"A Legend for Today"
Ordet - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
Miracles no longer happen.
— The Pastor
Context:
The new, modern-minded pastor says this to the Borgen family, dismissing Johannes's claims and reflecting a faith that has become theoretical and detached from the possibility of divine intervention in the present day.
Meaning:
This line encapsulates the modern, institutionalized religious viewpoint that has lost its connection to the supernatural. It represents the rationalism that has seeped into the church itself, contrasting sharply with the film's miraculous climax.
I think Christianity is the fullness of life. My faith is for all day long and joy in life. Yours is longing for death.
— Morten Borgen
Context:
Morten says this during his heated argument with Peter the Tailor, criticizing Peter's fundamentalist sect for what he sees as their joyless and morbid piety.
Meaning:
This quote clearly delineates the central theological conflict of the film between two opposing views of Christianity: one that embraces life (Grundtvigianism) and one that is perceived as dour and world-denying (Inner Mission).
Give me the Word, the word that can make the dead come to life.
— Johannes
Context:
At Inger's coffin, prompted by the simple faith of the child Maren, Johannes looks to heaven and asks God for the power to perform the resurrection.
Meaning:
This is the pivotal request that precedes the miracle. Johannes, now sane, acknowledges that the power is not his own but must be granted by God. It signifies the transition from his delusion of being Christ to being a humble vessel for divine power.
Life, yes... Life. Yes. Life.
— Inger Borgen
Context:
These are Inger's first words after being resurrected. She says them in response to her husband Mikkel, who, embracing her, says, "Now life begins for us." Her words confirm and celebrate the miracle in the most profound and human way.
Meaning:
Inger's final words are a simple, wondrous affirmation of life itself. After Mikkel proclaims his newfound faith, her response grounds the miracle not in complex theology, but in the precious, tangible gift of life, which she has just regained.