User blog:LordTBT/News:A Brian Jacques Quote on Grief

Contributed by LordTBT at 9:30AM GMT, 9 September 2020

The Taggerung

For years, we've seen a quote from a Redwall book floating around the internet so much it's almost become its own meme. This quote in particular seems to be calming for a lot of people.

"Don't be ashamed to weep; 'tis right to grieve. Tears are only water, and flowers, trees and fruit cannot grow without water. But there must be sunlight also. A wounded heart will heal in time, and when it does, the memory and love of our lost ones are sealed inside to comfort us.”

We only thought it was right to put it in its proper context.

This excerpt comes from Chapter 5 of Taggerung, and is uttered by Redwall Abbey Badger Mother Lady Cregga Rose Eyes to the otters Filorn and Mhera, who are deeply saddened by the death of Rillflag, Filorn's husband and Mhera's father, who was murdered by Vallug Bowbeast.

Also worth noting, this quote appeared in Brian Jacques' Funeral Order of Service.

In Redwall, there is a comparable quote from Cornflower Fieldmouse to Matthias after she found him crying in despair in front of the Tapestry of Martin the Warrior in Chapter 11:

"Matthias, don't be ashamed. I know why you cry and grieve. It is because you are kind and good, not a hard-hearted pitiless rat like Cluny ... Even the strongest and bravest must sometimes weep. It shows they have a great heart, one that can feel compassion for others."

If you are experiencing a difficult time in life, we certainly hope these quotes provide you with comfort the way they have for so many others.

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