9: Introduction to Cowslip’s Warren and Chapter 12. The Stranger in the Field  

 

9.1 Housekeeping  

 

Correction from last episode: I said Hazel was with Fiver, rather than Pipkin, as he came through the Common, while I was going through Chapter 11.  

 

The Lost Paragraph: Further information from Maxine Tubb re. first edition not having the paragraph. Please let me know any information you have on years and country of printing as well as hard or softback. And whether your copy has the "Splendid" line from Bigwig or the put down of Hazel as chief. This is at the end of Chapter 11.  

 

9.2 Introduction to Cowslip's Warren  

 

The main danger rabbits face in this book, arguably, comes not from the Elil, but from other rabbits. While Efrafa is the far greater threat, Cowslip's Warren is, arguably, the far more disturbing, I think, and here's why. When I come to discuss Efrafa, the parallels I will be drawing will be purely political. 

I will be drawing extensive comparisons with the works of George Orwell. 

 

When it comes to Cowslip's Warren the comparisons I will draw will be from the works of H.P. Lovecraft and Joseph Conrad. For me, Cowslip's Warren could be seen as a manifestation of religion, or, at the very least, philosophy, at it's very most destructive and abusive. But that isn't the world this book is set in. WD is set in a world in which the supernatural very much DOES exist.  

And that is where the events of the last 6 chapters of Part one of WD get seriously disturbing.  

It is made very clear in the text that the thing that truly horrifies Fiver about this warren is that its guiding inspiration, the poet Silverweed, has knowledge of...something that Fiver knows to be true.  

In this supernatural shadow-world, there are very clearly horrors that should not even be contemplated, as in Lovecraft's works.  Efrafa might be horrendous, as a Warren, but at least its guiding philosophy is about staying alive. Not so in the place our heroes are about to visit. Welcome to the Heart of Darkness...with long ears...  

 

9.3 Chapter 12. The Stranger in the Field  

 

The opening quote, from R M. Lockley's book about rabbits, hints that the group may be able to find a place in an established warren. This is followed by an extended general description of the relief of coming through hard times, using some human examples. Adams really lays on the optimism thick.  

We are told then of the relief of the travelers now they are out of the Common. They rest, feed and play in the Sun.  

 

They notice the roof of a farm some way off. Not close enough to worry about. There also seems to be no hint of Elil...which is a bit unusual. But maybe they are just used to there being more of them about.  

 

By mid day (ni-Frith) they have dug a few scrapes. Fiver keeps himself separate. The sky clouds over and there is a smell of rain. This seems like foreshadowing. Suddenly Fiver stamps a warning, which seems appropriate. He has seen another rabbit, who is watching them.  

 

The other rabbit is very big and healthy looking, but seems unaggressive and even gentle in his manner. The rabbit comes towards them and Hazel notices a strange smell that suggests good feeding and easy living. Yet he seems melancholy.  

 

The rabbit introduces himself as Cowslip. He says there are plenty of empty burrows at his Warren, while the scrapes Hazel's group have dug are actually facing into the usual wind.  

 

Cowslip leaves and the rain begins.  

 

Hazel asks Blackberry's advice. On balance, he advises they should go to Cowslip's Warren. Bigwig agrees. Only Fiver disagrees. He says they should have nothing to do with Cowslip's Warren and leave at once. Silver says they should all go to the Warren together, in answer to a question from Hazel. They make their way towards Cowslip's Warren.  

 

9.4 Next Episode  

 

In the next episode the group arrive at Cowslip's Warren. Will Fiver be reassured by what he finds? Just what kind of place is it?