Advice and Wisdom

Advice and Wisdom refer to the instance where a hero/heroine learned an important piece of advice which may or may not crucial in order to solve the problem at hand.

Overview[]

In various tales, there are instances where more experienced of heroes and/or other good guys provide advice and wisdom to another, which often sets the plot in motion. They can be a teacher, parental figure, predecessor, or at least a friend who understand better whatever problems the hero about to/currently face.

Giving advice and wisdom can fall under these circumstances:

The hero gives someone encouragement.
The hero passes on wisdom and advice while sharing experiences.
The hero gives words of wisdom to someone when he/she passes away (usually it is the other way around).
The hero lets someone know he cares about him/her.
The hero points out flaws the others must overcome, particularly ones that proved detrimental.

More often than not, the advice or wisdom given to the hero (or which the hero gives to someone), drives that person to go on his journey and pass a test. Also, the advice can inspire someone to achieve his/her goals.

Examples[]

Anime/Manga/Manhwa[]

Naruto:
- Kakashi Hatake: As he promotes would-be members of Team 7 (Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno, and Sasuke Uchiha), Kakashi tells them that a shinobi who casted aside their comrades are far worse than those who abandoned their mission — a piece of wisdom which came from controversies surrounding his late father Sakumo Hatake and Obito's conclusion in which Sakumo ultimately did the right thing despite his former comrades and superiors too blind to see it.
- Naruto Uzumaki:
  - After listening to Neji as the latter explained his sordid backstory which not only attributed to Hyūga Affair years back, but also made him mistreating Hinata, Naruto pointed out that none of it justified his fatalistic belief that his and everyone else's fates were determined from birth and therefore inescapable; with some efforts, one can write their own destiny. This, coupled with finally learning the full story of said affair, inspired Neji to be a better person.
  - He revealed to Gaara that the reason he went to extreme lengths to protect his friends and loved ones during their fight was because they gave him a reason to fight for and importantly, not falling into the dark path like Gaara thrusted to. This led to Gaara having a second thought about his drive as a shinobi and Jinchūriki of Shukaku the One-Tail.
- Kankuro: Upon defeating the revived Sasori in their rematch, Kankuro, whom at this point already gained insight of his opponent's past and obsession to attain immortality by becoming a puppet, explained that his downfall being the result of failing to understand that while great puppet masters such as the latter cannot last forever, they do get immortalized through puppets they crafted and subsequently passed through generations. This greatly humbled Sasori that Kabuto's hold over him though Edo Tensei he used to revive him in the first place broken at last.
Goblin Slayer: While his career as an adventurer focused more on goblin slaying and and initially driven by obsession to wipe out every last of such foul creatures, Goblin Slayer is nonetheless interested in learning new ideas from people of all walks of life, and even sharing others his own share of advice and wisdom in return. He also confessed to Guild Girl that his recent goblin hunts were more driven by sense of duty considering too many of his peers underestimated goblins' inherent depraved nature by contrast leading to dire ramifications.
Soichiro Yagami: In the second film adaptation, Death Note: The Last Name, he tried to tell his son Light Yagami that despite its flaws which stemmed from the reality of those who established it never perfect from start, law has been made with the endless effort to do good. He even cites that Light's lethal approach with Death Note was selfish and wrong.
Brook: As the one who learned the consequences of dying in the harshest way possible, Brook calls New Fish-Man Pirates out for their total disregard the sanctity of life — be it their own or others — instead of valuing it. To elaborate, he was the last of Rumbar Pirates following the plague and later enemy pirate attack that supposedly killed them all only for Yomi Yomi no Mi Brook consumed ensured him to be the only one who got the second chance of life. This didn't help by another misfortune in form of thick fog that separated his restless spirit from his corpse for one year leading to him return to life as a skeletal revenant.
Kamina: When Simon is feeling scared or hopeless, Kamina is always telling him to never give up. To kick logic out and do the impossible, and believe in the Kamina who believes in him.

Comics[]

Ben Parker: Ben Parker taught Peter Parker that great power comes with great responsibility, which later shaped his nephew into the kind of superhero he become as Spider-Man.

Film[]

Animation[]

Disney:
- Mufasa and Rafiki: When Simba is a cub, Mufasa teaches him about the responsibilities of being a ruler. Later, Rafiki reminds him that he should return to Pride Rock and face his past.
- Woody: When Buzz suffers depression after finally discovering that he is only a toy, Woody reminds him about the joy of being a toy.
- Princess Tiana: Tiana's success in opening up her namesake restaurant at New Orleans, "Tiana's Palace", was not just thanks to her late father James' wisdom where one must work hard to achieve their goals while never losing sight of what is important at the same time.
- Jin Lee: He tells Mei regarding how people change as they grow, gaining new sides of themselves and that some sides can be bad, yet the point of growing up is learning to come to terms with said bad sides and live with them to attain inner peace.
Bigweld: Bigweld 's wisdom inspires Rodney Copperbottom to become an inventor.
Boris Goosinov: Boris points out to Balto that he's still able to save children despite being part-wolf.

Live-Action[]

Juan (Moonlight): Juan, while sharing his experiences, teaches young Chiron to take charge of his own life.
Merlin (The Kid Who Would Be King): After examining Alex Elliot's book about the tale of King Arthur when the latter is depressed by the revelation of his birth being the result of his parents' sordid affair, Merlin assures him that the reason he could pull Excalibur from its resting place was due to his merit all along instead of some important lineage, citing that legends are actually rumors passed down throughout centuries with certain details twisted by rich and powerful out of denial over the reality where anyone, even nobodies, can be a hero.

Literature[]

The Lord of the Rings:
- Gandalf: As a wise Maiar, Gandalf has several words of advice for his allies;
  - He advised Frodo to make the most out of the time one had in the light of the revelation of One Ring and Bilbo's ring being one in the same as well as its owner Sauron's history, especially considering something must be done to it.
  - He rightfully pointed out to Frodo that Bilbo's decision to spare Gollum would make a difference to Middle-Earth's future. This later proven to be true as Gollum's attempt to reclaim One Ring just as Frodo succumbed to its evil warranted the Ring's destruction at the cost of the fallen Hobbit's life. Moreover, while Frodo had valid points regarding Gollum to be beyond the hope of salvation due to the severity of his corruption, the task of putting him out of his misery ultimately lies in Eru Ilúvatar alone.
- Bilbo Baggins: Through his experience while helping Thorin Oakenshield and co. liberating Erebor and the rest of Lonely Mountain from Smaug's reign of terror, Bilbo implored Frodo to be careful while on long journeys.
- Samwise Gamgee: When reflecting on his and Frodo's ongoing journey to Mount Doom in order to destroy One Ring, Sam comes to a conclusion that people who embark on a quest or two like them soldier on despite everything because they have something worth fighting for.
Ezylryb/Lyze of Kiel: As a veteran Guardian of Ga'Hoole, he has a couple of words of advice based on his experience.
- As he narrated in The Rise of a Legend, Ezylryb mentioned how grief can drastically change people based on how he lost his beloved mate Lil during the Battle of the Ice Claws and chose to become a scholar following his retirement.
- In Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole, film adaptation of first three books, Ezylryb rightfully points out to Soren that his fights all this time being about doing the right thing as opposed of blind heroism and glory like romanticized accounts of Battle of Ice Claws suggested. He even made it clear that he had since weary from continue fighting as one of Great Tree of Ga'Hoole's finest Guardians but soldiered on regardless for everyone's sake.

TV Series[]

Tavra: Tavra taught Brea that nothing can break the bonds of their sisterhood.

Videogames[]

Gray Fox: Before being crushed by Metal Gear REX piloted by Liquid Snake, Gray Fox tells Solid Snake that soldiers, including them, are tools of neither the government or anyone else, but rather people who fight for what they believe in. True to such fact, fighting was his sole motivation all this time rather than blind loyalty to someone.
Paarthurnax: As one of wisest characters in The Elder Scrolls franchise, Paarthurnax provides Dovahkin a couple of meaningful advices during their mutual quest to stop Alduin;
- He points out that it's important for those who possess power to take a clear stand and make a decision they can steadfastly stand behind without hesitation.
- He warns against unbridled thirst for knowledge as knowing too much can lead to indecisiveness.
- Through his question whether being born good is better than overcoming one's evil nature with great effort or other way around, he points out that being born with an 'evil nature' is not necessarily a crime; whether one is evil or good ultimately lies in choices they made.

Web Animation[]

Western Animation[]

Patrick Star: Despite not being the sharpest tool in the shed, Patrick has few moments which showcased his wise side. Among them is about how hero worship can be unhealthy as shown through SpongeBob's situation with Kevin C. Cucumber.
Eda Clawthorne: Eda taught Luz that the answer of the question whether one is special lies in them instead of someone else or some prophecy.
Megatron (EarthSpark): Megatron advises Terrans about importance of standing up upon oneself and not to let disagreements — be it among themselves or with others — divide them in face of trials and tribulations they will face as soon as they reveal themselves to the world. He based such wisdom from what the conflict between Autobots and Decepticons costed them and therefore inspired him to turn away the path of tyrant he used to take in the first place.
Santa Claus (Love, Death & Robots): Advices Leah and her brother to remain good as always after giving them their presents.

Quotes[]

“	Frodo: I wish it need not have happened in my time. Gandalf: So do I. And so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.	„
	~ Gandalf to Frodo regarding what to do with time one had.

“	Frodo: What a pity that Bilbo did not stab that vile creature, when he had a chance! Gandalf: Pity? It was Pity that stayed his hand. Pity, and Mercy: not to strike without need. And he has been well rewarded, Frodo. Be sure that he took so little hurt from the evil, and escaped in the end, because he began his ownership of the Ring so. With Pity. Frodo: I am sorry. But I am frightened; and I do not feel any pity for Gollum. Gandalf: You have not seen him. Frodo: No, and I don’t want to. I can’t understand you. Do you mean to say that you, and the Elves, have let him live on after all those horrible deeds? Now at any rate he is as bad as an Orc, and just an enemy. He deserves death. Gandalf: Deserves it! I daresay he does. Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends. I have not much hope that Gollum can be cured before he dies, but there is a chance of it. And he is bound up with the fate of the Ring. My heart tells me that he has some part to play yet, for good or ill, before the end; and when that comes, the pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many– yours not least. In any case we did not kill him: he is very old and very wretched. The Wood-elves have him in prison, but they treat him with such kindness as they can find in their wise hearts.	„
	~ Gandalf telling Frodo that Bilbo's decision to spare Gollum would make a difference regarding Middle-Earth's future while acknowledging the severity of Gollum's corruption which supposedly made him beyond hope of salvation.

“	The bonds of sisterhood can be tested, but never broken.	„
	~ Tavra taught Brea that nothing can break the bonds of their sisterhood.

“	Juan: Let me tell you something, man. There are black people everywhere. You remember that, okay? No place you can go in the world ain't got no black people, we was the first on this planet. I've been here a long time. I'm from Cuba. Lotta black folks in Cuba. You wouldn't know that from being here, though. I was a wild little shorty, man, just like you. Running around with no shoes on, the moon was out. This one time, I ran by this old... this old lady, I was runnin' and hollerin'. Cuttin' a fool, boy. This old lady, she stopped me, and she said... (Cuban accent) "You runnin' around, catchin' up all that light. In moonlight, black boys look blue. You blue. That's what I gon' call you. Blue." Chiron: So, your name Blue? Juan: (gentle chuckle) Nah. (a brief pause, and then...) At some point you gotta decide for yourself who you gonna be. Can't let nobody make that decision for you.	„
	~ Juan passing on his wisdom to Chiron, that someday he must take charge of his own life.

“	We're not tools of the government or anyone else! Fighting was the only thing... the only thing I was good at, but... At least I always fought for what I believed in... Snake... farewell...	„
	~ Gray Fox's last words and wisdom to Solid Snake

“	Mufasa: Look, Simba. Everything the light touches is our kingdom. Simba:Wow! Mufasa: A king's time as ruler rises and falls like the sun. One day, Simba, the sun will set on my time here and will rise with you as the new king. Simba: And this will all be mine? Mufasa: Everything. Simba: Everything the light touches. (notices the border of the Pride Lands) What about that shadowy place? Mufasa: That's beyond our borders. You must never go there, Simba. Simba: But I thought a king can do whatever he wants. Mufasa: Oh, there's more to being king than getting your way all the time. Simba: There's more? Mufasa: (laughs) Simba. Everything you see exists together in a delicate balance. As king, you need to understand that balance and respect all the creatures, from the crawling ant to the leaping antelope. Simba: But Dad, don't we eat the antelope? Mufasa: Yes, Simba, but let me explain. When we die, our bodies become the grass and the antelope eat the grass. And so, we are all connected in the great Circle of Life.	„
	~ Mufasa passing on his guidance to Simba, that someday he'll become king, which is a big responsibility.

“	Woody: Ps-s-s-s-t! Psst! Hey, Buzz! Buzz: (just sits there, finally looks up after Woody grabs a stray washer and fling it at his helmet) Woody: Hey! Get over here and see if you can get this tool box off me. What? What're you lookin' at me like that for? I didn't do anything. You're the one who wouldn't hide, Buzz. It's your own fault that you’re strapped in that thing. Buzz: (just looks away from Woody and bows his head) Woody: (struggles to move his milkcrate jail again, but the toolbox is shut loudly, thankfully not enough to wake up Sid nearby) Alright, alright. I'm sorry, okay? Is that what you wanna hear, Buzz? I shouldn't have left you out there for Sid. There, I said it, you gotta admit, you weren't helping me much. Buzz: (too depressed to respond) Woody: Oh, come on, Buzz. I...Buzz, I can't do this without you. I need your help. Buzz: I can't help. I can't help anyone. Woody: Why, sure you can, Buzz. You can get us out of here and then I'll get that rocket off you, and we'll make a break for Andy's house. Buzz: Andy's house. Sid's house. What's the difference? Woody: Oh, Buzz, you've had a big fall. You must not be thinking clearly. Buzz: No, Woody, for the first time I am thinking clearly. (looking at himself) You were right all along. I'm not a Space Ranger. I'm just a toy. (opens up wrist communicator) A stupid little insignificant toy. Woody: Woah hey. Being a toy is a lot better than being a, a Space Ranger. Buzz: Yeah, right. Woody: No, it is. Look, over in that house is a kid who thinks you are the greatest, and it's not because you're a Space Ranger, pal, it's because you're a toy. You are his toy. Buzz: But why would Andy want me? Woody: Why would Andy want you?! Look at you! You're a Buzz Lightyear. Any other toy would give up his moving parts just to be you. You've got wings, you glow in the dark, you talk, your helmet does that -- that whoosh thing -- you are a COOL toy. (depressed) As a matter of fact you're too cool. I mean -- I mean what chance does a toy like me have against a Buzz Lightyear action figure? All I can do is... (pulls his string) Woody's Voice Box: There's a snake in my boots. Woody: Why would Andy ever want to play with me, when he's got you? Buzz: (look up at Woody in surprise) Woody: I'm the one that should be strapped to that rocket. (slumps dejectedly against the crate, turning his back to Buzz) Buzz: (thinks about what Woody just said, his eyes shifting in wonder. Raising an eye brow, he lifts his foot and look at Andy's name written on it, still visible through the scuff marks and dirt. As he runs his fingers through the sole, he understands what being a toy is all about; to being joy and happiness to a kid. He looks at Woody with determination in his eyes) Woody: Listen, Buzz, forget about me. You should get outta here while you can. (notices that Buzz is gone, Woody sadly sighs in defeat and bows his head, accepting his fate. Suddenly, there's a cluttering noise up above. He looks up to see Buzz on top of the milk crate, trying to push the toolbox off as he finally accepts being a toy) Buzz!! What are you doing? We thought you were — Buzz: Come on, Sheriff. There's a kid over in that house who needs us. Now let's get you out of this thing. Woody: Yes, sir!	„
	~ Woody tells Buzz about the joy of being a toy.

“	Let me tell you something Balto: A dog cannot make this journey alone...but...maybe a wolf* can.*	„
	~ Boris encouraging Balto to accept his wolf heritage to save the children of Nome.

“	This book you covet, Alexander... Not bad. Pretty illustrations, but... not entirely accurate. Remember, legends are mere rumors whispered down the centuries. Written and rewritten, told and retold. Sometimes by the rich and powerful so they can hold on to power. The sword doesn't care who your parents are. It doesn't choose by birth or blood, Alexander, but by heart and mind. If your legends say different, then perhaps... you must write them anew.	„
	~ Merlin encouraging Alexander by deconstructing everything people knows about legends, the tale of King Arthur and Excalibur included, and pointing out the real reason why he was chosen as the next wielder of Excalibur.

“	People have all kinds of sides to them, Mei. And some sides are...messy. The point isn't to push the bad stuff away. It's to make room for it, live with it.	„
	~ Jin Lee encouraging Mei to embrace her panda and be true to herself.

“	You're right, the law's not perfect, and those who make laws aren't perfect either, which just makes it worse, but, it's a never ending effort, with a purpose of intention of serving justice, what you've done is selfish, no what matter what killing people, is not an answer to anything.	„
	~ Soichiro Yagami in Death Note: The Last Name regarding why authorities rather uphold the law which admittedly not perfect to do good than following Light's heinous approach with Death Note.

“	And what would you know?! It's not like you've died before!!! Die and be left as a grudge!!? That's absurd!! Nothing is left behind!!! After death living things are just bones!!! People who waste lives... are what I hate the most!! That reeks of shame!! Not that I smell it without a nose~!!	„
	~ Brook calling out the New Fish-Man Pirates for "culling" of their own men.

“	It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door. You step into the Road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to. Do you realize that this is the very path that goes through Mirkwood, and that if you let it, it might take you to the Lonely Mountain or even further and to worse places?	„
	~ Bilbo's advice regarding long journey based on his experience while helping Thorin Oakenshield and co. liberating Erebor and the rest of Lonely Mountain from Smaug's reign of terror.

“	Don't believe in yourself! Believe in me! Believe in the Kamina who believes in you!	„
	~ Kamina's words of encouragement to Simon, to never give up.

“	The brave things in the old tales and songs, Mr. Frodo: adventures, as I used to call them. I used to think that they were things the wonderful folk of the stories went out and looked for, because they wanted them, because they were exciting and life was a bit dull, a kind of a sport, as you might say. But that’s not the way of it with the tales that really mattered, or the ones that stay in the mind. Folk seem to have been just landed in them, usually – their paths were laid that way, as you put it. But I expect they had lots of chances, like us, of turning back, only they didn’t.	„
	~ Samwise Gamgee's speech regarding why those who embark on quests such as him and Frodo soldier on despite their shortcomings and even given the opportunity to turn away in The Two Towers novel.

“	Stay good.	„
	~ Santa Claus' advice to Leah and her brother after giving them their Christmas presents and using his hideous form to teach them a lesson not to see him working on providing gifts.

“	You dumbass, kick logic out and do the impossible! Remember that, that’s the way Team Gurren rolls!	„
	~ Kamina's words to Simon to always work to achieve something, even if it seems impossible.

“	Sasori... your strength came because of your soul, not in spite of it. You tried to erase it, to become a puppet yourself, but couldn't change completely. Now you've got your immortal body but you've fallen, sunk to the level of the puppets you used to control. You were supposed to be a top class ninja puppeteer, not a worthless nobody who lets someone else pull the strings. When a puppeteer lets someone else control him, it's all over! I won't lose to you… or to the one controlling you. If I'm going to control Sasori, I might as well control the real thing! Your techniques... and the puppets you created will never rot. As long as there's a successor who will take up the spirit inhabiting them!	„
	~ Kankuro points out to the revived Sasori that great puppet masters are truly immortalized by the legacy they established through their puppets which passed down through generations, even if puppet masters in question are no longer around.

Gallery[]

Images[]

NOTE: The limit is for 20 pictures only

Videos[]

The Lion King - Morning Lesson with Mufasa

Toy story Buzz accepts he is a toy and helps Woody