Redwall is the debut novel by British author Brian Jacques, published in 1986. It is the first book in the acclaimed Redwall series of children's fantasy novels, though it was written after Mossflower, which chronologically precedes it within the fictional timeline. Set in a medieval world populated by anthropomorphic animals, the novel introduces the peaceful Redwall Abbey and its inhabitants, primarily mice, as they face a formidable threat.
The story centers on Matthias, a young, clumsy, but brave mouse monk living in Redwall Abbey. The tranquil existence of the abbey is shattered by the arrival of Cluny the Scourge, a ruthless one-eyed rat warlord who leads a vast army of rats, stoats, weasels, and ferrets. Cluny intends to conquer Redwall Abbey, not just for its rich provisions but also to establish it as his personal fortress.
Matthias, inspired by the legend of Martin the Warrior, the heroic mouse founder of Redwall, embarks on a quest to find Martin's lost sword and fulfill his destiny as a defender of the abbey. His journey leads him through various adventures, encountering allies and adversaries, while the Abbey's residents prepare for a desperate siege orchestrated by Cluny. The narrative interweaves moments of courage, sacrifice, and community spirit with intense battle sequences and strategic maneuvers.
Key characters include:
- Matthias: The protagonist, a young mouse monk who rises to heroism.
- Cluny the Scourge: The primary antagonist, a cunning and brutal rat warlord.
- Constance: A formidable badger, mistress of the abbey's defenses.
- Abbot Mortimer: The wise and gentle leader of Redwall Abbey.
- Basil Stag Hare: A eccentric but brave hare, often providing comic relief and military assistance.
- Martin the Warrior: The legendary founder of Redwall, whose spirit and sword inspire Matthias.
The novel is renowned for its detailed descriptions of lavish feasts and the stark contrast between the peaceful, communal life within Redwall and the predatory, destructive nature of its enemies. Themes of good versus evil, courage, heroism, community, the importance of tradition, and the cycle of peace and conflict are central to the narrative. Redwall established many of the conventions that would define the rest of the series, including the distinct dialects of different animal species and the emphasis on the abbey as a sanctuary against the dangers of the wild. The book's success led to a long-running series, an animated television adaptation, and cemented Brian Jacques's legacy as a beloved children's author.