  |
This article's content is marked as Mature The page Hazel (Watership Down) contains mature content that may include coarse language, sexual references, and/or graphic violent images which may be disturbing to some. Mature articles are recommended for those who are 18 years of age and older. If you are 18 years or older or are comfortable with graphic material, you are free to view this page. Otherwise, you should close this page and view another page. |
Hazel is a brave, tactful, clever and true buck, and the central character in Richard Adams's 1972 fantasy novel Watership Down along with it's 1978 film, it's 1999 to 2001 TV series and the BBC 2018 miniseries. He is the older brother of Fiver and acts as the leader of the Watership Down rabbits. He is voiced by the late John Hurt in the film, Ian Shaw in the animated TV series and James McAvoy in the miniseries, who also played Charles Xavier, Wesley Gibson, Gnomeo, and Bill Denbrough.
Book and Film
Hazel was born in the Sandleford Warren, but at the advice from his younger brother, Fiver, that it would be destroyed and the fact that he was not being well treated, left his birth place. Ultimately destined to be Chief Rabbit of the Watership Down Warren, he leads several rabbits out of Sandleford including Bigwig and Pipkin. Trusting in Fiver, Hazel leads the rabbits on many adventures before eventually finding Watership Down.
On the way, he earns their trust and loyalty with his quick decisions and understanding nature. With his ability to cultivate the best in everyone around him, the rabbits suceed with his leadership as he makes the most of each of their abilities. In the film he becomes mates with a doe rabbit named Hyzenthlay. Eventually Hazel dies from old age and passes on to the afterlife in spirit with the Great Prince.
TV Series
Hazel's role in the series is similar to the book and film but unlike those, he is alive and well. His appearance is also different from the film where he has brown fur instead his body is reddish brown and has brown fur on his face. He also has a different love interest, Hyzenthlay is replaced by a rabbit called Primrose.
Miniseries
Hazel appears in the 2018 miniseries. Unlike the book and film, Hazel falls in love with Clover instead of Hyzenthlay.
Also unlike the book Hazel does not get saved from Tab the cat by Lucy and then released back into the wild. Instead that role is taken by Fiver. He also died off-screen into on when the Black Rabbit asked him to join her.
Gallery
Film
TV series
Miniseries
