This blog post does not contain spoilers for The Knight and the Moth.
We will be releasing our very first officially licensed Rachel Gillig Collection on November 12th at 5pm CST, and what better way to get psyched for it than to reminisce on some of our favorite Bartholomew quotes? The Knight and the Moth has undoubtedly been one of my top reads of 2025, and I am so thrilled that I was able to gain licensing privileges to offer book merch that has been created with special approval from Rachel Gillig herself.
There are so many things about this book that I love—like Sybil Delling's quest for self-discovery (I see so much of my younger self in Sybil) and the dreamy knight, Rory Myndacious (aka. “The foulest knight in all of Traum”). The setting is within a gothic fantasy medieval village with fun fictional creatures, high quality ale, lots of dudes and ladies in armor, and a few formidable foes! If all that doesn't sound like a heck of a good time, just trust me—it's a heck of a good time!
However, I must admit, that what immediately charmed me about this book was—you guessed it—the cheeky little bat-like gargoyle named Bartholomew! I chuckled SO many times while reading his lines. The banter back and forth between him, Sybil, Rory, and the rest of the characters was nothing short of delightful to read. You will fall in love with him instantly.
Without further ado, here I am, convincing you to read The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig with Quotes from Bartholomew:
- “Fear not, Bartholomew! Every day has its dog.”
(And yes, we put this quote on TWO of the items we’ll be releasing!)
- “I confess horses are not the intelligent beasts I imagined them to be. Though I don’t think that merits the abuse they suffer postmortem.” That one took me a moment. “No one actually beats dead horses, gargoyle. It’s an expression.” “Really? How morbid.”
- “Just as well. Sometimes, Bartholomew, I think her quite the bitch.”
(Me, too, Gargoyle. Me tooooo)
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“I washed the Divining robes this morning." The gargoyle led me down the nave. On the final pew, six silk robes waited. "It was an abundant chore. I am within myself with fatigue." "Beside," I murmured, peeling off my clothes. " 'Beside myself with fatigue' is the proper expression." The gargoyle's stone brow knit. "If I were beside myself, there would be two of me, and the washing would have taken half the time.”
(Good point—I, too, would love to have two of me to do the laundry.)
- The gargoyle batted his eyes. "Oh, Bartholomew. He's dreamy.”
(Lmao)
- Maude put her uninjured hand on his shoulder. “How is it you came to know so much more about life than the rest of us?” His chest puffed with pride. “I am years beyond my wisdom.”
- “It is important for a squire to carry a knight’s weapons,” he said, the words so stoic I wondered if he’d practiced them on the flight back. “I will carry them for you, Bartholomew. I will shoulder any weight you give me.” 🥹
- “It is not like me to be the bearer of bad tidings,” the gargoyle said. “Bartholomew does not know how to swim. But worry not—” He looked up at me. Smiled proudly. “She has always excelled at drowning.”
- “Overhead, the gargoyle was soaring and spinning, bidding “welfare” instead of “farewell” to the fading night.”
- “Don’t worry, Bartholomew,” the gargoyle called. “If you accidentally kill her, I will not be upset.”
- “We fell in a tangle, my foot in his ear, his left wing lodging under my ribs. "How undignified." The gargoyle let out a whimper. "Did anyone see me fall?”
- “Do something, Bartholomew!' The gargoyle was wringing his hands, dancing nervously on his toes. 'Bite off his leg if you must!”
- A huge, HUGE honorable mention goes to his "Sybil making little noises" quote... iykyk, hehe.
If you’ve made it this far, I hope you have been convinced to read this book! It is quite a fun adventure and becoming more and more popular with readers. Stay tuned for our upcoming officially licensed The Knight and the Moth Collection which will feature the following items:
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The “Strange Little Creatures” Tee (designed by @thefunkieflower)
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The “Strange Little Creatures” Crewneck
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The “Strange Little Creatures” Art Print
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The Unlikely Trio Boxy Cropped Tee
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The Foulest Reader in all of Traum Bookmark (2 sided)
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“If found, return to Bartholomew” Luggage Tags
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“Thirsty for Rory” Diet Coke Can Sticker
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The Bartholomew Plushie (Complete with a customized collectible box and available in 2 sizes!)
I hope you are reading something right now that ends up being five stars, Bartholomew! And if you're currently in a slump, this endearing book about a girl, her gargoyle, and her knightly companion just might do the trick. Until next time!!
