In "The Great Hunt" by Robert Jordan, the character Egwene reflects on the burdens of responsibility and duty. The quote suggests that death, while often seen as heavy and serious, is actually lighter than the weight of obligations one must shoulder in life. This perspective highlights the struggles individuals face when balancing personal desires with the demands placed upon them.

Egwene's contemplation illustrates the tension between her aspirations and the responsibilities that come with her role. It emphasizes that fulfilling one's duties can feel overwhelming, akin to carrying the weight of a mountain, while the inevitability of death is a more subtle, lighter reality that contrasts starkly with the heaviness of life's responsibilities.