Stowaways on the Ark

Stowaways on the Ark

Year: 1988

Runtime: 81 mins

Language: German

Director: Wolfgang Urchs

FamilyAnimation

Willie, a sweet little woodworm, accidentally finds himself aboard Noah’s Ark as an unintended stowaway. When Noah and the gathered animals notice holes appearing in the wooden hull, they blame the tiny intruder, suspecting him of drilling. The tale humorously asks whether Willie can truly be held responsible for the damage.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Stowaways on the Ark (1988)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Stowaways on the Ark (1988). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Biblical era (Noah's Flood)

The events take place during the biblical flood narrative, beginning with the construction of the ark and continuing through its voyage and eventual grounding. The timeline evokes ancient, mythic times rather than modern days, focusing on survival and divine purpose amid catastrophe.

Location

Noah's Ark, Willi's woodworm trunk home on a mountain

The primary setting is Noah's Ark, a colossal wooden vessel built from tree trunks. Inside, it contains multiple decks and tunnels where animals, humans and even termites interact under crisis. The woodworm family inhabits the very wood that carries the ark, embedding their home within the structure as the flood unfolds.

🏔️ Mountain setting 🛶 Ark interior

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:30

Main Characters – Stowaways on the Ark (1988)

Meet the key characters of Stowaways on the Ark (1988), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Willi Holzwurm

The oldest ancestor present in the worm family, Willi is a practical, quick-thinking narrator who guides his kin through the ark's dangers. He identifies termites, proposes tunnels, and coordinates the family’s efforts to keep the vessel from sinking. His resilience and curiosity drive the story's problem-solving core.

🐛 Woodworm 🧭 Leader 🧩 Problem-solver 🌊 Survivor

Alice Holzwurm

Willi's wife and partner in survival, Alice provides care and steady support. She helps gather resources, care for newborns, and keeps up morale when tensions run high between decks. Her practical, nurturing nature complements Willi's strategic thinking.

🧰 Caregiver 🌿 Nurturer 🤝 Supporter

Noah

The ark's builder and a central human figure who acts on divine instructions. He coordinates animals' embarkation and oversees the ark's construction and voyage under the flood's threat. His leadership anchors the journey amid calamity.

🪚 Builder 🧭 Leader 🙏 Faithful

Rabe

A perceptive raven who serves as a messenger aboard the ark, spreading information and warnings. He helps link different animal groups and keeps communication flowing in a high-stress environment. His presence underscores the importance of cross-species cooperation.

🪶 Messenger 👂 Listener

Elefant

The Elephant aboard the ark embodies strength and memory, moving heavy loads and offering calm, steady presence. His bulk and presence help balance the ark's social dynamics during tense moments. He becomes a dependable ally when difficulties arise.

🐘 Strength 🧭 Steady

Argos

A wise walrus navigating the sea around the ark; he coordinates with whales to drag and steer the vessel toward land. His practical wisdom and calm demeanor help stabilize the ark's path during the flood's aftermath.

🦭 Navigator 🧭 Calm

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:30

Major Themes – Stowaways on the Ark (1988)

Explore the central themes of Stowaways on the Ark (1988), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🤝 Unity

Different decks and species must set aside mistrust to survive the flood. The bears, worms, birds, and humans gradually cooperate to plug holes, share food, and care for the young. The ark becomes a microcosm of coexistence, forged in shared danger.

🙏 Faith

Divine guidance frames the journey, with Noah following a perceived plan from God. Passengers cling to the ark's survival and to the promises attached to the voyage. Faith acts as a bonding force amid fear and uncertainty.

🧩 Resilience

Cramped quarters and conflicting decks test the crew's adaptability. Woodworms, termites, elephants, and bears learn to improvise, repair, and endure dwindling resources. The story highlights how constraint can spur creativity and cooperation.

📜 Legacy

An elder woodworm narrates ancestral journeys, tying the present crisis to a long lineage. The film emphasizes memory and heritage, suggesting that even tiny beings can leave a lasting imprint. The ark's fate becomes a reminder of continuity across generations.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:30

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Unlock the Full Story of Stowaways on the Ark

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Stowaways on the Ark Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Stowaways on the Ark, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Stowaways on the Ark Summary

Stowaways on the Ark Timeline

Track the full timeline of Stowaways on the Ark with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Stowaways on the Ark Timeline

More About Stowaways on the Ark

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Stowaways on the Ark: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Stowaways on the Ark

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Discover movies like Stowaways on the Ark that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.

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