Hazel became the leader of the rabbits once they left theiroriginal warren. He was a very smart and tricky rabbit who won therespect and trust of the other rabbits by his courage and many greatdeeds. He always handled problems calmly so others would alsoremained calm. Whenever a plan was needed, Hazel would alwayscome up with one. Fiver, the younger brother of Hazel, was unique because of hissmall size and ability to foresee danger.

He saved the rabbits fromdeath by warning some rabbits of the danger. Bigwig, a great fighting and courageous rabbit, was essential forthe success of the traveling rabbits. He loved to fight and always didhis best to protect the others. He was also the bird Kehaar’s best friendand enjoyed spending time with him. Blackberry was the mostintelligent rabbit in the group. For example, he made a boat to cross ariver although the others had never even seen or understood thefloating concept.

Blackberry always helped Hazel to think of ideaswhen problems arose. Dandelion, another smart rabbit, was known forhis speed and for his great story telling of El-ahrairah, the rabbit folkhero. He could always tell stories which distracted and eased therabbits from problems. Pipkin, a good friend of Fiver, was small likeFiver but acted as if he was as big as Bigwig. He always did what hewas told and never complained. PLOT One day Fiver, sensing danger,convinced his brother Hazel that they must leave their warren.

Hazeltried to warn the Chief Rabbit of the danger, but he did not listen.Hazel gathered a group and went along the brook until they reachedanother warren of rabbits. These rabbits were very strange and acteddifferently from other rabbits. Hazel and his group decided to leaveafter Bigwig got caught in a wire. The man would feed the rabbits sothey would become big and healthy; then the man would kill them.After many days of travel, Hazel and the others came to WatershipDown, which was an excellent place for a warren. The soil was perfect,and enemies could be spotted from many miles away.

Here they dug aburrows where the rabbits were happy. Hazel made friends withanimals.