蜘蛛巣城
Throne of Blood - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
ambition is false fame and will fall, death will reign, man falls in vain
— Old Ghost Woman (Forest Spirit)
Context:
This is part of the haunting song the spirit sings while spinning her wheel when Washizu and Miki first encounter her in the Spider's Web Forest. The prophecy lays out the philosophical foundation for the entire narrative.
Meaning:
This sung prophecy encapsulates the film's core theme: the futility and destructive nature of human ambition. It serves as a grim warning, foreshadowing Washizu's tragic rise and fall and suggesting that the pursuit of power ultimately leads to nothing but death and decay.
In this degenerate age one must kill so as not to be killed.
— Lady Asaji Washizu
Context:
Asaji says this to Washizu to persuade him to murder their lord. She frames the act not as one of ambition, but of self-preservation, preying on his fears and convincing him that inaction will lead to his own death.
Meaning:
This quote reveals Asaji's cynical and ruthless worldview, which she uses to justify murder and treason. It speaks to the theme of a violent, cyclical world where morality is a weakness and preemptive strikes are necessary for survival and advancement.
Admirable, my Lord. You, who would soon rule the world, allow a ghost to frighten you.
— Lady Asaji Washizu
Context:
Asaji speaks these words to Washizu during the banquet scene, after he has reacted with terror to the appearance of Miki's ghost, which only he can see. She is trying to cover for his outburst in front of his retainers and shame him back into composure.
Meaning:
This quote showcases Asaji's cold nerve and her manipulative power over her husband. While Washizu is visibly terrified by the supernatural consequences of his actions (Miki's ghost), Asaji remains pragmatic and contemptuous of his weakness, urging him to maintain control.