Watership Down

Watership Down

Year: 1978

Runtime: 91 min

Language: English

Director: Martin Rosen

AdventureDramaThrillerAnimation

Faced with the destruction of their warren, a young rabbit named Fiver foresees danger and leads a group of seven companions on a dangerous journey to find a new home. They must travel through challenging terrain, evade predators, and overcome numerous obstacles. Their quest leads them to Watership Down, but they soon discover that establishing a safe haven and ensuring the survival of their community presents a further, significant test.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Watership Down yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Watership Down (1978)

Trace every key event in Watership Down (1978) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Creation of the World

In the mythology of the Lapine language, the world was created by the god Frith. This idyllic realm was initially filled with herbivore animals living in harmony with one another.

2

Rabbit Population Surge

As the rabbit population exploded, the consequences of overconsumption led to a severe food shortage. Frith, witnessing the resulting chaos, decided to take divine action.

3

El-Ahrairah's Pride

Frith commanded the rabbit prince El-Ahrairah to manage the overpopulation of rabbits, but the prince's pride caused him to disregard this important decree. This act of defiance resulted in divine retribution.

4

Divine Gifts Bestowed

In retaliation for the rabbits' overreach, Frith endowed various species with unique gifts, transforming some into predators that would now hunt rabbits. This shift upset the balance of the ecosystem.

5

Fiver's Prophetic Vision

Fast forward to the present day, Fiver, a prophetic rabbit, experiences a terrifying vision regarding impending doom. He and his brother Hazel discover a sign warning them of a nearby residential development project.

Sandleford
6

Plea for Evacuation

Fiver and Hazel urgently approach the chief rabbit to seek an evacuation, but their warnings are dismissed. Frustrated, the chief instructs Captain Holly to prevent any escape attempts.

Sandleford Warren
7

Journey Begins

Despite the risk, Fiver, Hazel, and six other rabbits—including Bigwig and Blackberry—decide to flee their home. They embark on a treacherous journey through perilous and unknown woods.

The Woods
8

Tragedy Strikes

The group's journey takes a tragic turn when Violet, the only female rabbit among them, is captured and killed by a hawk. This loss weighs heavily on the minds of the remaining rabbits.

The Woods
9

Encounter with Cowslip

The rabbits meet Cowslip, who invites them to his warren known for its plentiful vegetables. Although the hospitality is charming, Fiver senses danger lurking beneath the surface.

Cowslip's Warren
10

Realization of Danger

After becoming embroiled in troubles, including a trap that injures Bigwig, Fiver recognizes that Cowslip’s warren is a trap set by the farmer. This realization deeply troubles the group, prompting them to leave.

Cowslip's Warren
11

Nuthanger Farm Encounter

The group discovers Nuthanger Farm, where they find domesticated does. However, their attempt to rescue them is thwarted by a fierce farm cat and dog, forcing them to retreat.

Nuthanger Farm
12

Meeting Captain Holly

Reuniting with Captain Holly, the rabbits receive alarming news about the devastation at Sandleford and are warned of the menacing Efrafans that pose a threat to their safety.

13

New Home at Watership Down

Following Fiver's vision, the group arrives at Watership Down, where they decide to settle. Hazel takes on the responsibility of leading their new community amidst the challenges ahead.

Watership Down
14

Infiltration of Efrafa

Bigwig strategically infiltrates the tyrannical Efrafa warren, gaining a position of authority. He recruits other rabbits longing for freedom to assist Hazel in their quest for safety.

Efrafa
15

Final Confrontation

The confrontational tensions lead to an all-out clash between Watership Down and Efrafa. Hazel’s leadership is put to the test as they face General Woundwort and fend off the looming threat.

Watership Down

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 02:53

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern is an exodus or migration from a destroyed or oppressive home, leading to a arduous journey towards a promised sanctuary. The central conflict is often against a hostile environment and a tyrannical opposing force. Character arcs are defined by resilience, cunning, and leadership under pressure, with the cost of survival being a core theme. The endings are rarely purely victorious, instead reflecting the scars and losses endured.

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These films are united by their unflinching portrayal of survival as a brutal, community-driven effort. They share a high-intensity, dark tone where the emotional weight comes from the constant threat of annihilation and the moral cost of perseverance. The pacing is steady, driven by a clear goal, but the mood is consistently anxious and desperate.

Unlock the Full Story of Watership Down

Don't stop at just watching — explore Watership Down in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Watership Down is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Watership Down Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Watership Down, 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.

Watership Down Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Watership Down

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Watership Down. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Watership Down

Watership Down Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Watership Down that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Watership Down Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Watership Down

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