Watership Down (Watership Down #1), Richard Adams

Watership Down is a remarkable survival and adventure novel penned by the British author Richard Adams and published in 1972. Set in the southern part of England, specifically around Hampshire, the story centers on a small group of rabbits.

Although they inhabit their natural wild environment with burrows, they possess a rich and unique culture, complete with their own language, proverbs, poetry, and mythology. Evoking epic themes, the novel follows the rabbits as they flee the impending destruction of their warren. They embark on a journey to seek a new place to establish their home, namely the hill of Watership Down. Along the way, they encounter numerous perils and face various temptations.

The first reading date was in 1986. The title in Persian is "ک‍وچ‌ (تپه واترشیپ)" and it was translated by ش‍ه‍ی‍ن‌ اح‍م‍دی‌. Published in Tehran in 1985 (1364 in the Persian calendar), it consists of 395 pages and the subject matter is British literature of the 20th century.

The English psychiatrist Richard Adams created the story of "Watership Down (The Journey)" during a family trip when he wanted to tell a story to his daughters in the car. This children's novel is about a few young rabbits who escape from their warren and get involved in various adventures.

The book "The Journey (Watership Down)" is an epic of life. It is the story of those who make an epic out of life. Nameless and faceless, or those who live in the margins and do not want to be bound, and who, with pride and optimism, wait for a sudden and terrifying death and submit to it according to their fate. When this small group of rabbits - who are a significant symbol of human societies - understand from all the signs that their habitat is in danger of irreversible destruction and that humans, in pursuit of their own desires, have blocked the path to their death and the destruction of their habitat, they take action. They do not sit still, they set off on a journey until they make the leaders and chiefs of the tribe ready to think of a solution and leave their habitat. But the current leader is not present. The safe and glorious position of power is left open with a vague and hopeless hope. The young rabbits who live on the margins are ridiculed, neglected, and even threatened by the leaders of the tribe. But the warnings and threats of the leader and the chiefs of the tribe have no effect. The instinct of protecting the species and the force of life lead the rabbits along unknown paths.

The date of dissemination was 19/03/1400 in the Persian solar calendar and 14/10/1400 in the Persian solar calendar. By A. Sharbiani.

**Watership Down: A Timeless Classic**

Watership Down is a renowned children's classic. The author, it is said, came up with the story to amuse his two daughters during a long road trip. This charming tale follows Hazel and his brother Fiver as they lead a group of 11 other rabbits away from their familiar home. Fiver had a vision of impending death and destruction, prompting this journey. Along the way, they encounter various challenges, crossing rivers, meeting other rabbits, predators, and humans. They have exciting adventures and fight for their own and others' survival.

Despite the author's insistence that it was just a story for his girls without a hidden agenda, the book subtly shows and critiques several social structures. There is a totalitarian regime, another group of rabbits has made a pact with the devil, so to speak, and the original home the rabbits leave was too set in its old ways and rigid, leading to its downfall. Additionally, the book constantly reminds us of what humans have done and continue to do to animals.

The characters in the book question and even overthrow existing structures, highlighting the advantages, disadvantages, and necessity of both revolt and obedience. They make a strong case for individual freedom while also being socially responsible. Hazel, in particular, emphasizes this by befriending other animals, breaking with the traditional isolationist ways of rabbits. While some may argue that Hazel's motives are self-serving, the overall idea of breaking free from isolationism is still a positive one.

This beautifully written story offers a wealth of lessons and entertainment for both young and old. Although some may claim it is too brutal for children, I believe this is rubbish. Yes, there is hardship and death, but there is also extraordinary camaraderie. The author repeatedly makes the point that intelligence is as important as physical strength, and his characters prove this by showing the bullies how wrong they are. I especially liked Bluebell, who always tried to lighten depressing situations with humor.

Most of the characters in the book are modeled after the author's old Army buddies, with Hazel and Bigwig being particularly prominent. The vet, one of the few nice humans in the story, was a memorial to the author's father.

By the way, this is the real Watership Down, an area near England's Newbury where the author spent his childhood. I completely missed out on this classic as a child. I remember seeing the original cartoon but getting too frightened for the rabbits and crying, so my mother switched it off and forbade me from watching it again. I only found out how it ends now! And yes, I'll be re-watching the movie, the original, not the less charming newer version.

Coincidentally, I found out today that BBC One and Netflix are producing a new mini-series of this book, set to be released in October. However, my joy has turned to anxiousness as I already know about a "mistake" in their version. Strawberry is female, which is stupid for two reasons: 1) He joined Hazel and his gang because his pregnant mate was killed due to their "deal" with the farmer, and he was sickened by the practice. 2) Hazel and the others risk freeing the caged rabbits and fighting the General because they have no females and therefore no future. Despite this, I'll give the new mini-series a chance and hope they do justice to the original, as this book truly is timeless and fantastic.

Watership Down is not merely a children's book; it is a book for everyman, and every animal too.

There's a charming introduction in a newer edition that details how the author "wrote" it with his children. The stories initially began as a spontaneous response when prompted to tell them a tale. It is designed to be interactive in a way that makes you think and feel. Whenever I reread it, I truly lose myself in this world, easily disassociating from the dangerous men. I also did not get the impression that the author disrespected his kids' input. They were his first listeners, just like all past and future readers. The age of the reader is irrelevant, just as the species of the characters is.

I found it fascinating how Adams researched the real behavior of rabbits to keep the story as close to their true natures as possible. This shows great respect.

I believe the point of those efforts was dignity. One of the many themes in Watership Down is the right to live with dignity.

Aren't some things that everyone could still use at any time? What price is too high to pay for freedom? What is the cost of ignoring atrocities because it makes things easier for you? Love, brotherhood, government, spirituality, what you need to hold on to, adventure (and Watership Down is indeed one of my favorite adventure stories), and self-respect. If you care about the essentials for another, then how can Watership Down be only for one thing? How can giving a shit be only for kids?

I'm not sure why the statements about it being a kids' book bother me (aside from being incorrect). Maybe I feel it takes away the dignity of those rabbits. Putting a genus tag on the book and filing it away for the past seems wrong.

Maybe it's the sense of wonder that exists before cynicism can set in. But I was always cynical! I'm like Paul McCartney, hard on the inside and soft on the outside, or like John Lennon, hard on the outside and soft on the inside. Hell, people are more complex than that. (And so are rabbits!) Something else that Watership Down has in abundance is magic.

Because the world is bigger for them. It's easy to forget that the world is still big when you grow up.

Watership Down is a story that I had only a vague recollection of from my childhood.

So, when I came across this beautifully illustrated edition, I didn't hesitate to add it to my collection. And I'm truly delighted that I did.

After rereading, I've realized that this book is among the very best written for children, yet it remains easily accessible to adults as well.

The other two children's books of a similar caliber are Wind in the Willows and The Once and Future King.

Watership Down is the tale of rabbits, told from their perspective.

Fiver serves as a kind of Cassandra, fated to see the future but with no one believing him.

Fiver has a vision of a terrible danger approaching the burrow and manages to convince his friends and a few others of its reality.

They then leave the burrow and embark on an amazing journey to find a new place to call home.

I won't reveal any more details since this is a story that everyone should take the time to sit down and read.

It is deeply moving, extremely well-written, and appeals to all ages.

While Mr. Adams clearly states that this was just a story he told to his daughter, there are numerous valuable lessons about life that one can glean from it.

The portrayal of the rabbits and their thoughts is truly outstanding.

I almost feel as if the author was able to capture their very essence.

As a huge animal lover, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I believe you will too.

A great story is one that can be appreciated by one and all.

It's truly a joy to finally catch up with a classic prize book that we've always planned to read. "Watership Down" is such a remarkable tale that touches on a primal desire within all of us - 'finding our home'. The story begins with the chief rabbit, Threarah, saying, "Do make yourself comfortable…have some lettuce." However, a small rabbit named Fiver, who has special gifts (scary clairvoyant ones), warns that they must go away. He can see bad things in the future that are about to happen. His best friend, Hazel, a bigger-size rabbit, believes him. Slowly, others like Dandelion, Blackberry, and Pipkin join in. Then there's Bigwig, one of the most influential rabbits, who also believes in Fiver. Many of the other rabbits who trust Bigwig follow suit. Eventually, almost a dozen rabbits are willing to face danger in order to find a safe home.

The rabbits enter the woods with Hazel taking great leadership. They embark on a dangerous adventure filled with slips, falls, violence, fear, anxiety, injuries, and even death. They are up against injustice and corruption, which is a little like our current days. From daylight to moonlight, our bunnies fight for survival and freedom. This is a wonderful bittersweet story, exactly the type of book that my daughters would have enjoyed as preteens. But I don't think we read it in this house, and I'm obviously very late to this classic rabbit-driven human story that is filled with wisdom and bravery. I'm so glad I didn't miss it! The introduction by the author Richard Adams, about the history of this classic book, was also fully engaging and quite heartwarming.

Rabbits live in a world close to the brink of death. When danger looms larger than usual, their sole focus becomes survival, leaving little room for anything else.

These rabbits don't just engage in the act of mating; they truly push each other to the limit. This is an incredibly wild and exciting novel. When we are immersed in the action and anxieties of this epic tale, as readers, we often find ourselves feeling a sense of grandeur as well. It's a wonderful feeling, as if the whole world is filled with purpose. Although we sense danger closing in from all sides, we also feel empowered, knowing that it can be overcome.

It may come as a surprise that one can find such an epic engagement in a novel about rabbits. However, Richard Adam's "Watership Down" is an endlessly captivating story of heroism, leadership, and survival. It reveals itself to be much more than just a story about rabbits, and is rich with social and political insights that are applicable to the human world as well.

"Watership Down" draws you into its world, complete with the rabbit language - Adam's invented language Lapine - and lore. It transforms what might otherwise seem like a mundane landscape into a near-mythic realm, elevating the predators and perils to epic proportions. It's a real page-turner, where the escape and resettlement of a rabbit community becomes a lens through which to examine ideas of social organizing and leadership theories. This novel completely won my heart, and I even shed a few tears. It was a truly remarkable experience, and I highly recommend it.

Richard Adams liked to claim that this was just a story about rabbits, but there is so much more to discover between the lines. It offers an incredible look at survival, leadership, power, violence, and more. For those who are unfamiliar with the story, "Watership Down" follows the adventures of Fiver, Hazel, and Bigwig as they lead a group of rabbits to a new settlement after Fiver has a vision of impending doom for their burrow.

This story has been adapted into a film that has long scared children - myself included. Those bloody bunnies really frightened the life out of me. But I have to admit, even as an adult, this story still had an impact on me. The eeriness of Cowslip's cult-like warren, the tales of The Black Rabbit Of Inlé, the totalitarian violence of Efrafa, the constant clashes and fear of death - "Watership Down" is filled with terror, trauma, and incredible violence, and I absolutely loved it.

Adam's writing is truly remarkable. It pulls you down to the size of the rabbits, allowing you to see the world through their eyes, feel their fears, and experience the violence that surrounds them. We see how the violence of the animals, while often brutal, is a matter of survival and natural order compared to the violence of humans.

Adams does a great job of complicating the situations. Humans are shown to be both awful and heroic. The same human who keeps rabbits as pets can also be the savior of a key character at a crucial moment. The characters in the story are fairly nuanced, with flaws and faults that they must overcome. Some ideas fail, lessons are learned, lives are lost, and all the chaos and beauty of life and death come alive on these pages.

I love the language and lore of this book. The animal language, Lapine, adds a mythical element that makes reading this feel similar to the joys I had when reading J.R.R. Tolkien as a kid. The world feels vast, mysterious, and filled with weighty legends and folklore. The various warrens serve as excellent examples of the function of leadership, and the different styles of the rabbit leaders have a significant impact on the lifestyles of the rabbits in their care.

This was an absolutely incredible read that will stay with me forever. It's filled with adventure, anxiety, terror, trauma, grief, and sorrow. Despite being about rabbits, it manages to read as seriously as a grave, and it evokes genuine emotion. I highly recommend "Watership Down" to anyone who loves a good adventure story with deep themes and well-developed characters.

5/5

‘Underground, the story continued.’

Every conversation I have ever had about this book:


Me: "Really? You haven't read Watership Down?!'

You: "Nope"

Me: "Read it! It's beautiful! A work of touching, thoughtful genius!"

You: "What's it about?"

Me: "Never mind that, it's a stunning book. Just read it. You'll love it."

You: "So it's a naval theme then? Like a Das Boot-y book? Or a Titanic style story?"

Me: "Well... no, its more, well, it's based on land. In England. Seriously though, Richard Adams is a hell of a storyteller."

You: "Oh! OK, so a ship runs aground and it's like a survival film? Alive in Essex, yeah?"

Me: "Ahhh, no, the name refers to a down - a kind of parky meadow in England - and this one is called Watership Down."

You: "So it's environmental? Silent Spring in the UK?"

Me: "No, it's fiction, with a great story and compelling characters you'll be rooting for, whose struggles might just make you mist up."

You: "It sounds great, but what's it about?"

Me: "Well.. I don't want to make it sound lame..."

You: "Come on. I'm not reading a book I know nothing about."

Me: :"OK... it's.... it's about Rabbits."

You: "Rabbits."

Me: "Yes, and they talk, and struggle and love and..."

You: "Talking Rabbits".

Me: "Yes! But they're realistic! Adams captures something of their soul! He invents a stunning, moving mythology for them, an entire religion based on their Rabbit-ness! The film made me cry when I was a child, and the book is even better!"

You: "Realistic talking religious rabbits."

Me: "Yes, but it's so beautiful. It's not just about rabbits. It's about friendship, courage, survival, and the meaning of life. Adams creates a whole new world for these rabbits, with its own language, culture, and history. You'll be completely immersed in it. It's one of the best books I've ever read, and I'm sure you'll love it too if you give it a chance."

Watership Down is indeed a tale of friendship, not only among rabbits but also between different species. It holds a special place in my heart as a token of friendship. Without my dear friend Delee, I would never have picked up this book again, which I first read in 1978 and had not revisited since. Sharing the reading experience with Delee, Stepheny, Randee, Susan, Lisa G., Lisa E., and Kandice - my amazing GoodReads sisters - has given Watership Down an almost symbolic value. Thank you all once more!

I won't write a detailed synopsis of the story or a comprehensive review. After all, how could I even attempt to match Delee's excellent review of her all-time favorite book? However, I do have a few thoughts to add.

Out of respect for my dear Delee, I was initially determined to give Watership Down five stars, regardless of my actual opinion. My memory of the novel was that it was a three-star read, enjoyable but not the classic that many claim it to be. But I didn't have to fib. Once I started listening to the audiobook, which I borrowed from my library through OverDrive, I was completely captivated. The story proved to be so engaging, even though I still remembered the general outline of the plot. I had completely forgotten how suspenseful the ending was! Ralph Cosham's smooth and pleasant voice added to the charm of the Watership Down audiobook. I believe at least half of my enjoyment can be attributed to him.

Watership Down began as a story that Richard Adams told to his daughters Juliet and Rosamund during a long car trip to Stratford-upon-Avon. The book was rejected seven times before a publisher had the vision to take it on. Just like the initial rabbit warren where the brave bunnies lived and couldn't believe Fiver's clairvoyant abilities, most publishers couldn't imagine how such an original book could find a market. In his introduction, Richard Adams claims that his novel was never intended as an allegory, but I find that hard to believe. Nevertheless, even if he didn't originally intend it as such, the book's publishing history - the courageous bunnies succeeding against all odds - makes it into an allegory.

The rabbits' starting point, Sandleford; their promised land, Watership Down; and Nuthanger Farm, the Hampshire farm from which Hazel and his companions recruit some domestic rabbits, are all real places that Adams was familiar with. This adds an extra layer of enjoyment to this already lovely book.

Once again, I am extremely grateful to Delee and my Great Escape sisters for this unexpected delight.

It was the summer of 1986. As I was rummaging through the long-unused bedrooms of my grandfather's house, I unexpectedly stumbled upon the book Watership Down. At twelve years old, I was at that wonderful age when any book was a source of great fascination rather than embarrassment. So, I sat upon my uncle's old bed, and in the dusty sunlight streaming through the window, I began to read a book that would stay with me for years to come.

Fiver, a small and nervous rabbit, is plagued by visions of the impending destruction of Sandleford Warren, his home. His brother Hazel, firmly convinced that Fiver is right, recruits other "outskirters" (male rabbits who are relegated to the fringe of warren life) to leave in the hope of finding a new home. The story follows this motley group as they endure predators, hardship, disease, and, most horribly of all, brutality inflicted upon them by their own kind. Above all, they also face that most inimical enemy to wildlife, Man.

The characters are what truly make this novel stand out. There is the quietly competent leader Hazel, the gruff warrior Bigwig, the clever and innovative Blackberry, the dashing storyteller Dandelion, the impulsive Silver, the steady Captain Holly, the timidly loyal Pipkin, and the insightful seer Fiver. A host of other characters met along the way, especially the foul-mouthed seagull Kehaar, linger in your mind long after putting the book down. Throughout it all, the rabbits (and other species encountered), while anthropomorphized enough to make you sympathize with their struggle, still retain their uniquely animal characteristics.

I have heard the book dismissed as "that book about rabbits" or, more often, as "just a kid's book." Perhaps Mr. Addams did indeed intend it to be literature for children. However, I'm inclined to agree with C.S. Lewis, who was of the opinion that good literature is accessible to everyone, child and adult alike. Watership Down, more than any other novel I have read, perfectly fits the bill.

Reread, and I'm pushing my rating up to 4.5 stars. It's much better than I recalled. In fact, I remembered so little of the book that this almost amounted to a first reading.

Is this a benefit of getting old and forgetful? It's a wonderful book. If the ending doesn't bring a tear to your eye....

With over 15,000 reviews here already, I will be brief. I recommend reading Mark Lawrence's medium-length review first: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Back already? Good. The book does get a bit confusing in the final chapters, as the Watership Down warren defends itself against General Woundwort's attack. This is an accurate description of any major battle: "the fog of war."

If you have never read this classic, or if (like me) you read it so long ago that you recall little except that rabbits are involved, put it on your TBR list. You can thank me later. Truly a timeless tale, and not just for kids. It's highly recommended.

The story of Watership Down is filled with adventure, courage, and the struggle for survival. The characters are well-developed and the world-building is excellent. The rabbits face many challenges and obstacles on their journey, but they never give up. The final battle is intense and exciting, and the ending is both satisfying and emotional.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good adventure story, or who is looking for a classic that will stand the test of time. It's a book that you can read again and again, and always discover something new.

Watership Down is a modern classic that has achieved remarkable success, selling over 50 million copies worldwide. It holds a special place in my heart as it is my 3rd favorite book of all time, behind the renowned Gone with the Wind and In a Dark Wood Wandering: A Novel of the Middle Ages.

I have had the great pleasure of re-reading this wonderful book recently. The author, Richard Adams, has an obvious love of nature and a deep knowledge of English flora and fauna. This makes it incredibly easy for readers to enter the enchanting imaginary world of Watership Down. It's as if one can almost sniff the flowers and enjoy the beautiful scenery along with the characters.

The rabbit inhabitants of Watership Down are both delightful and charming. Their trials and tribulations add depth and excitement to the story, making it one of the best action/adventure novels I have ever read. I was so engrossed that I stayed up until 8:00 a.m. reading the last 100 pages, eager to find out if the outnumbered rabbit colony would succeed in their fight against General Woundwort.

Watership Down should have a wide appeal. It will attract all nature lovers, as well as fans of Fantasy and action/adventure novels. I believe you will find it just as easy as I did to lose yourself in this fictional world and forget about the real world for a while.

I have read 3 novels by Adams and have given them all 5 stars. So, do yourself a favor and discover this exceptional author for yourself. You won't be disappointed.

In memory of Richard Adams (1920 - 2016):

Some books possess an incredibly inexplicable power to surpass their intended purpose and instantly become timeless classics.

"All the world will be your enemy, Prince of a Thousand enemies. And when 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 will never be destroyed."

"Watership Down" originated as an impromptu amusement for Adams' two young daughters during long car rides - an adventure of a migrating group of somewhat anthropomorphic yet very rabbit-like rabbits. It is a tale filled with palpable love for the English countryside, brimming with 'rabbity' allegories of the diverse human societies and ideologies that, however, do not overshadow the simple yet captivating impact of the story of survival against all odds, firmly rooted in friendship, bravery, loyalty, courage, quick thinking and learning, the ability to perceive and embrace the new while relying on the time-tested old, and perseverance in the face of unfavorable odds.

"Rabbits live close to death and when death comes closer than usual, thinking about survival leaves little room for anything else."

I first encountered the story of Hazel, Bigwig & co. at the age of twelve and have reread it numerous times since, loving it more and more with each reading, and increasingly appreciating how its apparent simplicity is actually composed of layers of complexity.

Survival is, naturally, the overarching theme; but another one is the coexistence between the old and new ways, the balance between the natural and the 'unnatural', the innate and the learned. (Of course, it's not just the rabbit society that is confronted with these choices). On a cursory reading, it might seem that Adams favors the former: our rabbits are seeking a way to lead the 'normal' natural rabbit life that starkly contrasts with the decadent Cowslip's warren and the militaristic Efrafa. But on the other hand, it is precisely the openness to new things and experiences that enables Hazel's group to survive: the raft and the boat, the digging of burrows, the interspecies alliances; yet they still firmly hold onto their essential rabbitness. It is the harmony that Adams is striving for, and I adore it.

Adams successfully crafted such vivid and distinct personalities for all the rabbits in the story, making them both human-like and unmistakably animal at the same time. They are not cute fluffy bunnies; rather, they are tenacious survivalists full of life force and determination to survive despite their status as prey for the 'Thousand', the numerous carnivorous predators from cats to hawks to foxes to humans. They are driven by the need to live, multiply, and thrive (and when given the opportunity, they are indeed fearsome - just consider how rabbits overran Australia, for instance). In Adams' portrayal, they are and aren't like us, and it is both their similarities and differences from what we consider 'human' that render the story unforgettable.

"Animals don't behave like men,' he said. 'If they have to fight, they fight; and if they have to kill they kill. But they don't sit down and set their wits to work to devise ways of spoiling other creatures' lives and hurting them. They have dignity and animality.”

Each rabbit has a unique voice and personality - while not being *people* they are nevertheless *persons* - but three stand out to me: Hazel, Bigwig, and Woundwort.

Hazel, the mastermind behind the rabbit adventures, is a natural leader. He is not the fastest, the smartest, or the strongest - but he has an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the motley crew he leads. He truly cares, and his charisma and leading by example quickly赢得 the loyalty of others. The parallels between Hazel and the legendary rabbit folklore hero, El-ahrairah, the Prince of a Thousand enemies, are not unexpected, and the final scene of the book, lovely yet quietly heart-wrenching, comes as no surprise.

His opposite is the eventual villain of the book, General Woundwort, the tyrant leader of an isolated militaristic rabbit warren, a ruler with an iron fist, whose forceful personality is complemented by ferociously merciless teeth and claws. Unlike Hazel, he leads by force and coercion - but kudos to Adams for not neatly pigeonholing him into a black-and-white good-vs-bad model as his remarkable ability to at least temporarily transform rabbits, perpetual prey, into predators was the source of almost legendary fame. And yet Woundwort's vision collapses because, grand as it may be, it is still just tunnel vision.

And bridging the gap between Hazel and Woundwort is my hero, Bigwig. Big, strong, and experienced, and thus likely to succeed almost anywhere in the rabbit'society', he evolves from a careless and somewhat bullyish character to one who is strongly loyal and just, learning to rely on brains over brawn and yet with enough ferocity and determination to be an unstoppable force when combined with Hazel's leadership.

The warren of Watership Down would have been doomed without Bigwig's boundless daring, loyal courage, without his resolute determination and willingness for self-sacrifice for others - a trait he would, of course, not have developed if not for the friends he made on the night of the escape from the doomed old warren in search of Watership Down promised by Fiver. Hazel learns to see the strengths and weaknesses in others; Bigwig learns to see them in himself.

My strong and loyal rabbit hero, your words at what you thought might have been your last minutes never fail to make me grin happily:

“My Chief Rabbit has told me to stay and defend this run, and until he says otherwise, I shall stay here.”

This book is wonderful, fantastic, and has undoubtedly earned its place on the strategically placed bookshelf in my future hypothetical daughter's room, where it will serve the purpose of introducing her to the wonderful world of stories and helping her see the world for the amazing place it is.

And meanwhile, somewhere in the wild, rabbits would quietly continue their rabbit lives.

"Underground, the story continued."