Elizabeth Swann is the heroine of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and has one of the best arcs when it comes to character development. Starting as the damsel in distress who feared pirates, she ended up as a fierce warrior who could hold her own against anyone.
Although Elizabeth’s character changed, she always remained brave, determined, and headstrong from the very beginning. Whilst she is only a main character in the first three movies, she still has an abundance of memorable quotes that make her an unforgettable character.
When Elizabeth Says She Can Handle Herself
"And What Makes You Think I Need Protecting?"
Although Elizabeth didn't developed her complete skill set until Dead Man’s Chest, she was always strong-minded and often used her knowledge to her advantage. When Will taught her how to handle a sword, that meant that Elizabeth could completely hold her own against her enemies.
When Elizabeth was approached by a pirate in Singapore, she showed no fear and threatened him. This quote encomes Elizabeth’s true character and displays that she is a strong, independent character that doesn’t need anyone to come to her rescue.
When She Talks About Health
"In Sickness And In Health, With Health Being The Less Likely"
During the final battle in At World’s End, Will aseds Elizabeth to marry him as he knew they could die at any moment. In the middle of a swordfight in a maelstrom, they said their vows to each other and Elizabeth said this quote.
Their journey throughout the first three movies was a battle in itself, but despite everything that was thrown at them, they managed to come out the other side. Fans have loved this Pirates couple from the very beginning and this quote refers to the unique journey they have been on.
When Elizabeth Talks About Ghost Stories
"I Hardly Believe In Ghost Stories Anymore, Captain Barbossa"
Although she was always regarded as the damsel in distress in Curse of the Black Pearl, Elizabeth remained strong-minded and firmly told Barbossa that she didn’t believe the things that he told her about cursed pirates and Aztec gold.
After being kidnapped, Elizabeth showed her bravery, and a glimpse of her future character’s fearless qualities were displayed. Although she was determined not to let Barbossa scare her, she was met by a ship full of ghost pirates minutes after saying this quote, so it certainly changed her opinion on the subject.
When She Talks About Pirates
"He's A Pirate"
Elizabeth has never had pleasant experiences when it comes to pirates in any of the movies. They kidnapped, threatened, and marooned her on an island – and that’s just the first movie.
At the end of Curse of the Black Pearl, Elizabeth comes to with the fact that not all pirates are bad and sometimes the rules have to be broken to do what’s right. This quote provides a wholesome moment as she accepted that Will isn't just a blacksmith, he's also a pirate.
When Elizabeth is Fed Up
"I've Had It With Wobbly-Legged, Rum-Soaked, Pirates!"
The Pirates characters turn to sword fights as a way of dealing with their problems. When Jack, Will, and Norrington fought over the chest of Davy Jones, Elizabeth was frustrated and literally screamed at them to let out her anger.
The idea of piracy played on Elizabeth’s mind from a young age, but it was never the life she actively chose. It seems this quote came straight from the heart and although it’s stereotypical, it adds humor to what is intended to be an intense sword fight.
When She Considers Meeting A Pirate
"I Think It'd Be Rather Exciting To Meet A Pirate"
From the moment that Elizabeth was introduced, it was clear that was a sheltered upper-class woman who yearned for adventure. Although she had an interest in pirates, Elizabeth made bad decisions when she was around them.
A sense of irony is displayed within this quote, as Elizabeth's young self had no idea that her quiet life would eventually be flipped upside down because of her meetings with pirates. Elizabeth got the adventure she desired but left it behind after the events of At World’s End.
When She Speaks To Jack From The Heart
"Jack, It Would Never Have Worked Out Between Us"
Jack and Elizabeth’s relationship was complicated from the moment they met. Many believed that Jack was the person Elizabeth should have dated, however, Elizabeth knew her heart was always with Will.
This quote sees Jack and Elizabeth’s relationship come full circle as this was the same thing he said to her at the end of the first movie. The line also shows a glimpse of Elizabeth’s wit, something she most likely picked up from Jack. Even though she is mimicking Jack, it ends their relationship on a positive level.
When Elizabeth Talks About Fighting
"We Will Fight, And You Will Die"
When many of the pirates wanted to run away from the fight, Elizabeth remained true to herself and always ed the idea of fighting for freedom. After her father’s murder, Elizabeth had even more of a reason to fight and wanted to make sure that Cutler Beckett suffered.
Even at a time when the pirates were vastly outnumbered, Elizabeth’s determination shone through. She showed herself to be worthy of her Pirate King Title as nothing was going to get in the way of her avenging her father’s death.
When She Talks About Fashion
"You Like Pain? Try Wearing A Corset"
Elizabeth’s corset represented the tight grip that society had on her life. Every time she was forced to wear one, she felt like she was suffocating when she had to live up to the standards set for her. At this point in the movie, she is completely free of her corset and she clearly expresses her hate for them.
Elizabeth wore different outfits in the Pirates movies, but seeing her in something other than a dress gives the audience a glimpse into how she wants to live her life.
When She Is Ready For Battle
"Hoist The Colors!"
When the didn't know if their freedom was worth fighting for, Elizabeth was the unlikely person who brought them together. Shortly before the epic battle in At World’s End, Elizabeth delivers an inspirational speech which she ends with "Hoist the colors."
Elizabeth took this phrase from a song that several of the pirates sang, and when she used it in her speech, she cemented her place as a capable leader among the pirates. This is one of Elizabeth’s most iconic lines and it meant she was someone that the pirates could turn to in a time of need.
