View source for Redwall

{{Short description|Fantasy book series}}
{{About|the Redwall series of novels|the first book in the series|Redwall (novel)||Redwall (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox book series
| name             = Redwall
| title_orig       = 
| books            = See '''[[#Books|list of books in series]]'''
| image            =
| image_caption    = 
| author           = [[Brian Jacques]]
| illustrator      = Various
| cover_artist     = Various
| translator       = Various
| country          = United Kingdom
| language         = English
| genre            = [[Children's literature|Children's]], [[Fantasy novel]]
| publisher        = 
| pub_date         = 1986–2011
| english_pub_date = 
| media_type       = Print ([[Hardcover|Hardback]] & [[Paperback]])
| preceded by      = 
| followed by      = 
}}
'''''Redwall''''' is a series of [[Children's literature|children's]] [[fantasy]] novels by British writer [[Brian Jacques]], published from 1986 to 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1996-04-02-9604020048-story.html|title=IN REDWALL, RODENTS RULE|first=Michele M.|last=Fecht|website=Chicago Tribune|date=2 April 1996 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/08/23/books/children-s-books-313187.html|title=Children's Books|first=Selma|last=Lanes|newspaper=The New York Times |date=23 August 1987}}</ref> It is also the title of [[Redwall (novel)|the first book of the series]], published in 1986, as well as the name of the [[abbey]] featured in the book, and is the name of an [[Redwall (TV series)|animated television series]] based on three of the novels (''[[Redwall (novel)|Redwall]]'', ''[[Mattimeo]]'', and ''[[Martin the Warrior]]''), which first aired in 1999. The books are primarily aimed at pre- to early adolescents. There have been 22 [[novels]] and two [[picture books]] published. The twenty-second, and final, novel, ''[[The Rogue Crew]]'', was posthumously released on 3 May 2011, almost three months after Jacques' death on 5 February.<ref name=figment>{{cite web|title=The Rogue Crew: A Tale of Redwall by Brian Jacques|url=http://dailyfig.figment.com/2011/05/03/the-rogue-crew-a-tale-of-redwall-by-brian-jacques/|publisher=Figment|access-date=28 May 2012|first=Evan|last=Rindler|date=3 May 2011|archive-date=19 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171219083702/http://dailyfig.figment.com/2011/05/03/the-rogue-crew-a-tale-of-redwall-by-brian-jacques/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Overview==
[[File:Brian Jacques1 crop.jpg|thumb|The ''Redwall'' series was written by [[Brian Jacques]].]]

The series chronicles the adventures of the [[anthropomorphic]] animals inhabiting Redwall Abbey and the surrounding countryside of Mossflower Wood, including [[mouse|mice]], [[mole (animal)|mole]]s, [[hare]]s, [[badger]]s, and other woodland species. Frequently the peace-loving creatures of Mossflower are called upon to become warriors to defend themselves from marauding bands of "vermin" such as [[rat]]s, [[weasel]]s, and [[fox]]es.

The novels in the series are set in many periods in the fictional history of Redwall and Mossflower; the chronological order of the stories is not the same as the order in which they were written, some taking place before the construction of Redwall Abbey itself or in far-flung locations beyond Mossflower. Some of the books focus on characters who, in other volumes, are legendary historical figures, such as ''[[The Legend of Luke]]''. Because of the widely spaced storylines, very few characters are mentioned in more than one or two novels. One notable exception is Martin the Warrior, one of the founders of Redwall Abbey, whose adventures are chronicled in several of the novels and who is frequently mentioned as an icon of heroism who inspires later Redwall denizens, occasionally appearing to them as a spiritual vision.

Despite the changing historical setting and absence of recurring characters, familiar character archetypes recur throughout the books, often characters in tribe-specific leadership roles, such the [[Badger]] Lords, the Skipper of [[Otter]]s, or the [[shrew]] tribe leader "Log-a-Log". Other recurring elements include "Dibbuns" (the Redwall name for infant woodlanders) and detailed descriptions of food.

Although the main setting is an [[abbey]], and several characters are referred to as [[monk]]s, [[friar]]s, etc., the series makes little mention of religious beliefs or practices. Early novels establish a St. Ninian's church near Redwall Abbey, but a later novel portrays that as a misnomer for a building that was never a church.

The  ''Redwall'' novels are characterized as [[fantasy fiction|fantasy]], but contain little in the way of [[Magic in fiction|magic]] or the supernatural, apart from the anthropomorphism of the animal characters. The sword of Martin the Warrior is believed by many characters to be magical, and vermin occasionally try to steal it for this reason; ''[[Mossflower]]'' reveals that it was forged from a fragment of a [[meteorite]] at the volcanic fortress Salamandastron by the Badger Lord known as Boar the Fighter. The role of "monsters" in the novels is played not by mythical creatures, but by real-world predators such as [[Viperidae|adder]]s, [[shark]]s, and [[wolverine]]s.

==Books==

At the time of Jacques' death, twenty-one novels had been released. ''The Sable Quean'' was released in February 2010. The twenty-second and (because of his death) final book, ''The Rogue Crew'', was released on 3 May 2011.<ref name=figment/>

The prequels to ''Redwall'' are not released in any chronological order. The sequels, including ''Mattimeo'', were released in the order in which they occur. The books are listed below in their chronological order within the fictional world of Redwall, with publication dates noted.

{{Redwall novels}}

The first three chronologically ordered books (''Lord Brocktree'', ''Martin the Warrior'', and ''Mossflower'') take place before the construction of Redwall Abbey, while the fourth, ''The Legend of Luke'', takes place during its construction. Many of the books that take place before Redwall was constructed are told via a [[framing device]].

Most books 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. ''Redwall'' and  ''Mattimeo'' as well as  ''Mariel of Redwall'' and ''The Bellmaker'' feature the same cast, with a short span of time between them. From ''Triss'' onward, however, they take place so far apart in time that none share any characters with other books anymore.

==Characters==
In the Redwall universe, species almost invariably (with very few exceptions, including change of character mid-story) determines a creature's nature, whether good or evil. Some common noble species in Redwall include [[mouse|mice]], [[otter]]s, [[Mole (animal)|moles]], [[hare]]s, [[squirrel]]s, [[hedgehog]]s, [[shrew]]s, [[bird]]s, [[vole]]s, and [[badger]]s, while common [[vermin]] include [[rat]]s, [[fox]]es, [[weasel]]s, [[ferret]]s, [[raven]]s, [[snake]]s, [[stoat]]s, [[Stoat|ermine]], [[sable]]s, [[wildcat]]s, [[magpie]]s, [[rook (bird)|rooks]], and [[crow]]s. Snakes (who are mostly [[Adder]]s) in Redwall, despite being evil, are more like a third party, for they feast on good and evil species alike. However, many other varieties of species also make appearances throughout the novels as well. [[Dormouse|Dormice]] also appear sometimes but are rarely major characters. On numerous occasions it mentions [[Pinniped|seals]], whose language makes little sense to other creatures; also [[bank vole]]s on numerous occasions, usually as a "good" character but once as an evil character. Twice, in ''Mattimeo'' and ''Loamhedge'', there is a creature, apparently half weasel and half ferret, called a Wearet, while the book ''The Rogue Crew'' features a (purportedly) half-weasel and half-rat Wearat as its principal villain. [[European pine marten|Pine martens]] have been featured in three books, once as the main villain and twice in the service of a wildcat. Several reptiles are also mentioned, such as [[Viperidae|adders]], other snakes, and [[lizard]]s. Amphibians like [[toad]]s and [[frog]]s have been featured also, and are depicted as lower creatures that live in more basic tribal systems and usually serve not as the primary villains but as secondary distractions to heroes. [[Esox|Pike]]s can be found throughout the books, inhabiting rivers, and also acting as a secondary distraction. [[Shark]]s have been known to attack ships; one instance can be found in ''Triss''. There are also some creatures that have only been mentioned once or twice (e.g., [[Gray wolf|wolf]], [[beaver]], [[turtle]], [[whale]], [[wolverine]], [[sable]], [[tortoise]], [[golden hamster]], [[bat]]s, [[monitor lizard]]s, [[Striped polecat|polecats]], and in the first book [[horse]]s, [[pig]]s, [[dogs]] and [[cattle|cows]]). [[Crow]]s and other ''[[Corvus (genus)|Corvus]]'' birds also appear on numerous occasions, usually being vicious and territorial. Other birds such as [[owl]]s, [[heron]]s, [[red-tailed hawk]]s, and [[eagle]]s are mentioned, some having major parts in books, including in ''Mattimeo'' when a [[raven]] named General Ironbeak manages to invade and almost conquers Redwall Abbey with his army of rooks.  In ''Martin the Warrior'', a group of squirrels called the Gawtrybe are presented as villains, though squirrels are usually considered "good" and the Gawtrybe end up aiding the heroes during the final battle.

==Locations==
The books are centered around Redwall Abbey, a red sandstone abbey built after the events of ''Mossflower''. It is home to many of the good animals of Mossflower Woods. Also important is the mountain fortress called Salamandastron, home to the Badger Lords and the famed hares of the Long Patrol, the mountain's army. There are many other places, such as the fortress Riftgard, Loamhedge, and Green Isle. Also, a main waterway is the River Moss. Other stories, like ''[[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.

There are also the far northern lands; much of the wildlife in the books from those lands are those native to Scotland specifically, such as pine martens and [[golden eagle]]s. As well as the northern lands, there are islands featured in the series; usually, each island is featured in one book only.

==Literary significance and reception==
Brian Jacques was praised for his ''Redwall'' series. He was called 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 [[J. R. R. Tolkien]]’s ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'',<ref>{{Cite news |date=1987-06-01 |title=''Redwall'' by Brian Jacques |url=https://www.publishersweekly.com/9780399214240 |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=[[Publishers Weekly]] |type=editorial review}}</ref> to [[Kenneth Grahame]]'s ''[[The Wind in the Willows]]'',  and [[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 series.<ref>Saecker, Tasha, ''School Library Journal'' (2005). Editorial review of ''High Rhulain''.</ref>

The ''Redwall'' series has received praise for its "equal-opportunity adventuring, in which female creatures can be just as courageous (or as diabolical) as their male counterparts".<ref>{{Cite news |date=1995-03-20 |title=''The Bellmaker'' by Brian Jacques |url=https://www.publishersweekly.com/9780399228056 |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=Publishers Weekly |type=editorial review}}</ref> Novels such as ''Mariel of Redwall'', ''Pearls of Lutra'', ''High Rhulain'' and ''Triss'' all feature strong female leading characters. Jacques has also received acclaim for his development of unique language<ref>''Kirkus Reviews'' (1998). [https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/brian-jacques/the-long-patrol Editorial review of ''The Long Patrol''].</ref> intrinsic to certain species, giving the novels an "endearing dialectal dialogue".<ref name="Estes">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 name="Estes" /> The characteristics of the animals in the novels are fixed by their species, making them quite "predictable",<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=1996-02-19 |title=''Outcast of Redwall'' by Brian Jacques, Allan Curless |url=https://www.publishersweekly.com/9780399229145 |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=Publishers Weekly |type=editorial review}}</ref> though there have been a few books, such as in ''Outcast of Redwall'' and ''Pearls of Lutra'', in which vermin have acted selflessly, in one taking a spear through the chest and back meant for his former nursemaid (though she disregards his actions as impulse and comes to consider him born to be evil), and in the other saving the Abbot of Redwall from lizards. Another exception is in ''The Bellmaker'', where a searat strove to start being good instead of evil, abandoning his life of pirating to live by himself. In some cases, different members of the same species possess different moral compasses. For example, the wildcats in the book ''Mossflower'' each exhibit different characteristics: although Lady Tsarmina is cruel and vicious, her father Lord Verdauga is seen as hard but fair, and her brother Gingivere is kind and eventually joins the side of the woodlanders. As a general rule though, characters tend 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>{{Cite news |date=1997-01-27 |title=''Pearls of Lutra'' by Brian Jacques |url=https://www.publishersweekly.com/9780399229466 |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=Publishers Weekly |type=editorial review}}</ref> and Jacques' tendency to follow a "pattern to the dot".<ref>Kirkus Reviews (1994). Editorial review of ''Martin the Warrior''.</ref> Other reviewers note that such predictable "ingredients" may be what "makes the ''Redwall'' recipe so consistently popular".<ref name=":0" /> Although the series did 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 last interior artist was [[Sean Rubin]]. Prior to Rubin taking over in 2009, [[David Elliot (illustrator)|David Elliot]] illustrated six books in the Redwall series, including ''[[Eulalia!]]'', published in 2007. Elliot also illustrated the anniversary edition of ''Mossflower'', with full page illustrations. Other previous interior illustrators include [[Gary Chalk (illustrator)|Gary Chalk]] (''Redwall'', ''Mariel of Redwall'', and ''Martin the Warrior''), [[Allan Curless]] (''The Bellmaker'' to ''The Long Patrol''), [[Christopher "Fangorn" Baker|Chris Baker]] (''Marlfox'' to ''Lord Brocktree'') and Peter Standley (''The Taggerung''). The cover artist of the US editions of the novels is [[Troy Howell]]. Pete Lyon and Douglas Hall provided cover art for different UK editions of the first four books. Later, Chris Baker became the UK cover artist up until the release of ''Triss'', when David Wyatt took over.{{fact|date=May 2025}}

==Adaptations==

===International editions===

Books in the Redwall series have been translated into Arabic, Bulgarian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Latvian, Norwegian, Polish, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, and Swedish.{{fact|date=May 2025}}

===Television series and films===

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''.  Each season contained 13 episodes. Each episode was opened with Brian Jacques himself giving a synopsis of the story so far. These scenes were later cut from subsequent re-airings and DVD releases.{{fact|date=May 2025}}

In February 2021, [[Netflix]] acquired full adaptation rights to the novel series. A feature film based on the novel ''Redwall'' and an animated "event series" based on the character Martin the Warrior are in the works for the streaming platform. [[Patrick McHale (artist)|Patrick McHale]], creator of ''[[Over the Garden Wall]]'', was writing the film's script.<ref name="Variety">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2021/film/news/netflix-redwall-movie-tv-show-brian-jacques-1234904865/|title=Netflix Adapting 'Redwall' Books Into Animated Movies, TV Series|author=Lang, Brent|website=Variety|date=10 February 2021|access-date=10 February 2021}}</ref> Due to changes at Netflix in December 2022, however, McHale is no longer working on the feature film.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/netflix-redwall-patrick-mchale-update|title=Netflix's Redwall movie in limbo, reveals writer Patrick McHale|author=Motamayor, Rafael|website=Inverse|date=15 December 2022|access-date=27 December 2022}}</ref>

===Audiobooks===

There have been full-length audiobooks published of most of the ''Redwall'' books, the exceptions being ''The Pearls of Lutra'', ''Marlfox'', ''Lord Brocktree'' (on cassette), ''The Legend of Luke'', and ''The Rogue Crew''. Instead of being read by a single actor, the novels are narrated by a large cast. Brian Jacques served as the narrator for almost all of the audiobooks (with ''Salamandastron'' being the sole exception), sometimes reading select parts, and his son Marc Jacques appeared as the characters Matthias, Martin and others. The audiobooks also feature fully-realized musical performances of the songs that each book contains, composed and performed by Billy Maher.

Some abridged audiobooks have also been released. They include ''Redwall'', ''Mossflower'', ''Pearls of Lutra'', ''The Long Patrol'', ''Marlfox'', ''The Legend of Luke'' and ''Lord Brocktree''. Each is three hours in length and read solely by Brian Jacques or another narrator.

===Opera===

In 1996, Evelyn Swenson composed an opera based on the first book in the Redwall series. It was produced by [[OperaDelaware]] in [[Wilmington, Delaware]] and later toured Europe.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.redwall.org/dave/opera.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061108165415/http://www.redwall.org/dave/opera.html|url-status=dead|title=Brian Jacques: The Redwall Opera|archive-date=8 November 2006}}</ref>

===Games===
There are currently two officially-licensed video games based on the Redwall series. Both games were created by [[Soma Games]] under the banner of ''[[The Lost Legends of Redwall]]''.

==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)

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|https://www.redwallabbey.com/}}
*[http://www.redwallwiki.com The Redwall Wiki]

{{Brian Jacques}}
{{Redwall}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Redwall]]
[[Category:Novels about animals]]
[[Category:Fantasy books by series]]