Ferdinand the Bull

The herd of bulls romps together and butts heads, but Ferdinand mainly wants to sit under a shady cork tree and smell the flowers. His peaceful preference sets him apart from the rest of the group. The scene establishes Ferdinand's gentle nature early on.

His mother notices he is not playing and asks why. He explains that all he wants to do is sit and smell the flowers. She is understanding and supportive.

Over the years Ferdinand becomes the largest and strongest of the bulls, yet he retains his love for flowers. The other bulls fixate on fighting in bullfights, while Ferdinand longs for peace.

Five strange looking men arrive to see the bulls, hoping to pick the strongest. The bulls roughhouse to impress them, but Ferdinand refuses to engage and keeps smelling the flowers.

When Ferdinand sits down, he is unaware of a bumblebee beneath him; the sting sends him into a crazed rampage, knocking over bulls and tearing down a tree. The five men are impressed by the display and choose Ferdinand.

The men cheer as they take Ferdinand away to Madrid, citing his unusual strength and temperament. Ferdinand remains uninterested in fighting, focused on flowers.

The crowd becomes excited for the bullfight. Posters announce Ferdinand the Fierce. The arena fills with banderilleros, picadors, and the matador as the spectacle begins.

The matador is frightened by Ferdinand's size, but Ferdinand notices a bouquet of flowers tossed to him. He steps forward, yet instead of charging, he calmly smells the flowers. The matador grows furious at Ferdinand's lack of aggression.

The banderilleros and picadors scatter in fear, while Ferdinand remains uninterested in combat, simply enjoying the scent of the flowers. The arena reacts with a mix of astonishment and frustration at the bull's peaceful mood.

After the events in the ring, Ferdinand is led away from the arena and back home. He continues to sit under the cork tree and smell the flowers, seemingly content.

Ferdinand returns home to the cork tree where he can smell the flowers in peace. He remains gentle and steadfast in his love for quiet, fragrant moments.

The story ends with Ferdinand living a peaceful life, choosing flowers over fighting. He teaches that being different can be a strength, not a flaw, and he remains a gentle presence in the world.