| “ | Try to find Snow White again. If she's still alive, we'll hang on. If not, the best we can do is try to escape these lands during their midday rally. | „ |
| ~ King Noble to Reynard the Fox during Goldilocks' revolution, Fables #9 — "Warlord of the Flies: Part Four of Animal Farm" |
King Noble is an animal Fable that resides at the Farm and first appears in Fables #6 — "Road Trip: Part One of Animal Farm." He is notable for being one of the few animal Fables who sided with Snow White during Goldilocks' failed revolution.
History
Exile
King Noble was the ruler of a vast sprawling valley, which was occupied by the armies of the Adversary. At first, the invaders let Noble continue to rule, as long as he kept his subjects pacified and paid taxes to the Empire. However, they were not allowed to celebrate Christmas, and the enemy seized the forest's magic gateway that lead to the mundane world, and arrested anyone who attempted to flee through it. Noble and his people, desiring freedom from the evil oppressors, eventually found a way to escape through the gateway after Reynard tricked the enemy into leaving it unguarded for one night, and tricked the goblin armies into leaving food for King Noble and several animal Fables as well.[2]
Goldilocks' revolution
King Noble appears in the barn, present at a gathering of Fable creatures discussing whether they should take up arms against the Adversary. Coincidentally, Snow White arrives at the Farm just as she does twice a year to check on the Fable community there, and walks in on them. The animals are shocked when they notice her sudden presence in the room.[1]
King Noble and Reynard are among the few animal Fables who don't support the planned revolt of the Three Little Pigs and Goldilocks, and instead side with Snow White. Reynard reports to King Noble, saying that he did his best to stop Shere Khan from chasing after Snow, but it was not enough. Noble asks how many of them remain loyal, and Reynard lists the ones on Goldilocks' side, and says that the majority is stradling the fence, waiting to see how it all shakes out. Noble tasks Reynard with finding out of Snow is still alive. If she is, they'll persevere; if not, they will try to escape the Farm during the opponents' midday rally.[3]
King Noble watching Rose Red adress her fellow Fables
Several months later, King Noble watches as the Farm's new leader, Rose Red, presents the new Three Little Pigs, the three giants turned pigs, Johnny, Donny and Lonny.[4]
Battle of Fabletown
King Noble, along with numerous other Farm Fables, is enlisted to journey to New York City and join the defense of Fabletown when the wooden soldiers plot an attack on the secret Fable society. Upon their arrival, he and the other recruits assemble outside in the street and listen attentively as Snow White gives them a briefing.[5] Noble is seen taking part in the battle while the Fables struggle to keep the burning wooden soldiers from entering the buildings.[6]
Fabletown-Imperial war
King Noble joins the war between Fabletown and the Empire, and attends a meeting where Bigby Wolf gives instructions to the soldiers stationed at Fort Bravo.[7]
Mayoral election
Noble is observed waiting in line to cast his vote at the Farm during the election for Fabletown's new mayor.[8]
Threat of Mister Dark
Noble, like many other Fables, isn't pleased to have the Adversary, Geppetto, a citizen of Fabletown. When Geppetto is brought to the Farm, he and a group of animal Fables first try to kill him, but the magic shielding Geppetto proves too strong. They then follow Reynard's advice and bury him alive in a deep hole.[9]
He later watches as Rose Red addresses her fellow Fables after finally overcoming her long depression.[10]
Kingdom of Haven
To escape the wrath of Mister Dark, all the Fables are forced to relocate to Flycatcher's Kingdom of Haven.[11] Brock Blueheart addresses a gathering of animal Fables and shares his vision of Boy Blue returning from the dead to defeat the Dark One in glorious fashion. King Noble is among those present for the sermon.[12]
The glamour crusade
King Noble later assists Owl as he takes Pussy Cat on a little journey through the Great Woods of the Farm, with Kaa and King Noble playing the parts of animals in the jungle. As Noble lets out a mighty roar, a gazelle witnessing the little adventure remarks that King Noble appears to be enjoying his part a little too much.[13]
Later, Noble is is in attendance when the glamour prices are bestowed upon the lucky winners of the Farm's great Lottery.[14]
Appearances
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Original Source
He is based on King Noble the Lion from[15] the Dutch, Flemish, French, German, and English medieval cycles of Reynard the Fox.[16]