Cipollino

Cipollino is the main character in Gianni Rodari's 1951 children's novel, Il romanzo di Cipollino (translated into English as The Adventures of Cipollino or Chipollino). Cipollino is a young onion who fights against the unjust treatment of his fellow vegetable townspeople by the tyrannical upper class, represented by characters like Prince Lemon, Signor Tomato, and the overly stern Baroness Cherry.

Cipollino symbolizes the working class and the fight against oppression. He is known for his cleverness, resourcefulness, and courage in standing up to authority. His story is a political allegory that subtly critiques social inequality and champions the rights of the poor and marginalized.

The novel's popularity has led to adaptations in various forms, including animated films, ballets (most famously Aram Khachaturian's ballet Cipollino), and stage productions. Cipollino remains a beloved character in many countries, particularly in the former Soviet Union, where the animated film adaptation was widely popular. The name "Cipollino" is derived from "cipolla," the Italian word for onion.