Once Upon a Forest

A young badger and a devoted student of Cornelius, Michelle is curious, brave, and compassionate. She drives the group’s urgency to find a remedy after the gas poisons Dapplewood, and her actions become a catalyst for the journey. When she is captured by danger and then saved, she embodies the meadow’s vulnerability and hope.

A practical mole with a quick wit, Edgar helps chart safe paths and devise clever plans. He plays a key role in rescuing others and in recognizing the importance of resourcefulness during their quest. His steady presence keeps the group grounded amid rising danger.

A resourceful mouse and a catalyst for action, Abigail leads with courage and ingenuity. She retrieves Michelle when danger strikes, and her quick thinking helps them survive the owl encounter and the ascent to the cliff for Lung-wort. Her loyalty to her friends fuels their shared mission.

A brave hedgehog who acts as a steady teammate, Russell helps uncover the flying machine designs and supports the group’s efforts to reach the herbs. He shows practical courage and a willingness to take calculated risks for the greater good. His presence anchors the team through fear and fatigue.

Michelle's uncle and guide, Cornelius carries a past scar of a gas-spread disaster and uses that experience to teach the others. He provides crucial knowledge about herbs and aviation-inspired tools, helping the group believe they can save their meadow. His wisdom and quiet leadership help unify the team.

A majestic one-eyed barn owl who leads the wren flock, Phineas embodies a wary, protective presence in the wild. He helps explain the lay of the land beyond the yellow dragons—i.e., the human world they must pass through—before sending them on their quest. His role adds a sense of danger and wonder to the journey.