Leadership In Watership Down By Richard Adams

A great leader understands the countless different factors that can arise when leading others. To undertake a role of leadership, once must understand that there will be more than just good times. At times situations may seem stressful, terrifying and almost uncontrollable, however, a great leader will utilize their resources and develop a support system to overcome any obstacles regardless of the situation. The novel, Watership Down by Richard Adams, is set in southern England, where a group of rabbits escape their birthplace before its destruction. The character of Hazel is convinced by his brother, Fiver, that there is danger coming upon Sandleford Warren. Throughout the novel Hazel adjusts the plan of their escape as they encounter

Hazel was introduced into the novel as a yearling who looked as though he could care for himself. He belonged to Sandleford Warren but was just an average rabbit. He was not a Chief Rabbit, nor was he part of any Owsla. Despite his youth, he believed he needed to take charge when his brother, Fiver, said trouble was coming. They went to the Chief Rabbit to warn him of Fivers premonition, yet left short of being laughed at. Hazel knew they could not just sit and wait for danger to come. He told the others, “Fiver and I will be leaving the warren tonight…I don’t know exactly where we shall go, but we’ll take anyone who’s ready to come with us” (14). This action by Hazel launched the idea that he was a leader and capable of making decisions in the best interest of others. El-ahrairah on the other hand, was presented in the novel as a rabbit hero. He was associated as Robin Hood for the English. He had many wives and many children. So many that even Frith, the creator of the world couldn’t even keep track. Aside from not knowing the upbringing of El-ahrairah, he and Hazel are similar in many ways. “Well done,” whispered Dandelion. “Running our risks for us, are you - like Elahrairah?” (Adams 24). In this situation Dandelion referred to Hazel being like El-ahrairah because they both jeopardized their life to help the others stay clear of