31: Chapter 31. The Story of El-ahrairah and the Black Rabbit of Inlé

[@Higurashi_otaku]

This is imo the only chapter where Watership Down dips into horror. The description of the Black Rabbit and their owsla is chilling to the bone. And the atmosphere overall is creepy and bleak. This chapter has vibes of Poe and Lovecraft in its desolate nature. I always liked the portrayal of Black Rabbit as a Grim Reaper and as very just, but terrifying figure: It is just doing its appointed task, no more no less. And I think here is one of the very few circumstances where Adams actually wanted to adress something to his readers, that concerns himself at this time. The disregard of the younger generations towards the WWII veterans. He and probably others seems to think, that the younger generation doesn't even understand through which hardships they have gone, so that all these people can now live in peace. I don't know if this was a real discussion back than in the 1970s or just how Adams saw it personally. Some people say he told this story to his daughters to tell them about his WWII experience in a more mitigated manner. Than this passage could be directly aimed at them to make them understand what he has gone throught, so they can live in peace now. Definitely one of my favourite chapters.

[@SJHFoto]

This is my least favourite El-ahrairah story. It is also the only one in the radio play that is told by the narrator (the other stories are told with a full cast)

[@adriana.k.maxwell]

I expected it to be just the chapter read-aloud not a retelling and a commentary.

[@thewatershipdownpodcast1300]

Ah no. That would be a breach of copyright. What I do is far more original...well a bit more.

[@adriana.k.maxwell]

@@thewatershipdownpodcast1300 I respect that you are honoring copyright. I do have some suggestions. Maybe you could reword the title to "Understanding Chapter 31:..." so other people don't make the same mistake I did. I also think that you could vary your voice a little more and tell it as a story and maybe connect the events to other legends or real-life events. I was just disappointed because I remembered the story and had the summary of it in my head, I just didn't remember exactly how it was told and I wanted to experience it again.

[@thewatershipdownpodcast1300]

@@adriana.k.maxwell Having now gone through the entire book, and now going through the 1978 film, I would rather avoid changing all the titles and graphics. Nor would I wish to advocate people not paying to read or hear the book. I am very clear that this podcast is not a substitute for reading Watership Down. Hence all my commetary and spoilers.