It is no good hammering your sword into a plowshare if you must forge it again on the morrow
It is no good hammering your sword into a plowshare if you must forge it again on the morrow
In the world of George R. R. Martin's epic fantasy series, "A Song of Ice and Fire," the quote "It is no good hammering your sword into a plowshare if you must forge it again on the morrow" holds a significant meaning. This quote speaks to the constant cycle of violence and conflict that plagues the characters in Martin's world, where peace is often short-lived and war is always looming on the horizon.Throughout the series, we see characters who try to leave behind their pasts as warriors and embrace a more peaceful existence, only to be forced back into battle when their enemies come knocking. This constant struggle between the desire for peace and the necessity of war is a central theme in Martin's work, and the quote serves as a reminder that sometimes, no matter how hard we try to avoid it, violence is inevitable.
One of the most prominent examples of this theme in Martin's series is the character of Jon Snow. Jon starts out as a member of the Night's Watch, a sworn brotherhood tasked with defending the realm from threats beyond the Wall. Despite his desire for a peaceful life, Jon is constantly drawn into conflicts with the wildlings, the White Walkers, and eventually, his own family. No matter how hard he tries to avoid violence, Jon is always forced to pick up his sword and fight for what he believes in.
Similarly, characters like Daenerys Targaryen and Tyrion Lannister also struggle with the idea of leaving their pasts behind and forging a new path for themselves. Daenerys, once a timid young girl, becomes a powerful queen and mother of dragons, but she is constantly faced with the choice between diplomacy and war. Tyrion, a witty and intelligent man, tries to use his words instead of his sword to navigate the dangerous political landscape of Westeros, but he too is often forced to resort to violence to protect himself and those he cares about.
Overall, the quote "It is no good hammering your sword into a plowshare if you must forge it again on the morrow" encapsulates the central conflict of Martin's world, where peace is fleeting and war is always on the horizon. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, no matter how hard we try to avoid it, violence is a necessary evil that we must confront in order to survive.