he said. "Tarantio and Vint are sword-killers. Most people would call them heroes. But does heroism come naturally to swordmen?"

Karis shoot her head. "Heroes are people who face down their fears. It is that simple. A child afraid of the dark who one day blows out the candle; a woman terrified of the pain of childbirth who says, 'It's time to be a mother'. Heroism does not always live on battle fields, Pooris."

Warrior woman Karis and a politician Pooris speak about heroism in the book Dark moon.

"Are you frightened, Necklen?" asked Gelan.

"There's no shame in fear," said the old man. "But understand this - coward is ruled by the fear, while the hero rides it like a wild stallion. You boys are born to be heroes. Trust me. I am the fine judge of men. That's why I chose you."

"I don't feel like a hero?" admitted Beris.

"You don't have to feel like one, boy. You live like one!"

Warrior Necklen speaks about fear to boys who are facing their first battle.