4.1 Introduction and opening comments. Intro subject: This podcast and copyright. Corrections and clarifications: Swallowing phrases still noticeable. Example from last episode: Fiver's HAVING a nightmare. Blackberry and Dandelion and the first conversation in the book. I let the film influence me.

4.2 Introduction to Chapter 4 The chapter starts with an explanation of "fu Inlé" ("after moonrise") as indicating how rabbits have no sense of punctuality. Adam's comparison of the way the rabbits gather with "primitive people" is a bit awkward to modern ears. However, the description of the right time to begin something being a communal venture is beautifully described, as it applies to birds, and is very true, in many animals including people. Adam's treatment of Does in the book also needs mentioning. He was inspired by R.M. Lockley's 'The Private Life of the Rabbit'. Yet, apparently, Lockley made it clear that Does will often leave a warren to start a new one. So why is it only Bucks that leave the Sandleford Warren?

4.3 The leaving party in order.

First arrivals: Hazel: Group leader (Already introduced) Fiver: his brother. The main protagonist of the reason for leaving (Already introduced) Pipkin ("Hlao" in Lapine): Small, like Fiver, but without his psychic abilities.

4.4 Second arrivals Hawkbit: A less than intelligent rabbit that Hazel spent some time with during the snow a while before. Dandelion: Has persuaded Hawkbit to join. Later he plays a crucial role as the story-teller.

4.5 Third arrivals Blackberry: Already introduced. A highly intelligent rabbit who MAY have been the rabbit talking to Buckthorn, not Dandelion, in Chapter One. Buckthorn: The only named rabbit in the opening conversation of the book. A tough rabbit who is a candidate for the Owsla. Speedwell and Acorn: Described as "typical outskirters - thin-looking six-monthers" who Hazel does not recognise.

4.6 Fourth arrivals Bigwig: Already introduced. The physically strongest rabbit in the group...we later learn. Silver: Over 12 months old. Grey fur with patches of white. A new member of the Owsla and nephew of the Threarah. The arrival of these two gives another chance for us to learn of Hazel's leadership qualities. The group of rabbits that leaves the Sandleford Warren. 11 male rabbits (Bucks) and no females (Does): Hazel Fiver Pipkin Hawkbit Dandelion Blackberry Buckthorn Speedwell Acorn Bigwig Silver

4.7 The fight Having established the group that leave, we proceed to the first act of violence in the book. Three members of the Owsla arrive, including Captain Holly (the leader of the Owsla). Bigwig confronts him and is informed that he, and Silver, are under arrest. Is the implication that the rest of the rabbits could have just left with no problems? If so, this is just a case of a highly militarised warren in which anyone outside the Owsla is treated like dirt? Bears comparison with human societies. What is the Owsla FOR? Bigwig attacks Holly as soon as he has finished making his accusations. Buckthorn and Dandelion join in. The two Owsla run away. Holly remains, clearly ready for more fighting. But it is Hazel, uninvolved in the violence, who calmly tells him, twice, to go or he will be killed. Holly leaves, after making empty threats. A wounded Dandelion says they should leave immediately, as the whole Owsla will be after them soon. He is backed up by Fiver. Hazel says they should leave right away and follow the stream to keep together. Bigwig tries to offer advice, but Hazel points out there isn't time. They leave.

4.8 Next episode Next time: the journey begins. And the rabbits learn just how scary things can get.

Vocab: Hlao: Any small dip in the grass where moisture might collect.

3.1 Chapter 2: The Chief Rabbit

Hazel is woken by Fiver having a nightmare.

Fiver's nightmare contains some serious call forwards for the rest of the book involving Hazel. Especially relating to the two rivers.

The idea that the whole warren would leave on his say so is totally unrealistic unless his reputation has spread. But it seems it hasn't. Even Hazel, who trusts his abilities, says so at first.

They go to see the chief rabbit, the Threarah.

Introduction to Bigwig (Thlayli), the 3rd main character. While Fiver is the wise archetype, Bigwig is the strong archetype, with Hazel as the balancing leader between the two.

Bigwig clearly knows Hazel and trusts him even though it could get him in trouble.

The Threarah is introduced positively. Although now old, he has, in the past, been a highly effective leader and has earned his respected position.

However there is no chance of his taking Fiver's warning seriously, even if the whole Warren leaving eas realistic. And he points out convincing reasons why it is not.

His inability to get names right indicates failing senses possibly, depending on how well he can be expected to know individual rabbits, though he claims to have known Hazel's mother.

He very much fits the aging statesman archetype. Past his best though with an undiminished sense of self importance.

Hazel argues Fiver's case as well as he can, but Fiver can't follow up as well, because he can't articulate the feelings he gets.

The Threarah points out his well things are going at the moment. The whole Warren leaving just isn't realistic.

Fiver loses the plot and that puts paid to the conversation. As they leave, Bigwig is called into the Chief's burrow to be given a hard time for letting them in in the first place. Or "getting his head bitten off".

Vocab:

Ni Frith : Noon

Thlayli : Fur head

Threarah : Lord Rowan Tree

Rah: Lord/Chief/Prince

3.2 3: Hazel's Decision

Is it though? It seems to be Bigwig who first mentions the idea of leaving.

Hazel and Fiver are talking to Blackberry, who later proves to be very intelligent and has tipped ears, and Dandelion, both neighbours of theirs.

Hazel reveals he's never even been near the Chief Rabbit before.

Suddenly Bigwig arrives and says he's left the Owsla. He was obviously already discontented, and says he trusts things like Fiver has been saying. Later in the book he seems to contradict this though.

As soon as Bigwig mentions leaving, Hazel comes to his decision. Bigwig says he'll come too.

At this point we are intruced to Hazel's thoughts, as we often are in the book. He is nervous of a mend of the Owsla dominating things.

Blackberry also says he'll come along because he clearly isn't happy there anyway.

Bigwig says he'll talk to a couple in the Owsla who might also want to come along.

Hazel says they must leave tonight and to meet there again fu Inlé. There is some urgency if Owsla might leave, as the Chief and Captain Holly wont like that.

Vobab:

Frithrah: Basically 'God almighty'

fu Inlé: After moonrise

Episode 2: Introduction and Part One: The Journey. Chapter One: The Notice Board

First I talk about my battered old copy of Watership Down from 1978. Childish 11 year old's signature inside the front cover. Cost 90p. Must have got it after seeing the film.

No introduction in my copy so I relistened to the audiobook reading of it.

The plausibility of the entire book coming from car journeys. Amazing if true. What a memory!

Adam's goes through the origins of characters. Many derived from wartime experiences.

After the car stories he was urged to write it down by his daughters and went through each section with them.

His love of the countryside where the book is set is obvious.

The origins of lapine is explained. Needing words for things only rabbits would say. Arabic influence and onomatopoeia.

Draft was rejected 7 times. Too babyish but with adult language.

Rex Collings was the small publisher who took it on and gave the title in 1972. Were there working titles before then?

Was popularised in the UK via America.

Deluxe illustrated version appeared in 1976. I've never seen this. I'm curious about it.

Thr book has never been out of print since.

Adams didn't quite understand the popularity of the book and asserted it was never meant to be an allegory. When looking at such features as Efrafa, I am sceptical. Maybe he just didn't want to get drawn into such discussions? Just said it was a story about rabbits told in a car.

Oh to have been able to listen in...

On to Chapter One:

I recorded this section without notes. Won't be doing that again!

The book opens with the beautiful book ending of the primroses being over, which contrasts with its last line. An entirely human description of nature leads us into the Sandleford Warren, where we are then directed to a group of holes where Hazel and Fiver are sitting. They are described. Fover small and nervous. Hazel larger.

The episode with the cowslip demonstrates the nature of the Owsla at this warren. A bit authoritarian.

Then they come across the notice-board. Fiver realises why he is feeling so nervous. A bad thing is coming to the Warren. In the sunset, the fields seem covered in blood.

As human readers we get to know what is on the notice board: houses are going to be built right where the Warren is. For rabbits, that is only going to end one way.

Vocab:

Hrair: more than four

U Hrair: The Thousand

Owsla: The elite group of rabbits who help with the running of a Warren. Elil: Enemies. Any animal that hunt or kill rabbits. Hrairoo: Little Thousand. Fiver's name in Lapine.

Episode 1: In this episode I simply go through the intention of the podcast.

I will be focussing on the books first before looking at film and tv portrayals.

I am aware there is a danger of treading on toes with this subject. The book means a lot to a lot of people.

I am new to podcasting. Plans may well change. For now it will be just me talking. apologies for that :)

The basic episode plan at this point:

Go through original book chapter by chapter

Introduce 'Tales from Watership Down'

Go through Tales chapter by chapter

Introduce 1978 film

Go through 1978 film

Introduce 1999-2001 series

Go through 1999-2001 series by episode

Introduce 2018 series

Go through 2018 series

Analysis of 2019 audiobook.

Occasional episodes:

Site visits

Character analysis

Themes

This is a podcast about all things Watership Down related.

Please note: This unofficial podcast is not intended to be a substitute for reading the original book, or watching one of the film versions.

There will be spoilers.

You can message me at thewatershipdownpodcast

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https://anchor.fm/watershipdown/message