48: Chapter 46. Bigwig Stands His Ground

Scripted by John Ruths and Newell Fisher

John's notes for this episode were dedicated to Samantha the wonder dog, who he lost just before writing them. I dedicated Episode 45 to her memory.

Rest in Peace Samantha

The pre-chapter quote is one of Richard Adams' finest selections. It was spoken by the Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo and is a brutal summary of the bottom-line of war.

Having just left Hazel in distress at Nuthanger Farm, we're now back at the siege on Watership Down.

The chapter opens with a conversation between General Woundwort and Groundsel.

The hole straight down into the Honeycomb  is already dug and is ready to collapse at its base.

He will drop into the Honeycomb with three other rabbits. Another will stay at the newly dug entrance and send more in once the first wave are clear.

Then they will reopen a run and the rest will pile in that way with Campion.

Without stopping to listen, Woundwort goes in!

Very soon, Woundwort is followed by Vervain and the seemingly dim Thunder, who discovers a rabbit that he believes is dead.  It's clear that this is Fiver.

Immediately they suss out the layout: the tree-roots at the eastern end and the filled in bays at the western end. Two pairs are put to work opening up runs at both ends, especially as they have detected movement behind one of the filled in bays.

The point of view switches to Bigwig.  We've also gone back in time a few moments.  Bigwig and Holly discuss that this warren, unlike Sandleford, was not dug to be defended.  This gives Bigwig an idea; to essentially get dug in so that he can use himself as a single blocking force. He also knows that his only chance against Woundwort is to hurt him straight away.

Bigwig gets dug in to the floor of the run and, there being nothing for it, they leave Fiver in place.

He has told his companions to make some noise behind their blocked run to make sure the Efrafans attack that one. And it has worked.

Back to the Efrafans now. As Woundwort makes his way through the loose soil, a rabbit, who we know MUST be Bigwig, emerges from the floor of the run and bites Woundwort hard in the pit of one of his forelegs.  Woundwort reacts very quickly and strikes himself, raking the rabbit across the back and haunch. However, Woundwort's wound goes to a muscle group and proves to be a critical one.  Bigwig's sudden rearing up, his attack, and the loose soil behind him Woundwort all combine. Woundwort is unable to use his weight and is thrown backward.  He reactively attacks but this misses.  Most likely, this has never happened to him before.

Woundwort stands up and realizes the extent of his wound.  He'll not be able to put his full weight on his front legs and using his weight against his past opponents was a key advantage.  Having taken advantage of surprise, Bigwig has taken away what may be Woundwort's biggest advantage in a fight.

Bigwig now announces his presence with his famous line about impressing Woundwort.  Woundwort now knows who bit him.  He threatens death to Bigwig and announces that he knows that the "white bird" is not here.  As Woundwort moves, Bigwig notes that on the side where he bit the paw is dragging.

Bigwig strikes at Woundwort's side, however, no attack on the General can happen without a counterattack.  This happens and Bigwig's right ear is bitten and torn.  Letting loose of the ear, Woundwort's wounded leg gives way as he tries to rear up and Bigwig gets in a couple more blows across his face.

So far, it seems like Bigwig has gotten the best of things. Bigwig is bleeding from two places but Woundwort also has wounds and one of these won't let him stand up straight.

And then Bigwig realises that he can see Woundwort's outline. The fight has taken place in complete darkness upto now. But the sun is now rising.