| “ | How are four weaklings like us going to break into a fortress? | „ |
| ~ Sawhorse to his fellow resistance members in Fables #109 — "Cardinal Virtues: Chapter Two of Inherit the Wind" |
Sawhorse is a Fable from the land of Oz, who first appears in Fables #101 — "The Ascent." He becomes part of Bufkin's resistance movement in their homeland.
History
Meeting Bufkin
After the Empire was defeated, the Nome King seized power of Oz and its neighboring lands, and declared himself Emperor. The Sawhorse was drafted into the Nome King's press gangs, who were forced into building a road across the Deadly Desert. He managed to escape with fellow draftees Bungle and Jack Pumpkinhead, however, the Nome King's enforcers were on to them right away and pursued them all the way to the neighboring Land of Ev. As Bufkin comes across the group, their pursuers are closing in on them, and they are desperately trying to escape. The Sawhorse gallops forward with Jack riding on his back.[1]
Bufkin's act of dropping a banana peel from a lunch box tree causes the two pursuing Rumble Tumble Toms to slip and become separated from the billiard balls they are using for transportation. The Sawhorse joyfully announces that they have been saved, as the Toms are "unhorsed." One of the balls falls into the ocean, while the other remains on the ground, prompting the three friends to assist Bufkin in pushing the giant snooker ball into the ocean. Jack inquires if Bufkin is part of the resistance, but when Bungle reminds him that there must be no talking about the resistance, he quickly urges the others to forget his previous words. However, the Sawhorse points out that this plan is not feasible.[1]
As they converse quietly near the warmth of the fire, the Sawhorse explains that while they were in the press gang, they were forced to build a road across the Deadly Desert, linking Oz proper to the other countries conquered by the Nome King. Bufkin's companion Lily Martagon inquires about their future plans, but Sawhorse is at a loss; they had not anticipated successfully fleeing from their captors.[1]
Robbing the bunker
Standing with the others in front of the Deadly Desert, Sawhorse declares that crossing it is necessary to reach the new Empire's stash of powerful magical artifacts. He, Bungle and Jack warn Bufkin that these roads are all monitored by the Nome King's enforcers. Suddenly, a flying monkey from the Air Force swoops down towards them. Sawhorse is taken aback as Bufkin murders the monkey "in cold sap," before correcting himself and clarifying that he means blood. They proceed down one of the roads, with Bufkin assuming the role of an Air Force member and pretending that Jack, Bungle, and the Sawhorse are his captives.[3]
Upon arriving at a heavily guarded bunker brimming with magic items, the group deliberates on how to infiltrate it. Bufkin proposes tunneling underneath and entering from below, but Jack and the Sawhorse point out the futility of this plan due to the Nomes' control over the underworld. He mentions that with their king now being the Emperor, they have become even more unbearable and can be found in any place. Bungle suggests seeking out General Blug, the one Nome who harbors more animosity towards the Nome King than they do. However, their discussion is interrupted when they are discovered by the Yoop and two Kalidahs. They all flee for their lives.[4] However, the tension eases when the Kalidahs Yoop and the Yoop explain that he no longer wishes to serve the Nome King, but rather want to support their revolution. Feeling unsatisfied with the way he was treated by the Nome King, the Yoop contemplates seeking revenge by devouring him. Sawhorse cheerfully remarks that he has heard it's important to include some fiber in one's meals.[5]
The rebels find General Blug and attempt to convince him and his troops to join their cause. Lily Martagon stresses that they have a common enemy, with Sawhorse adding that this is almost the same as being friends. Unfortunately, Bufkin is discovered and apprehended by the Air Force.[5]
Blug's presence on the team enable them to dig into the bunker from below and steal all the enchanted weapons. Sawhorse proposes utilizing the Golden Cap to sway the air patrol to their cause, however, Bungle advises waiting until the patrol can be strategically deployed in a surprise assault.[6]
Revolution in Oz
Sawhorse observes as Lily Martagon attempts to convince the others to embark on a mission to save Bufkin; however, Blug argues that they are not adequately prepared to take action at the moment, emphasizing that their cause is greater than the destiny of a single individual.[7] Later, one of the Nomes shares a wood based joke that he heard Sawhorse tell other resistance members. However, neither of them understand the joke. Meanwhile, Bufkin has successfully managed to flee, and rejoins the rest of the group. Sawhorse is delighted to have his boss back.[2]
They proceed with their planning. Upon hearing the Sawhorse use the phrase "the cat's out of the bag," Bungle expresses her disdain for that saying.[8] Later, Bungle reports to Bufkin, Jack and Sawhorse that the Nome King has gone crazy and is killing everyone in the Emerald City.[9] He is also present when the resistance survey the carnage of an air strike on the Nome King's soldiers by winged monkeys[10] that Bufkin controlled with the Golden Cap.[9]
Following the demise of the Nome King, a jubilant celebration commences. Bufkin engages in conversation with Sawhorse and the other founding members of the resistance, and Bufkin and Lily Martagon advise them to dismantle the Nome King's Empire and break it into its original component kingdoms, or form new ones. Then Jack, Bungle, the Sawhorse and just about everybody who helped them could be kings. When Sawhorse asks what Bufkin will do, the latter reveals his plans to embark on new and exciting escapades.[11]
Alternate universe
An alternate version of Sawhorse appears in The Unwritten Fables, which takes place in an alternate universe where Mister Dark was never defeated. As Mister Dark's army launches an attack on the remaining citizens of Fabletown at the Magic Grove in Haven, Sawhorse fights valiantly on the side of the Fables. Amidst the fierce battle, the enemy releases quicksilvers from above — magical orbs that ensnare unsuspecting soldiers inside of them. Peter Piper stands in shock as he watches the spheres, while Sawhorse desperately warns his fellow soldier not to touch the quicksilvers or risk suffering the same fate.[12] Upon Bigby Wolf's reunion with the group following his release from captivity, Sawhorse joins the rest of the Fables as they celebrate with a party.[13]
Appearances
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Original source
He is based on Saw-Horse from L- Frank Baum's children's novel The Marvelous Land of Oz, and subsequent Oz books. Mombi's slave boy Tip used the Powder of Life to animate Saw-Horse, giving Jack Pumpkinhead a new mode of transportation, as his wooden limbs were becoming worn from constant walking. Saw-Horse's physique is that of a log, with a carved opening for a mouth, two knots serving as eyes, and a branch extending out like a tail. His legs are four tree branches, firmly rooted in his body and spread out for balance. He is known as one of the swiftest beings in Oz, thanks to his endless stamina. Saw-Horse joins Tip on his adventures with the Scarecrow until it's discovered that Tip is actually Princess Ozma, the true ruler of Oz.
References