The Watership Down Podcast

The Watership Down Podcast

by Newell Fisher
Books
The Watership Down Podcast
Trailer
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 @outlook.com @thewatershipdownpodcast on Facebook The Watership Down Podcast on Instagram @thewatershipdo1 on Twitter If you want to leave a voice message, for possible use on the podcast, you can do so via this link: https://anchor.fm/watershipdown/message
Mar 14, 2021
0:18
Season 1
1: Introduction to the podcast
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
S1 · E1
Mar 15, 2021
7:00
2: Introduction and Part One: The Journey. Chapter One: The Notice Board
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.
S1 · E2
Mar 15, 2021
20:01
3: Chapters 2 and 3: The Chief Rabbit and Hazel's Decision
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
S1 · E3
Mar 17, 2021
13:40
4: Chapter 4. The Departure
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.
S1 · E4
Mar 22, 2021
17:37
5 Chapters 5 - 7 In the Woods, The Tale of the Blessing of El-ahrairah and The Lendri and the River RE-UPLOAD
RE-UPLOAD 5.1: Housekeeping re. Blackberry and Dandelion and the first conversation: I didn't actually say it. Also must say "geek" less. First shout outs to Nati Plavin and Will Fuller. Thank you for your lovely comments. Also a comment, from Nathan Holec that the podcast is a bit quiet. I only record it on my smartphone, so I can believe that. The working title for WD was 'Hazel and Fiver' apparently. There seem to be two Facebook groups called 'Watership Down Fans'. I will be posting on, both. Editorial decisions: I will be dealing with versions of WD in chronological order. This means the 1978 film before the sequel 'Tales from Watership Down' (1996). Then the 1999 TV series. I have also decided that my site visits will follow the numerical order on the map at the start of the book. Today I will cover 3 chapters. Two short and one long, sandwiched between the other two. 5:13​ 5.2 Chapter 5. In The Woods 9:00​ 5.3 Chapter 6. The Story of the Blessing of El-ahrairah 18:25​ 5.4 Chapter 7. The Lendri and the River 22:13​ 5.5 Next Episode: Chapter 8. The Crossing. Which should give a clue what happens next. Vocab: El-ahrairah: The Prince with a thousand enemies (Elil-Hrair-Rah). Frith: God. Also the Sun. Lendri: Badger Tharn: a state of paralysis in rabbits brought on by fear.
S1 · E5
Mar 19, 2026
23:36
6: Chapter 8. The Crossing RE-UPLOAD
RE-UPLOAD 6.1 Chapter 8: The Crossing A shorter episode this time. Possibly pushed my luck with 3 chapters at one go. There is a possibility of an episode in the near future in which I discuss the two most recent audiobooks of WD with another fan of the book, comparing Ralph Cosham’s interpretation with that of Peter Capaldi. On to Chapter 8: Opens with the first biblical quotation, from the Acts of the Apostles, which basically gives the game away as to what happens in this chapter. This is the first chapter in which all three of this group of rabbits advantages come in to play. First there is the basic advantage of physical strength, as characterised by Bigwig. Then there are the psychic abilities of Fiver, which have started the whole adventure. And lastly there is rationalism and the ability to innovate, as demonstrated best by Blackberry. Hazel, as leader, is properly tested for the first time, as he has to reconcile the input of all three. The scene is described in Adam’s usual brilliant way, making clear that the rabbits are taking in some of the details. Then they move upstream to feed. Hazel asks Fiver why they need to cross the river, rather than just move along it. His explanation might be a mixture of actual knowledge of landscape and a more mystical sense of the kind of place they need to find. In any case, it amounts to needing to cross so the ground will start to rise again to a high lonely place with dry soil. However Fiver and Pipkin are too tired to swim yet and must rest. Bigwig comes along and asks if they are ready to move on. Hazel says no firmly and Blackberry diffuses tension by suggesting Bigwig swim the river to scout out the other side. As soon as Bigwig has gone he’s back with the news there’s a dog loose in the wood, trailing its chain. Bigwig’s approach is for those who can to swim and the others to manage as best they can. They hear the dog yelp nearby. Hazel rejects this and says he will stay with those who cannot swim. Bigwig loses his temper. Not through fear though, Hazel notices. Simply because he cannot see another way. This is where the innovation of Blackberry comes in. He has found a piece of wood on the bank and understands that it can be used to float Fiver and Pipkin across to the other side. He is clearly extremely intelligent for a rabbit, as none of the others even understand what he is going on about. Except Fiver. Again, is this also intelligence or something else? As soon a Fiver gets it the plan comes into play. Bigwig and Silver push the piece of wood out, once Pipkin has been made to get on it as well. When the two small rabbits rotate on the wood, the sight makes no sense to most of them. But Blackberry asks Hazel to take the lead. As soon as he does, the rest of them start across. Pushing the little raft is obviously not easy for Bigwig, but he understands what he needs to do once he can see it will work. They all reach the other side safely and make for a hedgerow. Fiver makes it clear to Blackberry that he knows he saved him and Pipkin. Blackberry comments that it was a good idea that they should bear in mind for the future. He doesn’t seem boastful. Just objective. And his idea to bear it in mind will prove crucial later in the book. Next episode: The rabbits make their way across new open countryside. What will they find? Vocab: Embleer: Stinking
S1 · E6
Mar 19, 2026
10:01
7: Chapter 9. The Crow and the Beanfield and Lapine grammar
7.1 Introduction Another shout out to Will Fuller for his recommendation on the WD Fans Facebook group. We’re planning an episode in June on the two most recent audiobooks. Thanks also to Ric Morris who has been providing me with a LOT of material for future podcasts. Including information on...THE LOST PARAGRAPH. More on this when I cover Chapter 11. There may be times I pair chapters together. This was nearly one example, but it makes sense to pair the following chapter with the one after that. Besides, this chapter has a particular feature that merits a bit more time: the largest example of Lapine in the book. 7.2 Chapter 9 The Sun rises as the rabbits rest. They must be exhausted and the lack of cover is not enough to prevent several from sleeping. Hazel is aware they are not safe, but where is there to go? He scouts out the country uphill and detects another smell that is dominating everything. He decides to check it out on his own. There are signs of insecurity here due to Bigwigs presence in the group. An insight into the realities of leadership? He sees what he does not realise is a crow. It is hunting a mole along the ground. Hazel is unaware of the risk this might pose. The smell gets stronger. It is a field of broad beans. Rabbits cannot eat them, but their smell and height will provide cover. Getting back to the others, Hazel explains his plan and they get the other rabbits up to get to the bean-field. They still do not move as a group but straggle widely. These touches demonstrate that we are still dealing with rabbits with rabbit instincts. Suddenly there is a screaming sound. Fiver and Pipkin have been attacked by the crow! It is aiming at their eyes, as crows do. Hazel rushes towards them, just to distract it, followed by Bigwig then Silver. The crow actively stands up to Silver, who hesitates. This is the first active contact with Elil in the book. Bigwig actually attacks the crow and tells the others to get in behind it. But it has already had enough. Bigwig goes to Pipkin as he utters the poem I will discuss in the next section. Hazel notices Pipkin is clearly wounded in a front paw. They enter the bean-field. It is clearly going to be a safe place and they gather in a hollow. Safe at last. Hazel offers to look at Pipkin's paw and sees a thorn sticking out of his foot. Hazel manages to get it out. Speedwell sees the size of it and jokes that they could have used it to make another notice board to scare Fiver with, or a weapon to use against the Lendri (Badger). How does he know what a notice-board is? Would rabbits need a word for this? Hazel tells Pipkin to lick the wound better and sleep. 7.3 Lapine grammar and THAT poem If Lapine were an actual language, this poem would give us vital clues. I am speaking as a monolingual English speaker, so input from any linguists or bilingual listeners would be welcome. Word order in Lapine appears to coincide mostly with English. A little too convenient? However this poem does contain an example of changed word order. The reversal of the noun 'hraka' and the following verb does vary from English word order. Vocab: Hoi: Hey! u: the m' : a possibly contracted and inflected version of 'we'? saion: a possibly contracted and inflected version of 'meet them' (sai... - ...on)? ulé: 'even' (as in "even when we") OR 'stop'. Possibly slang. Possibly a single word for a concept that would only need a word for rabbits, given the importance of feeding in the open and flight to such animals. hraka: droppings as in rabbit excrement vair: pass, as in pass droppings. Possibly a verb meaning to defecate, distinguishing the noun for excrement from the verb, as opposed to words such as 'poo'. Is this conflation unique to English? 7.4 Next episode: Chapters 10 and 11. The rabbits face more new dangers...and there is dissent about whether they should even have left their old warren at all.
S1 · E7
Apr 15, 2021
18:04
8: Chapters 10 and 11: The Road and the Common and Hard Going. Plus the Lost Paragraph RE-UPLOAD
RE-UPLOAD 8: Chapters 10 and 11: The Road and the Common and Hard Going 8.1 Housekeeping: I referred briefly to Speedwell waking up Acorn It was Hawkbit waking up Speedwell only. Bigwig's phrase "u embleer rah" suggests a more complex meaning of "u", possibly meaning "you" as well as "the" depending on context. Interesting discussion of the book in the latest episode of the 'Read it twice' podcast on spotify. Episode 2. There is now a link in the description if you would like to leave a voice message for possible use in the podcast. The link is https://anchor.fm/wate...​ 3:36​ 8.2 Chapter 10. The Road and the Common. 9:08​ 8.3 Chapter 11. Hard Going and The Lost Paragraph. 18:22​ 8.4 Next Episode The next episode covers the beginning of the last 6 chapters of the end of Part One of the book. These chapters cover that metaphorical mist that Fiver spoke of in trance when he first saw the distant Watership Down. Vocab: Embleer: Stinking (missed in last episode) Hrududu: a car or other human vehicle Yona: Hedgehog
S1 · E8
Mar 19, 2026
19:15
9: Introduction to Cowslip's Warren and Chapter 12. The Stranger in the Field
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?
S1 · E9
Apr 28, 2021
13:47
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