By Yana BondarchukMon. 29 Apr. 20243min Read

10 Best Watership Down Quotes

Dive into adventure with "Watership Down" by Richard Adams, a timeless epic of courage, friendship, and the quest for home.
10 Best Watership Down Quotes

If you're someone who enjoys tales of adventure, courage, and the bonds of friendship, you might find Richard Adams' "Watership Down" to be an enthralling and deeply moving journey into the world of rabbits. Let's explore this beloved novel and uncover its themes of survival, loyalty, and the resilience of the human spirit.

"Watership Down" is a classic adventure novel written by Richard Adams and first published in 1972. It stands as a timeless tale of bravery and perseverance, captivating readers of all ages with its richly imagined world and unforgettable characters.

 

"Many human beings say that they enjoy the winter, but what they really enjoy is feeling proof against it." – Narrator


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This reflection captures the often adversarial relationship between creatures and their environment, a recurring theme in "Watership Down" that illustrates the rabbits' struggle for survival against natural elements.

"My heart has joined the Thousand, for my friend stopped running today." – Hazel



This somber and poignant farewell is said when a rabbit dies. It's a beautiful example of the deep bonds and sense of community that define the rabbit's society in the novel.

"You know how you let yourself think that everything will be alright if you can only get to a certain place or do a certain thing. But when you get there, you find it's not that simple." – Richard Adams



This quote reflects on the often elusive nature of safety and peace, mirroring the rabbits' continual search for a secure home, which is central to the plot of "Watership Down."

"All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a Thousand Enemies, and whenever they catch you, they will kill you. But first they must catch you." – El-ahrairah to his Rabbits



This quote is from the rabbits' mythic folklore about El-ahrairah, the rabbit folk hero. It symbolizes the perennial struggle for survival that is a core theme of the book.

"Animals don't behave like men. 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." – Narrator



This observation speaks to the innocence and purity of animal life compared to human complexities, highlighting the novel’s critique of human society.

"A thing can be true and still be desperate folly, Hazel." – Fiver



Fiver's wisdom underscores the tension between truth and safety, offering a cautionary note about decisions that might lead to danger despite being founded on truth.

"We all have to meet our match sometime or other." – Bigwig



Bigwig’s comment during a crucial moment of confrontation underlines the inevitability of facing challenges that test one’s limits, a significant aspect of the journey in "Watership Down."

"If you want to bless me, you can bless my bottom, for it is sticking out of the hole." – Bigwig



This humorous line provides comic relief while also showcasing the camaraderie and light-hearted interactions among the rabbits, even in tense situations.

"The sky's beginning to bruise, night must fall and we shall be forced to camp." – Hazel



This beautifully poetic observation by Hazel reveals his thoughtful and reflective nature, and the constant awareness of the environment that is crucial for the rabbits' survival.

"There’s terrible evil in the world." "It comes from men," said Holly. "All other Elil do what they have to do and Frith moves them as he moves us. Men will never rest till they’ve spoiled the earth and destroyed the animals." – Holly and Bigwig



This dialogue reflects on the environmental and ethical themes in the novel, critiquing human destructiveness and its impact on nature.

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