In the mythology of the Lapine language, it is said that the world was brought into existence by the god Frith. In this idyllic realm, all animals were herbivores, coexisting in harmony. However, as the rabbit population surged, their consumption led to a critical shortage of food. Frith, witnessing the chaos that ensued, decreed that the rabbit prince, El-Ahrairah, should rein in his kind. Yet, the prince's pride led him to scoff at this command. In a show of divine retribution, Frith endowed each species with unique gifts, transforming some into predators that would hunt rabbits. Sensing a lesson learned, Frith ultimately granted the rabbits enhanced speed and cunning.
Fast forward to present day—in a warren nestled near Sandleford, a prophetic rabbit named Fiver experiences a grave vision when he and his elder brother, Hazel, come upon a sign that forebodes impending doom in the form of a residential development project. Unable to decipher the message, they urgently plead with the chief rabbit to initiate an evacuation. However, their concerns are dismissed, prompting the chief to command Captain Holly, the head of the Owsla police force, to quash any attempt at escape. Nevertheless, Fiver and Hazel manage to flee alongside six other rabbits: Bigwig, Blackberry, Pipkin, Dandelion, Silver, and Violet.
Their journey through the perilous woods is fraught with danger. Tragedy strikes when Violet, the sole female in their group, falls prey to a hawk. As they traverse onward, they encounter a rabbit named Cowslip, who extends an invitation to his warren, a place seemingly blessed with an abundance of vegetables due to the benevolence of a nearby farmer. Although the rabbits relish this hospitality, Fiver soon senses something amiss and decides to leave. His decision irritates Bigwig, who chides Fiver for stirring discord amongst them. After Bigwig is ensnared in a trap, Fiver realizes with horror that the farmer is fattening Cowslip's warren for his own gain. The group recommences their journey, wiser but heavy-hearted.
Eventually, they stumble upon Nuthanger Farm, which hides a hutch filled with domesticated does. Yet, before they can liberate these females, they are chased away by the menacing farm cat and dog. Their fortunes take a turn when they encounter Captain Holly again, who relays terrifying tales of the devastation at Sandleford and warns them about the monstrous rabbits known as the "Efrafans." Finally, Fiver's vision leads them to a hill called Watership Down, where they choose to make their new home, with Hazel stepping up as their leader.
In time, they befriend an injured black-headed gull, Kehaar, who embarks on a quest to find does for them. That night, during an audacious return to Nuthanger Farm to rescue the does, Hazel is shot in the leg, forcing the group to retreat once more. Fiver, compelled by a vision of the mythical Black Rabbit, rushes to his wounded brother. Kehaar soon returns, expertly pecking out buckshot from Hazel's leg while revealing the existence of many does in the overcrowded Efrafa warren. Captain Holly depicts this place as a tyrannical regime, but Hazel believes they must venture there.
In a daring move, Bigwig infiltrates Efrafa, where he is swiftly elevated to an Owsla officer under the ruthless General Woundwort. He enlists several residents longing for freedom, including Blackavar and Hyzenthlay, effectively rallying support for their cause. With Kehaar's guidance, they create a plan to escape via a boat downstream. That night, Kehaar leaves to return to his homeland, promising to come back in winter.
However, peace is fleeting as Efrafan trackers soon discover Watership Down. Woundwort rebuffs Hazel's overture for peace, insisting that all defectors be returned or face obliteration. Just as the Watership rabbits fortify their warren, Fiver enters a trance, where he sees a dog named Bob roaming the woods. His murmurings inspire Hazel to chew through the leash binding Nuthanger Farm's watchdog. Blackberry, Dandelion, and Hyzenthlay cleverly bait the dog into following them back to the warren.
As the Efrafans breach their defenses, Woundwort enters alone, only to be confronted by the brave Blackavar, who tragically loses his life. A suspenseful duel ensues between Bigwig and Woundwort, reaching a standoff. When Bob arrives, he begins attacking the Efrafans, causing Woundwort to abandon the fight, stepping outside to meet his fate against Bob. In the end, no trace of Woundwort is ever discovered, leaving his ultimate fate shrouded in mystery.
Years pass, and the aging Hazel is visited by the enigmatic Black Rabbit, who invites him to join his Owsla. With assurance of Watership Down's enduring safety, Hazel gladly accepts and passes away peacefully. His spirit embarks on a journey alongside his visitor through the woods, ultimately reaching the Sun, which transforms into Frith, signifying the afterlife. The tale gently echoes Frith's parting wisdom directed at El-Ahrairah, a fitting conclusion to their storied legacy.
