Redwall
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[[WP:UNDO|Undid]] revision 224940034 by [[Special:Contributions/Turtle42|Turtle42]] ([[User talk:Turtle42|talk]]) - Not always true, to my knowledge.
[[Image:RedwallBookCover.jpg|thumb|''[[Redwall (novel)|Redwall]]'' was the first book in the series by Brian Jacques.]]
{{about|the ''Redwall'' series|the first book in the series|Redwall (novel)}}{{For|the abbey which provides the name for the series|Redwall Abbey}}
'''Redwall''' is a series of [[fantasy]] novels by [[Brian Jacques]]. It is the title of the first book of the series, published in 1986, the name of the [[Abbey]] featured in the book, and the name of an [[Redwall (TV series)|animated TV series]] based on three of the books (''[[Redwall (novel)|Redwall]]'', ''[[Mattimeo]]'', and ''[[Martin the Warrior]]''), and first aired in 1999. The books are primarily aimed at older children, but have [[fan (aficionado)|fans]] of all ages. There have been nineteen novels and two picture books published as of Autumn 2006.
The book series does not chronicle any one particular timeframe. Rather, it is set in many different periods in the history of [[the world of Redwall]], which entails Mossflower woods, surrounding islands, and a land called Southsward. Some of the books focus on characters who, in other volumes, are historical figures (e.g., [[Martin the Warrior (Redwall)|Martin the Warrior]]'s father, [[Luke the Warrior|Luke]], in ''[[The Legend of Luke]]''). Typically, those books are set before the founding of Redwall Abbey. (Note: There ''is'' a timeline in the Redwall series, but it generally places the books in a completely different order than the order in which they were written. There were two phases when the novels were published in chronological order.)
==Plot summary==
The characters in the books are all [[anthropomorphic]] animals of some sort, almost all of whom are capable of speech (with a few exceptions like the horse in ''Redwall''), which Jacques renders as various dialects of English. With a few rare exceptions, such as the [[monitor lizard]]s from ''[[The Pearls of Lutra]]'', other reptiles and the Jerbilrats of ''[[Loamhedge]]'', the flora and fauna in the ''Redwall'' books are all native to [[Brian Jacques]]'s home country of [[United Kingdom|Britain]].
Despite the fact that ''Redwall'' is a fantasy series, it contains no elements of [[Magic (paranormal)|magic]]. Occasionally, elements of the supernatural or paranormal appear, mainly in two forms. First, the ghost of [[Martin the Warrior (Redwall)|Martin the Warrior]] or another long-dead hero will often appear in dreams or visions to one of the woodland creatures (usually, but not always, an Abbey-dweller) and impart information. The information is always accurate (though often in the form of a riddle that is solved by accident) and is of a nature such that it must have come from the ghost of Martin the Warrior and could not be the result of a creature "solving" a mystery in its sleep and dreaming about Martin the Warrior on its own. Also, some creatures in the books are called "seers" and claim to be able to see the future. While some of these "seers" turn out to be frauds, others such as the seers of ''[[Loamhedge]]'', ''[[Taggerung]]'' and ''[[Lord Brocktree]]'' are quite real and play a key part in the turning of events in these books. Virtually all of the seers, both real and fraudulent, are vermin, who are generally considered more primitive and superstitious than woodlanders and other goodly creatures and are almost always the "bad guys". However, in the book ''[[Tribes of Redwall Mice]]'', both Martin the Warrior and [[Abbey Leader (Redwall)#Germaine|Abbess Germaine]] can foresee the future. Also present is the [[Sword of Martin|sword of Martin the Warrior]], which is believed by many creatures to be magical. This sword was forged from the fragment of a star at Salamandastron by [[Badger Lord]] Boar The Fighter.
Though the primary location is an [[abbey]], and a church of [[St. Ninian]] makes appearances, there has been no mention of a creator or godlike deity; although in the Legend of Luke a song is sung about how "St. Ninian" is a misnomer who refused to help his wife build a house, so his wife put a sign above the door that read, "this ain't Ninian's", but the weather washed off the "thi" from "this", making it read "s ain't Ninian's", so it looked like "Saint
Ninian's" and St. Ninian's became one of the oldest buildings in Redwall history. however, there have been at least three mentions of the devil, Hell and other demons. After sending one of his minions to death, [[Cluny the Scourge]] roars "Tell the devil Cluny sent you!" On another occasion [[Badger Mother#Constance|Constance the Badger]] makes a reference to "Hell's whiskers." According to the ferret Killconey, the snake [[Asmodeus (Redwall)|Asmodeus]] is named for "the devil himself." While these references from ''[[Redwall (novel)|Redwall]]'', the first book, were made before the series had truly realised itself, ''[[The Taggerung]]'' makes references to an underworld again when a devilish character called "Vulpuz" is mentioned by one seer as the ruler of Hellgates and the ancestor of foxes. In several of the later novels, whenever a creature dies, characters make references to "The Dark Forest" or "Hellgates" as places where creatures go after death. The Dark Forest however, has not been explained further.
Books in the series often contain one or more "monsters", but these are not mythical creatures, rather being some type of ferocious predator. Monsters have included [[snake]]s (from ''[[Redwall (novel)|Redwall]]'' and ''[[Triss]]''), large carnivorous fish such as [[pike (fish)|pike]]s (from ''[[Marlfox]]'' and ''[[Mossflower]]''), a [[plesiosaur]]-type creature (from ''[[High Rhulain]]''), a [[wolverine]] (from ''[[Rakkety Tam]]''), a giant [[scorpion]] (from ''[[Mariel of Redwall]]'') and a giant [[sea serpent]] (from ''[[Salamandastron]]''), along with an [[eel]] (from ''[[Mossflower]]'' and "[[Taggerung]]").
A typical book in the ''Redwall'' series details a particular period in the history of [[Redwall Abbey]]. In all but a few cases, the book is about the inhabitants of Redwall and the surrounding [[Mossflower Woods]]. Usually, there are at least two different stories going on. For example, a typical book may relate the story of a small expedition by a group of woodlanders, as well as the story of a large group of Redwallers at home fending off a vermin horde. Because of the widely spaced storylines (chronologically speaking), very few creatures are mentioned in more than one or two novels, except in a passing historical sense. One notable exception is Martin the Warrior, who appears in all books, even if, most of the time, only in spirit form or no more than as a passing historical mention. Also, Martin's sword appears in all of the novels. Though he is not mentioned by name in ''Lord Brocktree'', Martin does appear, referred to in Brocktree's dream as "a young mouse bearing a beautiful sword".
Other recurring elements and characters in the ''Redwall'' series include [[Badger Lord]]s and [[Badger Mother]]s, "[[Dibbuns]]" (the Redwall name for toddler woodlanders), the [[Skipper of Otters]], [[Foremole]]s, helpful [[Birds in Redwall|birds]], mouth-wateringly detailed descriptions of (almost entirely vegetarian) food, and one or more [[Log-a-log]]s (a Log-a-log is a leader of a tribe of [[shrew]]s).
<!-- ==Criticism==
The books have been criticized in some quarters for allegedly promoting an overly simplistic view of [[race]] and [[ethnicity]]. Critics point out that the "good" and "bad" animal characters are drawn almost exclusively along species lines, with a few rare exceptions. These criticisms have been advanced as a concern, as the books are primarily read by children and young adults. There is also a "class" element involved in these criticisms, with the denizens of Redwall being either educated, aristocratic animals such as [[badger]]s, or rustic, simple creatures such as [[Mole (animal)|moles]]. This contrasts with the "vermin", who are almost exclusively portrayed as a greedy, stupid, and violent rabble commanded by a charismatic evil leader. These narrative structures do resemble in many ways the British class system, with the "upper class" animals governing the "working class" ones, and the Abbey remaining an ever present and strong symbol of religious authority. It is likely that Jacques, who once worked as a truck driver and a [[docker]] in [[Liverpool]], is reflecting his own experience of class in his books.
[[Image:Martin the Warrior US.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Characters such as [[Martin the Warrior (Redwall)|Martin the Warrior]] exhibit a fighting prowess beyond that which is easily believable.]]
Another criticism is that the "[[Stormtrooper effect]]" is prominent in the books. There are a number of battles in which the "good" protagonists are able to kill or defeat large numbers of "bad" animals with minimal loss of life. This effect was not as pronounced in the very earliest books in the series (such as ''Redwall'' and ''Mossflower''), but in later books it was not uncommon for a few good beasts to kill hundreds of vermin while only losing one or two of their own soldiers; these "good" soldier deaths were always intensely publicized, even for minor characters. The stormtrooper effect has been explained as the "good" creatures having tactical advantages, superior training and armaments, and assorted supernatural guidance and effects.
Many fans are concerned about what they perceive as repetition in the series. While the early books are creative and well written, it seems that many of the later books all follow the same structure, cashing in on previously established plotlines: a rebellious youth defeats a villain that wishes to destroy/conquer Redwall; a group of warriors go to retrieve someone/something that will help someone/Redwall while vermin attack their homes as they are away; escaped slaves flee to safety where they attempt to find help, return home, and conquer their previous vermin masters. Opposition to this viewpoint claim that most literature falls into the same, repetitive cycles, and that [[Brian Jacques]] is no different than many other modern fantasy authors. -->
==Books==
There have been nineteen books published so far, with ''Eulalia!'' having been released, in both hardcover and paperback, on October 18, 2007. The next book, named Doomwyte, is scheduled for an October 16, 2008 release. {{Timefact}}
Until 2001, the books were not written in the order that the stories take place in the Redwall universe. The books are listed below, both in publication order and in their chronological order within the fictional [[The World of Redwall|world of Redwall]]:
{{Redwall novels}}
The first three books (in chronological order) take place before the construction of [[Redwall Abbey]], while the fourth takes place during the construction. Many or most of the books that take place before Redwall was constructed are written in the format of [[framing device|a story told by a visitor]]--for example, ''[[Martin the Warrior]]'' is told as a story by a descendant of Brome, who was visiting Redwall. These books are organized by the main story, not by the "actual" time period which is almost always after the construction of Redwall.
Most books that are adjacent to each other in chronological order take place within a generation or so of each other (as evidenced by mentions of past characters in the later books). It is notable that, by contrast, there is an indefinitely long chronological gap between ''Salamandastron'' and ''Redwall''.
The [http://redwall.wikicities.com/ Redwall Wiki] has a collection of [http://redwall.wikia.com/wiki/Book_Cover_Gallery cover art of the Redwall novels].
==Characters==
{{main|List of species in Redwall}}
In the Redwall universe, species almost invariably (with very few exceptions, including change of character mid-story) determines a creature's nature, whether inherently good or evil. Some common "noble" species in Redwall include mice, otters, moles, hares, squirrels, hedgehogs, shrews, birds, and badgers, while common "vermin" include rats, foxes, weasels, ferrets, snakes, and stoats. However, many other varieties of species also make appearances throughout the novels as well. Twice, in Mattimeo and Loamhedge, there is a creature, apparently half weasel and half stoat, called a [Wearet]. There are also some creatures that have only been mentioned once (Eg. turtle, wolverine, golden-furred hamster, flying mice (bats)).
==Locations==
{{main|The world of Redwall}}
The Redwall universe is centered around [[Redwall Abbey]], a red sandstone abbey on the outskirts of [[Mossflower Woods]]. Built after the events of ''[[Mossflower]],'' it is the home to many of the "good" animals of Mossflower Woods. Another important location is the mountain fortress of [[Salamandastron (Redwall)|Salamandastron]], home to the [[Badger Lord]]s. There are many other places, such as the fortress Riftgard, and Green Isle. Also, a main waterway is the [[River Moss]]. Though in some stories, such as ''[[the Bellmaker]]'' and ''[[the Legend of Luke]]'', most of the story takes place onboard sailing ships and many dangers are only those involving the weather and damage resulting from such.
==Literary significance and reception==
From the beginning, Brian Jacques has been praised for his Redwall series, being described as one of “the best children's authors in the world.”<ref>Harrison, Susan, Amazon.com reviews (1992). Editorial review of ''Salamandastron''.</ref> The books of the Redwall series have drawn comparisons to everything from [[J. R. R. Tolkien]]’s ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''<ref>''Publisher’s Weekly'' (1987). Editorial review of ''Redwall''.</ref> to [[Kenneth Grahame]]’s ''[[The Wind in the Willows]]'' and [[Richard Adams (author)|Richard Adams]]’s ''[[Watership Down]]''.<ref>Chang, Margaret, ''School Library Journal'' (1990). Editorial review of ''Mattimeo''.</ref> Jacques combines “action, poetry, songs, courage, and vivid descriptions” to create a unique style that spans the seemingly endless series.<ref> Saecker, Tasha, ''School Library Journal'' (2005). Editorial review of ''High Rhulain''.</ref>
The Redwall series has also received praise for its “equal-opportunity adventuring, in which female creatures can be just as courageous (or as diabolical) as their male counterparts.”<ref>''Publisher’s Weekly'' (1995). Editorial review of ''The Bellmaker''.</ref> Novels such as ''Mariel of Redwall'', ''The Pearls of Lutra'', and ''Triss'' all feature strong female leading characters. Jacques has also received acclaim for his development of unique language<ref>''Kirkus Reviews'' (1998). Editorial review of ''The Long Patrol''.</ref> intrinsic to certain species, giving the novels an "endearing dialectal dialogue".<ref>Estes, Sally, ''Booklist'' (1995). Editorial review of ''The Bellmaker''.</ref>
Some reviews have been critical of the Redwall novels for providing too simplistic a view of good and evil.<ref>Estes, Sally, ''Booklist'' (1995). Editorial review of ''The Bellmaker''.</ref> The characteristics of the animals in the novels are fixed by their species, making them quite “predictable”.<ref>''Publisher’s Weekly'' (1996). Editorial review of ''Outcast of Redwall''.</ref> Also, characters always seem to “epitomize their class origins,” rarely rising above them.<ref>''Kirkus Reviews'' (1992). Editorial review of ''Mariel of Redwall''.</ref>
Many reviewers have also criticized the Redwall series for repetition and predictability, citing "recycled" plot lines<ref>''Publisher’s Weekly'' (1996). Editorial review of ''The Pearls of Lutra''.</ref> and Jacques’ tendency to follow a “pattern to the dot.”<ref> Kirkus Reviews (1994). Editorial review of ''Martin the Warrior''.</ref> Of course, other reviewers note that such predictable “ingredients” may be what “makes the Redwall recipe so consistently popular.”<ref>''Publisher’s Weekly'' (1996). Editorial review of ''Outcast of Redwall''.</ref> Although the series does not continue to break new ground, it does provide satisfying adventures with “comforting, predictable conclusions for its fans.”<ref> Shook, Bruce, ''School Library Journal'' (1998). Editorial review of ''The Long Patrol''.</ref>
== Illustrators ==
The current interior artist is [[David Elliot]]. He has illustrated six books in the Redwall series, including ''[[Eulalia (novel)|Eulalia]]'', the latest. He also illustrated the Anniversary edition of Mossflower, with full page illustrations. The series' cover art was created by Troy Howell.
==Adaptations==
===International editions===
The Redwall series has been translated into Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, and recently Hebrew.
===Television series===
The first season of the ''[[Redwall (TV series)|Redwall]]'' television series, released in 1999, was based upon the novel ''Redwall''. It was later followed by two more seasons, based on the books ''[[Mattimeo]]'' and ''[[Martin the Warrior]]''. Production for the series is assumed to be finished.
===Audiobooks===
There have been full-length audiobooks published of ''[[Redwall_(novel)|Redwall]], [[Mossflower]], [[Mattimeo]], [[Mariel of Redwall]], [[Salamandastron]], [[Martin the Warrior]], [[The Bellmaker]], [[Outcast of Redwall|The Outcast of Redwall]], [[The Long Patrol]], [[The Taggerung]], [[Triss]], [[Loamhedge]], [[Rakkety Tam]], [[High Rhulain]], and [[Eulalia]]. Instead of being read by a single actor, the novels are narrated by a large cast. Brian Jacques serves as a narrator for all of the audiobooks, sometimes reading select parts, and his son Marc Jacques appears as the characters Matthias, Martin and others.
===Opera===
In 1996, Evelyn Swenson composed an opera based on the first book in the Redwall series. It was produced by Opera Delaware in Wilmington, DE and later toured Europe.<ref>[http://www.redwall.org/dave/opera.html Brian Jacques: The Redwall Opera<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
==Other Redwall-related books==
* ''[[The Great Redwall Feast]]'' (1996) ([[picture book]])
* ''[[Redwall Map & Riddler]]'' (1998)
* ''[[Redwall Friend & Foe]]'' (2000)
* ''[[A Redwall Winter's Tale]]'' (2001) ([[picture book]])
* ''[[Tribes of Redwall Badgers]]'' (2001)
* ''[[Tribes of Redwall Otters]]'' (2002)
* ''[[Tribes of Redwall Mice]]'' (2003)
* ''[[The Redwall Cookbook]]'' (2005)
* ''[[The Redwall Graphic Novel]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Tribes of Redwall Hares]]'' (release date unknown)
* ''[[Tribes of Redwall Squirrels]]'' (release date unknown)
==Footnotes==
<div class="references-small"><references /></div>
==External links==
* [http://www.redwall.org/ Official website]
* [http://www.redwallwiki.com The Redwall Wiki] - A collaborative Redwall information and news resource
* [http://www.davidelliot.org/ Current Illustrator's site] - Redwall prints for sale
* [http://redwall.muck.limitless.org/ Redwall MUCK (Multi-User Character Kingdom)] - A text-based roleplay game based on the series, operating with author's permission. Est. 1995
* [http://www.redwallwarlords.com/ Redwall:Warlords] - The online text-based game
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