”Come and take them”—

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Historically speaking, very few direct quotes survive that can be confidently attributed to King Leonidas of Sparta (who died in 480 BCE). Most attributions come from ancient historians such as Herodotus and later classical writers like Plutarch, as well as from the rich tapestry of anecdotes that grew around the legend of Leonidas and his Spartans. It’s important to distinguish historically sourced quotes from modern adaptations—particularly those found in popular films and literature—since the latter often take creative liberties.

Historically Attributed Quote:

1. “Μολὼν λαβέ” (Molon labe) – “Come and take them.”

This is the most famously attributed phrase. According to Plutarch’s “Moralia” and other ancient sources, Leonidas supposedly uttered these words when the Persian King Xerxes demanded that the Spartans surrender their weapons. In this terse reply, Leonidas is said to have encapsulated the Spartan spirit of defiance and courage. While we cannot be completely certain of the exact wording as it was spoken, the phrase has deep historical roots and is strongly connected to Leonidas.

Other Traditional Attributions:

While not as definitively documented, several witty or resolute responses have been connected to Leonidas or members of his force at Thermopylae. These are found in various classical sources, but their exact speaker is sometimes disputed:

1. On Fighting in the Shade:

Ancient historian Herodotus recounts that a Spartan warrior (often said to be the soldier Dienekes rather than Leonidas himself) responded to a warning that the Persian arrows would be so numerous as to blot out the sun: “Good. Then we shall have our battle in the shade.” Sometimes this sentiment is attributed to Leonidas in popular culture, but the original source credits another Spartan, not the king.

2. When Asked to Surrender or Retreat:

Various laconic responses—short, pithy statements reflecting Spartan wit—circulate in later anecdotes and tradition. Leonidas, when urged by the Persian emissary to surrender to the overwhelming Persian force, is also said to have conveyed messages that demonstrated Spartan indifference to odds and a commitment to duty and honor. However, these attributions are less securely anchored in early texts than “Molon labe.”

Modern and Popular Culture Misattributions:

• “This is Sparta!”

Famously shouted by King Leonidas (portrayed by actor Gerard Butler) in the 2007 film “300.” This phrase has no basis in the ancient historical record. It is a purely modern, cinematic invention—albeit one that captures the fierce, defiant spirit that Leonidas has come to symbolize in popular imagination.

• Other Rousing Speeches from Films, Novels, and Comics:

“300” (the graphic novel by Frank Miller and the subsequent film) places a variety of dramatic speeches and statements into Leonidas’s mouth. While these resonate emotionally and reflect the spirit of defiance against impossible odds, they are not historical.

In Summary:

• Authentically ancient and widely recognized: “Molon labe” (“Come and take [them]”) is the prime example of a phrase closely tied to Leonidas.

• Likely apocryphal or spoken by others: Lines about fighting in the shade and other laconic responses are often collectively attributed to the Spartans at Thermopylae, but we cannot firmly place them in Leonidas’s mouth.

• Modern cultural influence: Many quotes and speeches attributed to Leonidas in modern media (films, graphic novels) are creative fabrications meant to evoke the Spartan ideal rather than historical fact.

When discussing Leonidas’s quotes, it’s most accurate to highlight “Molon labe” as the signature historical statement and treat all others, especially those originating in popular entertainment, as either legendary, uncertain, or invented for dramatic effect.

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King Leonidas, the Spartan king immortalized in history and popular culture, is best known for his leadership during the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC. Here are some famous quotes attributed to him or inspired by his character (many popularized by the movie 300):

Historical Quotes

1. “Molon Labe” (Μολὼν λαβέ)

• Meaning “Come and take them,” this was Leonidas’ defiant response when the Persian king Xerxes demanded the Spartans lay down their arms.

2. “Dine in Hades”

• Reportedly, when informed that the Persian arrows would block out the sun, Leonidas remarked, “Then we shall have our battle in the shade.”

3. “Eat well, for tonight we dine in Hades.”

• Spoken to his soldiers before the final battle, emphasizing their readiness to face death with honor.

Quotes from the Movie 300 (2006)

1. “This is Sparta!”

• A dramatic line as Leonidas kicks a Persian envoy into a well, symbolizing Spartan defiance and pride.

2. “Spartans! Prepare for glory!”

• Rallying his troops to embrace their noble sacrifice for freedom and their city-state.

3. “A Spartan’s true strength is the warrior next to him.”

• A reminder of the unity and brotherhood among Spartans.

4. “No retreat, no surrender. That is Spartan law. And by Spartan law, we will stand and fight… and die.”

• Reflecting Spartan ideals of courage and loyalty to their cause.

5. “Give them nothing, but take from them everything!”

• A battle cry urging total commitment in the face of overwhelming odds.

6. “The world will know that free men stood against a tyrant, that few stood against many.”

• Highlighting the Spartans’ role as defenders of freedom against Persian oppression.

Leonidas is celebrated not only for his words but also for his unyielding actions and the principles he stood for.