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Anime and Manga
"Is there anyone stupid enough to kill themselves because they're going to die tomorrow? Even if you're headed for the gallows, you can decide how you end up there."
— Shin Nouzen:, 86 EIGHTY-SIX
"I see. You'll show no mercy. How very Hollow-like of you. Go ahead. I lost to you; I no longer have meaning. Do it."
— Ulquiorra Cifer to Ichigo, Bleach
"The only ones who should kill are those prepared to be killed."
— Lelouch vi Britannia, from Episode 1 and 50 of Code Geass. He later lives up to this philosophy when he faces his own orchestrated death with resounding grace.
Vegeta: There is one thing I'd like to know. Tell me...will I meet that clown Kakarot in the Other World?
Piccolo: I'm not going to lie to you, Vegeta. Although the answer may be difficult for you to hear. This is the truth. Goku devoted his life to protecting the lives of others. Because of his selflessness, when he died he was allowed to keep his body and travel to King Kai's planet. You, on the other hand, have spent your life in pursuit of your own selfish desires. You've caused too much pain. When you die, you will not receive the same reward.
Vegeta: Oh well. So be it.
Piccolo: I'm not going to lie to you, Vegeta. Although the answer may be difficult for you to hear. This is the truth. Goku devoted his life to protecting the lives of others. Because of his selflessness, when he died he was allowed to keep his body and travel to King Kai's planet. You, on the other hand, have spent your life in pursuit of your own selfish desires. You've caused too much pain. When you die, you will not receive the same reward.
Vegeta: Oh well. So be it.
Vegeta: I'll take some pride in the fact that it took Beerus the Destroyer to kill me...
Beerus: Indeed. That's a fine way to rationalize your death. You shall die with your honor intact.
Beerus: Indeed. That's a fine way to rationalize your death. You shall die with your honor intact.
"My life was one lived without a single regret!"
— The last words of Raoh, Fist of the North Star
"Not the worst way to go. Rule well, young King."
— Nyx Ulric, Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV
Gozaburo: The code says you have to die for saving him!
Sun: Yeah, and I can accept that. I meant to save his life! It's my choice! Go on! Go ahead, boil me, grill me, whatever!
Sun: Yeah, and I can accept that. I meant to save his life! It's my choice! Go on! Go ahead, boil me, grill me, whatever!
Sergey: No! I once again control my own fate, Jack! Farewell, for now!
Jack: Until next time.
Sergey: (laughs) I'm free! (plummets to his doom)
Jack: Until next time.
Sergey: (laughs) I'm free! (plummets to his doom)
Audio Plays
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: I'm sorry, masked version of me, but... no deal.
The Man In The Mask: WHAT? No—
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: I don't know if I'm on the way out... I rather suspect I am. But if I die, I die. And if I live, I'll make my music — and my scones — without your help.
The Man In The Mask: WHAT? No—
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: I don't know if I'm on the way out... I rather suspect I am. But if I die, I die. And if I live, I'll make my music — and my scones — without your help.
Comic Books
"Legendary Tiger Tea. Confers the strength of ten. At least for... hrr... a little while." [straightens his bow-tie] "I'm sorry we had to meet under such appalling circumstances, but... hrnn. Do your worst, gentlemen."
—Tawky Tawny, Final Crisis
Fairy Tales
Curlylocks wept and cried, and tried to get to Reygoch. But she found that there was no way through, and that her plight was hopeless; and as for the bag of pearls, which might have helped her, it was buried under the landslide.
When Curlylocks realised this she stopped crying, for she was proud, and she thought: "There is no help for it, and I must die. Reygoch won't come to my rescue, because his wits are too slow even to help himself, let alone to make him remember to help me. So there is nothing for it, and I must die."
So Curlylocks prepared for death. But in case folk should ever find her in her grave she wanted them to know that she came of royal blood. So she set the crown of gold three times refined upon her head, took the ivory staff in her hand, and lay down to die. There was no one beside Curlylocks except her little lantern, burning as if it were lit with gold; and as Curlylocks began to grow cold and stiff, so the lantern burned low and dim.
When Curlylocks realised this she stopped crying, for she was proud, and she thought: "There is no help for it, and I must die. Reygoch won't come to my rescue, because his wits are too slow even to help himself, let alone to make him remember to help me. So there is nothing for it, and I must die."
So Curlylocks prepared for death. But in case folk should ever find her in her grave she wanted them to know that she came of royal blood. So she set the crown of gold three times refined upon her head, took the ivory staff in her hand, and lay down to die. There was no one beside Curlylocks except her little lantern, burning as if it were lit with gold; and as Curlylocks began to grow cold and stiff, so the lantern burned low and dim.
— "Reygoch"
"What an old hag," said the soldier to himself. "It was time for her to die a many years ago."
"Yes," says the old crone, with her toothless gums numbling and grumbling over her words. "Long ago it was time for me to die. When you shut up Death in the sack I had only an hour left to live. I had done with the world, and the world had done with me, and I would have been glad to be at peace. Long ago my place in heaven was made ready, and it is empty to this day for I cannot die."
"Yes," says the old crone, with her toothless gums numbling and grumbling over her words. "Long ago it was time for me to die. When you shut up Death in the sack I had only an hour left to live. I had done with the world, and the world had done with me, and I would have been glad to be at peace. Long ago my place in heaven was made ready, and it is empty to this day for I cannot die."
Fan Works
"I can die with dignity, or I can suffer abject humiliation. Or, in my case, both, but without the dignity."
"If I am going to die, I'm going to do it with dignity."
— Rarity, The End of a Nightmare
There was a part of my body beyond thought, beyond comprehension, that fought the oncoming darkness like a rabid animal attacking a brick wall until it tore its own claws off in its frenzy. But there was another, smaller voice that remembered what had happened, realized where I was, and thought yeah, this is okay. The tiny part of myself that was still me after all those years, even in that moment, thought it might be okay to rest for once. That maybe I’d get to take Essa down with me.
In those few seconds, I was actually at peace. Chalk it up to shock if you will, but dying didn’t seem like such a bad idea at the time.
And then—something changed.
In those few seconds, I was actually at peace. Chalk it up to shock if you will, but dying didn’t seem like such a bad idea at the time.
And then—something changed.
— Tom's narration, The Day the Earth Stood Still
“I will make this brief. Many of you suffered under the yoke of my Empire, and for that, you have my sincere apologies. However, know this; I have no regrets. Were I to be put in a similar position, I would make the same choices. This world was in need of mending, and I was determined to provide the solution. As it turns out, there was someone far more suited to the role, and I am grateful for it. I go in peace knowing that despite how I have vilified myself, Fódlan will see true peace for the first time in centuries.”
Xana: Goodbye…William Dunbar. (...) I will never conquer Earth, will I?
William Dunbar: ….Nope.
The presence within the deep cave in his mind lingers in disappointment.
Xana: Pity. Instead I engaged in a rather close up study of…human mating.
William: Yeah that's right. Wait…WHAT?!
In a single moment, Xana quietly fades. William's mind is soon left only with his thoughts.
William: Um…you want to run that by me again?...Hello?
William Dunbar: ….Nope.
The presence within the deep cave in his mind lingers in disappointment.
Xana: Pity. Instead I engaged in a rather close up study of…human mating.
William: Yeah that's right. Wait…WHAT?!
In a single moment, Xana quietly fades. William's mind is soon left only with his thoughts.
William: Um…you want to run that by me again?...Hello?
Film — Animation
"Prepare to fight. If we die, we die with honor."
— Shang, Mulan
"I've spent my entire life doing nothing but collecting comic books... and now there's only time to say... LIFE WELL SPENT!"
— Comic Book Guy, The Simpsons Movie
"Holy creatures, transform me into your humble servant. Show me the path to enlightenment as you alter my flesh and free my soul."
— Samuel Irons, just before being killed by Necromorphs, Dead Space: Downfall
"If I don't make it back, tell my story."
— Garfield, The Garfield Movie, as he is about to spring into action against some villains
Film — Live-Action
"There is no defeat in death, Master Bruce. Victory comes in defending what we know is right, while we still live."
—Alfred Pennyworth, Batman & Robin
"I've... seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched c-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate. All those moments will be lost... in time, like tears... in rain. Time... to die."
"What a perfect day to die..."
— Joong-gu Lee, New World (2013)
Van Pelt: End of the line, Sonny Jim; game's up. Start running.
Alan: No.
Van Pelt: Aren't you afraid?
Alan: I'm terrified, but my father told me: you should always face what you are afraid of.
Van Pelt: (laughs) Good lad. You're finally acting like a man. Any last words?
Alan: No.
Van Pelt: Aren't you afraid?
Alan: I'm terrified, but my father told me: you should always face what you are afraid of.
Van Pelt: (laughs) Good lad. You're finally acting like a man. Any last words?
— Jumanji
Bill: How do I look?
Beatrix: You look ready.
[Bill calmly stands up, takes six steps, and dies from the Five Point Palm Exploding Heart Technique]
Beatrix: You look ready.
[Bill calmly stands up, takes six steps, and dies from the Five Point Palm Exploding Heart Technique]
Allan Quatermain: Well look on the bright side — at least we're the main course.
Jesse Huston: Oh sure, a joke! Well I don't need to die with dignity! I want to scream... ARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHH!
[Cannibals give war-cry in response]
Jesse Huston: Oh sure, a joke! Well I don't need to die with dignity! I want to scream... ARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHH!
[Cannibals give war-cry in response]
Anakin Skywalker: [in Darth Vader mask] Luke, help me take this mask off.
Luke Skywalker: But you'll die.
Anakin: Nothing can stop that now. Just for once, let me look on you with my own eyes.
(Luke nods, takes the mask off, revealing Anakin's scarred face)
Anakin: [faintly] Now, go, my son. Leave me...
Luke: No, you're coming with me. I'll not leave you here, I have to save you.
Anakin: You already have, Luke. You were right. You were right about me. Tell your sister... you were right...
Luke Skywalker: But you'll die.
Anakin: Nothing can stop that now. Just for once, let me look on you with my own eyes.
(Luke nods, takes the mask off, revealing Anakin's scarred face)
Anakin: [faintly] Now, go, my son. Leave me...
Luke: No, you're coming with me. I'll not leave you here, I have to save you.
Anakin: You already have, Luke. You were right. You were right about me. Tell your sister... you were right...
William Travis: We could try to get you out with an escort. If you're captured, perhaps given your condition, mercy would be extended.
Jim Bowie: I don't deserve mercy. I do deserve a drink. You got anything stronger than water?
William Travis: [smiles] I don't drink, Jim, you know that. I gamble, go to whores, run off on wives... but drinking, I draw the line.
Jim Bowie: You know, if you live five more years, you might just be a great man.
William Travis: I think I will probably have to settle for what I am now.
Jim Bowie: I don't deserve mercy. I do deserve a drink. You got anything stronger than water?
William Travis: [smiles] I don't drink, Jim, you know that. I gamble, go to whores, run off on wives... but drinking, I draw the line.
Jim Bowie: You know, if you live five more years, you might just be a great man.
William Travis: I think I will probably have to settle for what I am now.
"My running days are over. This is where it ends for me."
— Solomon Lane, Mission: Impossible – Fallout
M'Baku: This will be the end of Wakanda.
Okoye: Then it will be the noblest ending in history.
Okoye: Then it will be the noblest ending in history.
"Thank you, daughter. Perhaps I treated you too harshly."
— Thanos, Avengers: Endgame
"Gentlemen...it has been a privilege playing with you tonight."
— Wallace Hartley, Titanic (1997)
Richard: He's here. He'll get no satisfaction out of me. He isn't going to see me beg.
Geoffrey: My you chivalric fool... as if the way one fell down mattered.
Richard: When the fall is all there is, it matters.
Geoffrey: My you chivalric fool... as if the way one fell down mattered.
Richard: When the fall is all there is, it matters.
Kodan Officer: We're locked into the moon's gravitational pull! What do we do?
Commander Kril: (calmly) We die.
Commander Kril: (calmly) We die.
Meyer: Jonathan, you're very good. I have enjoyed climbing with you.
Hemlock: We'll make it.
Meyer: I don't think so. But we shall continue with style.
Captain Mike: You could be as mad as a mad dog about the way things went. You could swear, curse the fates; but when it comes down to the end, you have to let go.
Batman: You'll never learn to mind your surroundings!
Ducard: Have you finally learned to do what is necessary?
"This is how they shall remember me, my mother that raised me, my family, my friends. Not broken. Not bedraggled. Not condemned. No prisoners!"
"Witness me..."
—Nux, Mad Max: Fury Road
"LATER, HATER!"
— Dr. Robotnik, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022)
"They note paid for your death. Do not give them your dignity for free."
"Oh wow... so this is how it is? Well… send me down the river."
"Oh wow... so this is how it is? Well… send me down the river."
Davy Jones: Do you not fear death?
Sailor: I'll take my chances, sir.
Davy Jones: To the depths.
(A crewmate slits the sailor's throat and tosses him overboard)
Literature
"And how can man die better
Than facing fearful odds,
For the ashes of his fathers,
And the temples of his Gods."
Than facing fearful odds,
For the ashes of his fathers,
And the temples of his Gods."
— Lord Macaulay, Horatius at the Bridge
"Finally...."
— Marcus spreading his arms and smiling as Stefan and Vladimir charge towards him with lethal intent, Breaking Dawn Part 2
I see the lives for which I lay down my life, peaceful, useful, prosperous and happy, in that England which I shall see no more. I see Her with a child upon her bosom, who bears my name. I see her father, aged and bent, but otherwise restored, and faithful to all men in his healing office, and at peace. I see the good old man, so long their friend, in ten years’ time enriching them with all he has, and passing tranquilly to his reward.
I see that I hold a sanctuary in their hearts, and in the hearts of their descendants, generations hence. I see her, an old woman, weeping for me on the anniversary of this day. I see her and her husband, their course done, lying side by side in their last earthly bed, and I know that each was not more honoured and held sacred in the other’s soul, than I was in the souls of both.
I see that child who lay upon her bosom and who bore my name, a man winning his way up in that path of life which once was mine. I see him winning it so well, that my name is made illustrious there by the light of his. I see the blots I threw upon it, faded away. I see him, fore-most of just judges and honoured men, bringing a boy of my name, with a forehead that I know and golden hair, to this place—then fair to look upon, with not a trace of this day’s disfigurement—and I hear him tell the child my story, with a tender and a faltering voice.
It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known.
I see that I hold a sanctuary in their hearts, and in the hearts of their descendants, generations hence. I see her, an old woman, weeping for me on the anniversary of this day. I see her and her husband, their course done, lying side by side in their last earthly bed, and I know that each was not more honoured and held sacred in the other’s soul, than I was in the souls of both.
I see that child who lay upon her bosom and who bore my name, a man winning his way up in that path of life which once was mine. I see him winning it so well, that my name is made illustrious there by the light of his. I see the blots I threw upon it, faded away. I see him, fore-most of just judges and honoured men, bringing a boy of my name, with a forehead that I know and golden hair, to this place—then fair to look upon, with not a trace of this day’s disfigurement—and I hear him tell the child my story, with a tender and a faltering voice.
It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known.
— Sidney Carton's last thoughts whilst awaiting execution, A Tale of Two Cities
The witch, weakened and weary, sighed and leaned its head back on the chair. So the correction was not yet complete. No wonder then it was still so tired. Seeing what was coming, it was clear now that this was to be the last and it was sad, but it had lived quietly and cleverly now for nearly three thousand years.
The end was never in the gift of the witch. Unlike the humanity it moved amongst, it could not bring about its own demise, but in common with them it nevertheless treaded carefully and had learned to accept its fate.
It looked with sorrow at the optimistically packed rucksack by the door, then stood on weakened legs and walked slowly and carefully to the kitchen to open one last tin of gourmet cat food for its beautiful, loyal companion, one of the few friends it had on Earth.
The end was never in the gift of the witch. Unlike the humanity it moved amongst, it could not bring about its own demise, but in common with them it nevertheless treaded carefully and had learned to accept its fate.
It looked with sorrow at the optimistically packed rucksack by the door, then stood on weakened legs and walked slowly and carefully to the kitchen to open one last tin of gourmet cat food for its beautiful, loyal companion, one of the few friends it had on Earth.
— Forgotten, by Muriel Gray
And then he greeted Death as an old friend, and went with him gladly, and, equals, they departed this life.
— "The Tale of the Three Brothers", The Tales of Beedle the Bard
The human was silent. No begging, no pleading for life. At the end, acceptance came even to this strong, turbulent spirit.
— The Ellimist, Animorphs - The Ellimist Chronicles
"With this death, my line ends. An unbroken bloodline stretching back over three thousand years, since the First Spirit itself opened its great mouth and spat Tomoda onto the surface of the world. This is... not how I would've liked for it to happen. Thank you for everything, Sergeant. I know we're more foe than not, but you have a prince's courtesy and gratitude."
— Iron Prince Jimuro (prematurely), Steel Crow Saga
Death is an old friend; I know him well. I lived with him, ate with him, slept with him; to meet him again does not frighten me—death is as necessary as birth, as happy in its own way.
"If you must mount the gallows, give a jest to the crowd, a coin to the hangman, and make the drop with a smile on your lips."
Granny Weatherwax: Well, the journey was worth taking and I saw many wonderful things on the way, including you, my reliable friend. Shall we go now?
Death: MADAM, WE'VE ALREADY GONE.
Death: MADAM, WE'VE ALREADY GONE.
Bennet Hatch: "Can ye hear, old Nick? Have ye a last wish before ye wend, old brother?"
Nick Appleyard: (gasping) "Pluck out the shaft, and let me pass, a' Mary's name! I be done with Old England. Pluck it out!"
Nick Appleyard: (gasping) "Pluck out the shaft, and let me pass, a' Mary's name! I be done with Old England. Pluck it out!"
I won't close my eyes. The comment about Rue has filled me with fury, enough fury that I think to die with some dignity. I will stare her down as long as I can see, which will probably not be an extended period of time, but I will stare her down. I will not cry out, I will die, in my own small way, undefeated.
— Katniss Everdeen (prematurely), The Hunger Games
Live-Action TV
"Shut the fuck up and let me die in peace."
— Mike Ehrmantraut, Breaking Bad
(to Walt) "You're the smartest guy I've ever met, and you're too stupid to see... he made up his mind ten minutes ago." (to Jack) Do what you're gonna d—"
— Hank Schrader, Breaking Bad
"I have been many things in my life, Mollari. I have been silly. I have been quiet when I should have spoken. I have been foolish, and I have wasted far too much time. But I am still Centauri, and I am not afraid."
— Milo Virini, Babylon 5, "The Fall of Centauri Prime"
The Doctor: I wish I had known you better.
Father Octavian: I think, sir, that you know me at my best.
Father Octavian: I think, sir, that you know me at my best.
Rebecca Adler: I just want to die with a little dignity.
Dr. Gregory House: There's no such thing! Our bodies break down, sometimes when we're 90, sometimes before we're even born, but it always happens and there's never any dignity in it! I don't care if you can walk, see, wipe your own ass... it's always ugly, always! You can live with dignity; you can't die with it!
Dr. Gregory House: There's no such thing! Our bodies break down, sometimes when we're 90, sometimes before we're even born, but it always happens and there's never any dignity in it! I don't care if you can walk, see, wipe your own ass... it's always ugly, always! You can live with dignity; you can't die with it!
Jerry: Can't you at least die with a little dignity?
George: No, I can't! I can't die with dignity! I have no dignity! I want to be the one person who doesn't die with dignity! I live my whole life in shame! Why should I die with dignity?
George: No, I can't! I can't die with dignity! I have no dignity! I want to be the one person who doesn't die with dignity! I live my whole life in shame! Why should I die with dignity?
— Seinfeld
Lincoln: Try to sway me if you want, but there's no turning this thing back around.
Hive: I can see that. I think we're already going to share a connection as we experience the one thing that's eluded me all these years... death.
Hive: I can see that. I think we're already going to share a connection as we experience the one thing that's eluded me all these years... death.
"Though immortality may have eluded me... perhaps it's for the best. After all... what is eternity without my beloved Agnes by my side? This is the way the world ends. Not with a bang, but a-"
"GLORIOUS PURPOSE!"
Mihawk: You are defeated. Why do you persist?
Zoro: Wounds on the back are a swordsman's greatest shame.
Mihawk: Magnificent.
Zoro: Wounds on the back are a swordsman's greatest shame.
Mihawk: Magnificent.
Music
No point asking when it is,
No point asking who's to go,
No point asking what's the game,
No point asking who's to blame,
'Cos if you're gonna die, if you're gonna die,
If you're gonna die, if you're gonna die,
If you're gonna die, die with your boots on...
No point asking who's to go,
No point asking what's the game,
No point asking who's to blame,
'Cos if you're gonna die, if you're gonna die,
If you're gonna die, if you're gonna die,
If you're gonna die, die with your boots on...
Up that narrow street he stepped, smiling proud and young
About the hemp rope on his neck, the golden ringlets clung
There is never a tear in his blue eyes, though sad and bright are they
As young Roddy McCorley goes to die on the bridge of Toome today.
There is never a one of all your dead, more bravely fell in fray,
Than he who marches to his fate on the bridge of Toome today,
True to the last, true to the last, he treads the upward way,
As young Roddy McCorley goes to die on the bridge of Toome today.
About the hemp rope on his neck, the golden ringlets clung
There is never a tear in his blue eyes, though sad and bright are they
As young Roddy McCorley goes to die on the bridge of Toome today.
There is never a one of all your dead, more bravely fell in fray,
Than he who marches to his fate on the bridge of Toome today,
True to the last, true to the last, he treads the upward way,
As young Roddy McCorley goes to die on the bridge of Toome today.
— Ethna Carbery, Roddy McCorley
Down by the donut prince
A fifteen year old boy lies on the sidewalk
With a bullet in his forehead
In a final act of indignity
The paramedics take off all his clothes
For the whole world to see
While they put him in the bag
A fifteen year old boy lies on the sidewalk
With a bullet in his forehead
In a final act of indignity
The paramedics take off all his clothes
For the whole world to see
While they put him in the bag
— Eels, "Susan's House" from Beautiful Freak
The show must go on
The show must go on, yeah
Inside, my heart is breaking
My makeup may be flaking
But my smile still stays on
The show must go on, yeah
Inside, my heart is breaking
My makeup may be flaking
But my smile still stays on
— Queen, "The Show Must Go On"
As you file to your escape pods
I'll distract the alien hordes
And as I stare death in the face
I know my sins will take me to hell!
I'll distract the alien hordes
And as I stare death in the face
I know my sins will take me to hell!
— The Lonely Island, "Space Olympics"
One day death is going to conquer me
I’ll be down where the waters flow
I hope sweet heaven has a place for me
Let me know boys, let me know
I’ll be down where the waters flow
I hope sweet heaven has a place for me
Let me know boys, let me know
— Coldplay, "Death Will Never Conquer"
"I welcome death with open arms
Her soft breath and simple charm"
Her soft breath and simple charm"
— Fear Factory, "A Therapy for Pain" from Demanufacture
Radio
Fenn: I don't want to die!
Calcula: Ah, one ambition that's never going to be fulfilled.
Fenn: Aren't you scared?!
Calcula: For the first time in my life, there's nothing I can do to prolong my survival. It's... it's... almost relaxing.
Calcula: For the first time in my life, there's nothing I can do to prolong my survival. It's... it's... almost relaxing.
Stand-Up Comedy
"The United States Marines have a saying: Death Before Dishonor. How much dishonour are we talking about? Because I can put up with quite a lot. I would, for instance, fellate a Smurf."
Theatre
"But I have spoke
With one that saw him die; who did report
That very frankly he confessed his treasons,
Implor'd your Highness' pardon, and set forth
A deep repentance. Nothing in his life
Became him like the leaving it."
With one that saw him die; who did report
That very frankly he confessed his treasons,
Implor'd your Highness' pardon, and set forth
A deep repentance. Nothing in his life
Became him like the leaving it."
— Malcolm on the traitorous Thane of Cawdor, Macbeth
Video Games
"My ancestors are smiling at me, Imperials. Can you say the same?"
— Stormcloak Soldier, at his execution, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
"Let the Dragonborn finish it. It will make for a better song."
— Ulfric Stormcloak, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, at the end of the Civil War storyline on the Legion side
"Oh, you can save your sinister bravado. I'll not go to my grave whimpering like an infant."
— Emperor Titus Mede II, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, at the end of the Dark Brotherhood storyline.
"If you're going to die, at least die with courage."
— Leanne to Zephyr, Resonance of Fate
"Just make it quick, Warden. I can face the Maker knowing Ferelden is in your hands."
— Loghain Mac Tir, Dragon Age: Origins
Richter: How long do I have?
Richard: You? You don't have much time. No one does.
Richter: There's nothing I can do about it, right?
Richard: No. By now, there's nothing anyone can do about it.
Richter: Okay. No need to fight it then.
Richard: I'm glad you understand. ...leaving the world is not as scary as it sounds.
Richard: You? You don't have much time. No one does.
Richter: There's nothing I can do about it, right?
Richard: No. By now, there's nothing anyone can do about it.
Richter: Okay. No need to fight it then.
Richard: I'm glad you understand. ...leaving the world is not as scary as it sounds.
The Raider: What you've done is wrong! You feast, while all around you people starve?! You and your warriors will learn to live like the rest of us...or you will become food for crows!
Ragnar: Idiot child! Might as well ask me to pick up... farming! We're Vikings!
The Raider: So that's a "no"?
Ragnar: [with open arms] Valhalla...
Ragnar: Idiot child! Might as well ask me to pick up... farming! We're Vikings!
The Raider: So that's a "no"?
Ragnar: [with open arms] Valhalla...
"I've made my peace. ...still, knowing this is it...and seeing you here now...it's...more than I can take..."
— Noctis Lucis Caelum. Final Fantasy XV
Highwayman: No way out. Hmph, let's do this.
Leper: Spare the others, I am ready.
Bounty Hunter: ...hm.
Hellion: Send me to hell then! AAAKYLORAAAHHH!
Occulist: Finally, the face of my tormentor. Come, then.
Man-at-Arms: I go with a clear conscience. I've given my all.
Abomination: Whatever awaits, it cannot be worse than what I've endured.
Musketeer: All for one, and one for all!
Houndmaster: Steady, girl. If we're called, we answer.
Flagellant: I've waited long for this! DON'T TAKE IT FROM ME.
Shieldbreaker: Another nightmare. A fitting audience for my last dance.
Leper: Spare the others, I am ready.
Bounty Hunter: ...hm.
Hellion: Send me to hell then! AAAKYLORAAAHHH!
Occulist: Finally, the face of my tormentor. Come, then.
Man-at-Arms: I go with a clear conscience. I've given my all.
Abomination: Whatever awaits, it cannot be worse than what I've endured.
Musketeer: All for one, and one for all!
Houndmaster: Steady, girl. If we're called, we answer.
Flagellant: I've waited long for this! DON'T TAKE IT FROM ME.
Shieldbreaker: Another nightmare. A fitting audience for my last dance.
"So, my final enemy is a puppet version of myself... Not bad."
— Goro Akechi, Persona 5
"I've never been prouder of you than I am right now, brother/sister. It's been a pleasure serving with you."
— Paladin Danse, Fallout 4, if the player chooses to execute him for being a Synth
"Give me my warrior's death."
— Rayvis, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
"Well, we have arrived. Now, get to him! Unless you want to die with this ship!"
— Original Zero, The King of Fighters 2001
"Thanks for the fuse, best bud. And thank you Mario, for everything!"
— Bobby, just as he's about to detonate himself to free Olivia from the boulder, Paper Mario: The Origami King
"Well, Mr. Sweepy, it looks like this is the end. Lord knows I wouldn’t want to clean this mess up anyway."
— The Janitor just before being struck by the talisman power, Kindergarten
"So end's the life and times of King Sisyphus. A fitting end to an existence defined by futile struggle, doomed from the start. And I don't regret a second of it."
— Sisyphus Primes final words, ULTRAKILL
"Dearest Marie, as the war ends for me, I have no regrets. I've seen too much horror. I hope fate has been more merciful to you. Our time on Earth is brief, and mine has been filled with so much joy, that I can only be thankful for how much I've been blessed. Most specially for the wonder you brought into my life. This letter is my last. I've been found guilty by a military court for the death of an officer. It was not my intention to kill him. War makes men mad. Though I failed Karl, I know my sacrifice has not been in vain. I fought for my country and my liberty, my honour is assured. Since it is the will of God to separate us on Earth, I hope we'll meet again in heaven. Keep me in your prayers.
Your loving papa, always."
Your loving papa, always."
—Emile's last letter, Valiant Hearts
"Please take refuge. We are fine here. We shall greet the morning.... together."
— Anju and Kafei, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
Jensen: "We can avoid another unnecessary tragedy." Isn't that what you said? You surrender now, I will give the kill switch to you. You'll spend the rest of your days in prison — but the hold your masters have on you will end.
Marchenko: A nice dream... But we both know there is no escape from these men. I am a soldier, Brother. I accept my fate.
[Marchenko brandishes his bomb detonator, and Jensen triggers the kill switch]
Marchenko: A nice dream... But we both know there is no escape from these men. I am a soldier, Brother. I accept my fate.
[Marchenko brandishes his bomb detonator, and Jensen triggers the kill switch]
Carter-A259: [Radio] Noble! you've got a... situation.
(Scarab suddenly walks down in front of Emile and Six, who are stuck at the cave exit)
Emile-A239: Mother! We can get past it, sir!
Carter-A259: [Radio] No, you can't. Not without help.
Emile-A239: Commander, you don't have the firepower!
(Carters' Pelican performs a strafing run to distract the Scarab from firing)
Carter-A259: [Radio] ...I've got the mass.
Emile-A239: Solid copy, hit 'em hard, Boss.
(Carters' Pelican turns around and flies directly at the Scarab)
Carter-A259: [Radio] You're on your own, Noble... Carter out.
(Carters' Pelican crashes into the Scarab, causing both vehicles to explode and fall off the hill)
(Scarab suddenly walks down in front of Emile and Six, who are stuck at the cave exit)
Emile-A239: Mother! We can get past it, sir!
Carter-A259: [Radio] No, you can't. Not without help.
Emile-A239: Commander, you don't have the firepower!
(Carters' Pelican performs a strafing run to distract the Scarab from firing)
Carter-A259: [Radio] ...I've got the mass.
Emile-A239: Solid copy, hit 'em hard, Boss.
(Carters' Pelican turns around and flies directly at the Scarab)
Carter-A259: [Radio] You're on your own, Noble... Carter out.
(Carters' Pelican crashes into the Scarab, causing both vehicles to explode and fall off the hill)
"Haha... Would you look at glorious Colonel Pretzel, beaten by mere children..."
— Colonel Pretzel, Fuga: Melodies of Steel
Evie Frye: It is time to lay down your head, Sir David Brewster.
David Brewster: But I have so much more to discover.
Evie Frye: Do not be afraid.
David Brewster: I'm not. God will protect me.
Evie Frye: I will continue your experiment.
David Brewster: You will not stop Starrick. Miss Thorne has already found another Piece of Eden, more powerful than the last.
Evie Frye: I will take that one, too.
David Brewster: We fight to gain what we cannot take with us. It's in our nature.
David Brewster: But I have so much more to discover.
Evie Frye: Do not be afraid.
David Brewster: I'm not. God will protect me.
Evie Frye: I will continue your experiment.
David Brewster: You will not stop Starrick. Miss Thorne has already found another Piece of Eden, more powerful than the last.
Evie Frye: I will take that one, too.
David Brewster: We fight to gain what we cannot take with us. It's in our nature.
"Thanks for the fuse, best bud. And thank you Mario, for everything!"
—Bobby the Bob-Omb, Paper Mario: The Origami King
Webcomics
"I see. So it really did turn out this way. So be it."
— Sakido, Slightly Damned
Web Original
How awesome would Darth Vader’s death scene really be if, after his heroic sacrifice, he spent his last few moments screaming “The Force lightning! It BUUUURNS! This is the worst pain IMAGINABLE!! Luke, would you stop sitting there like a nerf herder and get your old man some freaking MORPHINE?!”
"Shot in the gut. Slumped against a wall. And executed by some crazy Catholic German bint quoting Kill Bill. Yes, a traitor's death."
—Walter, Hellsing Ultimate Abridged
Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew,
When I bit off more than I could chew.
But through it all, when there was doubt,
I ate it up, and spit it out.
The record shows, I took the blows,
And did it... MYYYYY WAAAAAAAYYYYYYY!!!
When I bit off more than I could chew.
But through it all, when there was doubt,
I ate it up, and spit it out.
The record shows, I took the blows,
And did it... MYYYYY WAAAAAAAYYYYYYY!!!
—Perfect Cell as he is obliterated by Gohan, Dragon Ball Z Abridged
"I have already made my peace with God. I am already prepared to die for the revolutionary struggle. I am begging you to save your own soul, and turn away from this madness. But if you're determined to plunge this nation into darkness, hurry up and shoot me, and quit wasting my time."
— President-Elect Norman Thomas, Reds!: A Revolutionary Timeline
"Oh, I'm die. Thank you forever."
—Inugami Korone failing to defuse a bomb in "Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes", hololive
"So you are behind this. Hm. Well played."
— Derek Lucks, Meta Runner
Western Animation
"It's no good, Barry. Oh, man, Artemis is so gonna kill me for this. And don't even get me started on Mom and Dad."
Bloom: Nebula!
Nebula: I'll stay here.
Bloom: But why?
Nebula: I left the light for the dark side. They made me so.
Bloom: No, Nebula! You still have goodness inside you! You'll always have it! You no longer belong to the dark side!
Nebula: I'll stay here.
Bloom: But why?
Nebula: I left the light for the dark side. They made me so.
Bloom: No, Nebula! You still have goodness inside you! You'll always have it! You no longer belong to the dark side!
Bill: If we're goin' down...
Gramma: Then we're goin' down as a family!
Gramma: Then we're goin' down as a family!
— Big City Greens, "Blood Moon"
"As I descend to the earth and I view the universe above me... I realize that life evolves, revolves, and dissolves completely around the opposites. Therefore, I conclude that I cannot exist in my utopian mind."
"DECEPTICONS FOREVER!"
— Ravage's last words, Beast Wars, "The Agenda (Part III)"
Real Life
"So on this day of reflection I say again, thank you for going on this journey with me. I'll see you at the movies."
—Roger Ebert's last blog post
He behaved with great composure and resolution, saying he thought it the duty of every good Officer, to obey any orders given him by his Commander-in-Chief; and desired the Spectators to be at all times prepared to meet death in whatever shape it might appear.
— Diary of Frederick MacKensie, British officer and witness to the hanging of Nathan Hale
"I've had more lifetimes than any 10 people put together, and it's been an amazing ride...So this is O.K."
— Patrick Swayze, on battling pancreatic cancer
"Death smiles upon us all. All a man can do is smile back."
— Marcus Aurelius
"I think a wise man thinks of death as a friend. If that death comes later, rather than on the first day."
— Terry Pratchett, in one of his last televised interviews.
''"We've dressed up in our best and are prepared to go down like gentlemen."
— Benjamin Guggenheim, First Class Titanic passenger when offered a lifebelt. Last seen with his manservant Victor Giglio on deck, listening to the orchestra while drinking a brandy and smoking a cigar.
"While men cheered him for his courage, weeping women grieved bitterly for his fate. There was a hush, broken only by stifled sobs, as the bushranger knelt to receive the last consolations of his faith. Then, standing erect, he bade adieu to the multitude and died more like a martyr than a convicted felon."
— Bill Beatty, "Bouquets for a Bushranger"
, a Herald article about the execution of Matthew Brady
, a Herald article about the execution of Matthew BradyI'm going to die this time. Now, I've been thinking of what to do with the building...
Why...Mr. Barnum, you just said you were going to die!
Yes, Ben, yes. But I ain't dead yet, am I, Ben?
— Conversation between P.T. Barnum and his secretary Ben, three days before Barnum's death
