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This article is about a subject whose real name is unknown, and is known only by a title, nickname, alias or description |
| “ | You fought alongside my dad in the Battle of Fabletown. I assure you I'm a sturdy ride. | „ |
| ~ The Rhinoceros' calf to Pussy Cat, Fairest #29 — "Sail Away: Chapter Three of The Clamour for Glamour" |
The Rhinoceros is an animal Fable who used to live on the Farm in Upstate New York, until his untimely death in the battle against the wooden soldiers. He dwells as a ghost in the land beneath the Witching Well for some time, until he follows Flycatcher to Haven, where he is given new flesh and blood. He has a calf who also lives on the Farm.
History
Goldilocks' revolution
The Rhinoceros[1] is among the Fables who align themselves with Goldilocks' rebels in their scheme to overthrow the human residents of Fabletown. He participates in a hunt for Reynard the Fox, to keep the latter from sounding the alarm, and assists Br'er Rabbit's team in their attempt to capture Reynard using a classic pincer movement.[3]
The Rhinoceros stands among the many animal Fables gathered in the Farm square as Dun speaks to the crowd, announcing that the time has come to make a move on Fabletown in New York City. Suddenly, Snow White appears and compels the surrender of the group through the intimidation of the three giant brothers and the dragon Clara.[4]
Invasion of the wooden soldiers
When Baba Yaga's hut runs amok on the Farm, Mustard Pot Pete forms a makeshift posse in a desperate attempt to regain control of the cabin. The Rhinoceros and a group of animal Fables frantically struggle to secure the runaway cabin as it careens through the woods.[5]
When the wooden soldiers plot an attack on the secret Fable society, numerous Farm Fables are enlisted to journey to New York City and join the defense of Fabletown. Accompanied by the Three Bears, the Rhinoceros arrives in the city by truck. Upon their arrival, he and the other recruits assemble outside in the street and listen attentively as Snow White gives them a briefing.[6] After Snow gives the command to send in the big fighters, the Rhinoceros and the Three Bears; Mama Bear, Papa Bear and Boo Bear, come crashing through the window of Edward Bear's Candies, leaving shattered glass in their wake as they spill out onto the street. He courageously rushes into the heat of battle, but ultimately, the wooden soldiers prove to be too much for him. They attack him ruthlessly with stabs and gunshots until he collapses to the ground, his eyes streaming with tears.[7] His body is surrendered to the debths of the Witching Well.[8]
Resurrection
The Rhinoceros's ghost is confined in the netherworld below the Witching Well, alongside the spirits of the rest of the individuals who were laid to rest in the well.[8]
He is one of the ghosts who eventually accompany Flycatcher to the Kingdom of Haven, where they are given new flesh and blood. Flycatcher eventually calls the former ghosts to assemble: He states that they can choose to remain here in a semblance of life, or finally pass on to whatever fates await them. However, if they choose to stay, they will have to remain within the boundaries of Haven, as they cannot leave the kingdom without becoming a ghost once more, and automatically pass on to whatever comes next.[9]
Legacy
The Rhinoceros has a calf who also lives at the Farm; his offspring mentions their father as it takes the Owl and Pussy Cat on a little journey. Pussy Cat ponders about the mode of transportation and its safety, but the calf reassures them that his father fought alongside them in the Battle of Fabletown and promises a sturdy ride.[2]
Appearances
Fables
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Fairest
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Original source
The Rhinoceros is (presumably) based on the titular character of the origin story "How the Rhinoceros Got His Skin" (from the collection Just So Stories) by Rudyard Kipling.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Fables Encyclopedia pg. 244
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Fairest #29 — "Sail Away: Chapter Three of The Clamour for Glamour"
- ↑ Fables #7 — "The Guns of Fabletown: Part Two of Animal Farm"
- ↑ Fables #9 — "Warlord of the Flies: Part Four of Animal Farm"
- ↑ Fables #24 — "The Letter: Chapter Five of March of the Wooden Soldiers" (the Rhinoceros may be tough to spot; he can be seen behind the chicken hut's left leg)
- ↑ Fables #25 — "Our Right to Assemble Issue: Chapter Six — March of the Wooden Soldiers"
- ↑ Fables #26 — "The Battle of Fabletown: Chapter Seven — March of the Wooden Soldiers"
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Fables #63 — "The Good Prince, Chapter Four: Home"
- ↑ Fables #69 — "The Good Prince, Chapter Nine, Conclusion: Eternal"