Watership Down is about a group of rabbits who leave their warren in search of a new home. Led by the resourceful Hazel and the enigmatic seer Fiver, the rabbits encounter numerous dangers and adventures as they strive to establish a peaceful and secure colony.
Table of Content
Watership Down Book Summary
In Sandleford Warren, the young rabbit Fiver has a vision of impending doom. Most rabbits ignore him, but Hazel, his older brother, believes him and convinces a small group to leave.
As they journey through the countryside, they encounter many perils, including dogs and the authoritarian warren of Efrafa.
Hazel's leadership is tested when they reach Watership Down. The rabbits must find mates to strengthen their warren.
They rescue does from Efrafa, leading to a conflict with the formidable General Woundwort, who seeks to dominate them.
The warren prepares for battle, and through bravery and trickery, they defeat Woundwort and his forces.
Over time, the new warren thrives, and the rabbits enjoy peace and prosperity.
However, Fiver still has premonitions, and the rabbits realize they must seek more suitable surroundings.
They discover Efrafa's former territory, now fertile and rich, and decide to move there.
The transition is difficult, but the rabbits finally settle in their new home, which they name "Watership Down."
Years later, Hazel, now old, is visited by the Black Rabbit of Inle, signaling his imminent death.
As he goes to meet the spirit, he reflects on his life and the impact he has had on his warren and the rabbits who depend on him.
The story ends with a sense of closure and the continuity of life from one generation to the next.
Watership Down Quotes
- To come to the end of a time of anxiety and fear! To feel the cloud of madness lift and see the world about you again!
- You needn't worry about them, they'll be all right, and thousands like them. If you'll come along, I'll show you what I mean.
- All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a Thousand Enemies, and whenever they catch you, they will kill you. But first, they must catch you, digger, listener, runner, prince with the swift warning. Be cunning and full of tricks and your people shall never be destroyed.
Watership Down Ending Explained
At the end of Watership Down, Hazel, the wise leader of the rabbits, senses his time is near. He is visited by the Black Rabbit of Inle, the rabbit king of death.
Hazel accepts his fate and departs with the Black Rabbit, leaving the warren and his legacy in the capable paws of those he had led and mentored.
The tale concludes with the assurance that the community of Watership Down will endure and thrive under the guidance of new leaders, marking the cyclical nature of life and the legacy of courage and hope that Hazel had passed on.
Characters in book Watership Down
- Hazel: The protagonist, a brave and sensible rabbit, who leads the group to find a new warren.
- Fiver: Hazel's younger brother, who has prophetic visions and urges the rabbits to leave their warren due to an impending disaster.
- Bigwig: A strong and fierce rabbit, who becomes one of Hazel's most loyal allies and a key member of the new warren.
- Blackberry: The cleverest rabbit of the group, known for his intelligence and problem-solving abilities.
- Dandelion: A quick and witty rabbit who entertains the group with stories and folklore.
- Pipkin: A small and timid rabbit, who looks up to Hazel and is one of the most loyal followers.
- General Woundwort: The vicious and authoritative leader of Efrafa, a rival warren, who becomes the main antagonist of the story.
- Thlayli: Bigwig's name when he infiltrates Efrafa to help rescue does.
- Hyzenthlay: A doe from Efrafa who dreams of freedom and leads a rebellion against Woundwort.
- Blackavar: A rabbit from Efrafa who had attempted to escape and was brutally scarred by General Woundwort.
- Holly: A rabbit from the original warren, who later joins Hazel's group and provides valuable insight and experience.
Key Lessons
- Embrace Change: Change is inevitable, and it's often better to adapt and embrace it rather than resist it.
- Leadership is about Trust and Service: True leaders earn their place through the trust and respect of their followers, and through serving the needs of the community.
- Strength in Diversity: A group with diverse skills and personalities can overcome challenges that would be insurmountable to individuals acting alone.
- Perseverance Pays Off: Hard work and persistence can lead to success, even in the face of seemingly unbeatable odds.
- Wisdom Comes in Many Forms: Wisdom can be found in the most unexpected places and in the most unassuming individuals.
My Personal Opinion
Is Watership Down worth reading? Absolutely yes, I found it to be a deeply moving and beautifully crafted story with a rich and enchanting world. The tale is a testament to the power of community and the enduring spirit of hope.
I was captivated by the intricate rabbit society and the way the story's lessons are subtly woven into the narrative. The only aspect that could have been improved is the pacing, as at times it felt a bit slow, but this also allowed for a deeper immersion into the rabbits' world.
I would recommend this book to readers who appreciate allegorical tales and to anyone who enjoys stories of adventure, courage, and the bonds of friendship. It resonates with both young and mature audiences, making it a classic that should not be missed.