"Remember us." As simple an order as a king can give. "Remember why we died." For he didn't wish tribute or song. No monuments, no poems of war and valour. His wish was simple: "Remember us," he said to me. That was his hope. Should any free soul come across that place, in all the countless centuries yet to be, may all our voices whisper to you from the ageless stones: Go tell the Spartans, passer-by, that here, by Spartan law, we lie. So my king died, and my brothers died, barely a year ago. Long I pondered my king's cryptic talk of victory. Time has proven him wise, for from free Greek to free Greek the word was spread that bold Leonidas and his 300, so far from home, laid down their lives, not just for Sparta, but for all Greece and the promise this country holds. Now, here on this ragged patch of earth called Plataea, Xerxes' hordes face obliteration! Just there, the barbarians huddle, sheer terror gripping tight their hearts with icy fingers, knowing full well what merciless horrors they suffered at the swords and spears of 300. Yet they stare now across the plain at 10,000 Spartans commanding 30,000 free Greeks! Haroo! The enemy outnumber us a paltry three to one; good odds for any Greek. This day we rescue a world from mysticism and tyranny, and usher in a future brighter than anything we could imagine. Give thanks, men! To leonidas, and the brave 300! To victory!
Most scenes together: Spartan King Leonidas & Captain (3), Spartan King Leonidas & Dilios (2), Spartan King Leonidas & Stelios (2)
300 quotes
Page 1 of 5I had lived my entire life without regret until now. It's not that my son gave up his life for his country. It's just that I never told him that I loved him the most. That he had stood by me with honor. That he was all that was best in me.
Stelios (first lines, to Leonidas): We are with you, sire! For Sparta, for freedom – to the death!
This will not be over quickly. You will not enjoy this. I am not your King. [As he forces Gorgo to have sex with him in exchange for assistance in the council]
It's quiet now. They came from the blackness.
Delios (narrating): Whips crack, barbarians howl. Those in back cry ...
Persian Commander (cracking whip): Forward!
Delios (narrating): Those in front cry ...
Persian Soldier (as he is stabbed by Leonidas): Back!
So, what does a realist want from his queen?
I think you know.
Leonidas (decides to visit the small Persian contingent): Captain, I leave you in charge.
But my king ...
Don't worry, Captain. Remember, if they assassinate me, all of Sparta goes to war. Pray they're that stupid. Pray we're that lucky. Besides, there's no reason we can't be civil, is there?
None, sire. [thrusts his spear into a Persian's chest]
Before you speak, Persian, know that in Sparta, everyone, even a king's messenger, are held accountable for the words of his voice. Now, what message do you bring?
Earth and water.
Leonidas (pauses): You rode all the way from Persia for earth and water?
Do not be coy or stupid, Persian. You can afford neither in Sparta.
What makes this woman think she can speak among men?
Because only Spartan women give birth to real men.
Daxos. What a pleasant surprise.
Daxos This morning's full of suprises, Leonidas.
We've been tricked.
Only a few of them? That is a surprise.
Daxos Silence! We heard Sparta was on the warpath. We were eager to join forces.
If a bit of blood you seek, you're welcome to join us.
Daxos But you bring only these handful of soldiers against Xerxes? I see I was wrong to expect Sparta's commitment to at least match our own.
Doesn't it? [points to a soldier next to Daxos] You there, what is your profession?
I'm a potter ... sir.
And you, Arcadian, what is your profession?
Sculptor, sir.
Sculptor. And you?
Blacksmith.
Leonidas (turning towards the Spartans): Spartans! What is your profession?
Harooh! Harooh! Harooh!
See, old friend, I brought more soldiers than you did.
Dilios, I trust that scratch hasn't made you useless.
Hardly, my Lord. It's just an eye. The gods saw fit to grace me with a spare.
It seems, though a slave and captive of lecherous old men, the oracle's words could set fire to all that I love.
So that is why my king loses sleep and is forced from the warmth of his bed? There's only one woman's words that should affect the mood of my husband. Those are mine.
Then what must a king do to save his world, when the very laws he has sworn to protect force him to do nothing?
It is not a question of what a Spartan citizen should do, nor a husband, nor a king. Instead, ask yourself, my dearest love, what should a free man do?
My captain?
Curses the Gods and mourns alone.
This battle is over when I say it is over.
Daxos By morning the immortals will surround us. The hot gates will fall.
Spartans! Prepare for glory!
Daxos Glory? Have you gone mad? There's no glory to be hunted now. Only retreat or surrender ... or death.
Well, that's an easy choice for us, Arcadians. Spartans never retreat! Spartans never surrender! Go spread the word. Let every Greek assembled know the truth of this. Let each among them search his own soul. And while you're at it, search your own.
This is where we hold them! This is where we fight! This is where they die!
Earn these shields, boys!
Harooh!
Remember this day, men. For it will be yours for all time.
Spartans! Lay down your weapons.
Persians! Come and get them!
Give them nothing! But take from them ... everything!