Reepicheep facts for kids

Reepicheep is a brave and honorable Talking Mouse from The Chronicles of Narnia books by C. S. Lewis. He is a small but mighty leader of the Talking Mice of Narnia. Reepicheep is known for his courage, politeness, and strong belief in honor. He plays a small part in Prince Caspian and a very important role in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. He also appears briefly in The Last Battle.

Meet Reepicheep: A Brave Mouse

Reepicheep is a "gay and martial mouse," which means he is cheerful and loves fighting for what is right. He stands about two feet tall on his back legs. His ears are long, almost like a rabbit's, but wider. Talking Beasts in Narnia are much bigger than regular animals.

Reepicheep speaks with a high, squeaky voice. His fur is very dark, almost black. He wears a thin gold band on his head with a red feather. His weapon of choice is a rapier, which is a thin, sharp sword.

Reepicheep's Adventures

Reepicheep in Prince Caspian

In Prince Caspian, Reepicheep leads the Talking Mice in battles against the Telmarines. These are the people who have taken over Narnia. Reepicheep fights bravely alongside Caspian's army.

During a big battle, Reepicheep gets badly hurt and loses his tail. Lucy uses her magic healing cordial to fix his wounds. But when he stands up to talk to Aslan, his tail has not grown back. He feels ashamed because he thinks appearing without his tail is dishonorable.

Aslan tells Reepicheep that he might care too much about his honor. Reepicheep explains that because Talking Mice are so small, they must protect their honor very carefully. The other Talking Mice are so loyal that they offer to cut off their own tails if Reepicheep cannot have his back. Seeing their loyalty, Aslan performs a miracle and brings Reepicheep's tail back.

Reepicheep in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

Reepicheep is the only Talking Beast on the ship called the Dawn Treader. From a young age, he has dreamed of finding Aslan's Country far across the eastern sea. This dream guides him on his journey.

Early in the voyage, Reepicheep often argues with Eustace. Eustace is a spoiled and annoying boy. However, when Eustace is turned into a dragon by a curse, Reepicheep becomes his best friend and helps him feel better.

Reepicheep is the one who encourages the Dawn Treader crew to sail into the mysterious Island of Darkness. This decision helps them rescue Lord Rhoop, one of the Seven Great Lords of Narnia they are looking for. The last three Lords are found asleep on Ramandu's Island. To break their curse, someone must sail to the End of the World and stay there forever. Reepicheep volunteers for this important task. At the end of the book, he bravely sails into Aslan's Country, fulfilling his lifelong dream and breaking the curse.

Reepicheep in The Last Battle

At the very end of The Last Battle, the main characters reach the gates of the Garden in Aslan's Country. It is Reepicheep who is there to welcome them.

What Reepicheep Represents

Christian Ideas in Narnia

The Chronicles of Narnia books often have ideas that connect to Christianity. However, C. S. Lewis, the author, said that the characters and events do not directly "stand for" specific Christian figures or events.

When some students asked Lewis what Reepicheep represented, he explained that Reepicheep does not represent one specific person. Instead, anyone in our world who tries hard to reach Heaven would be like Reepicheep. Lewis also said that each Narnia book shows a different part of Christianity. For The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Reepicheep's journey shows the idea of a "spiritual life."

The Idea of Chivalry

Reepicheep is a great example of Chivalry. He is fierce and brave in battle, but also very polite and honorable in society. He shows the knightly ideals that Lewis believed were important for manhood.

Who Played Reepicheep?

• In the 1989 BBC television series, Reepicheep was played by Warwick Davis.
• In the Walden Media Narnia films, Reepicheep's voice was provided by Eddie Izzard in Prince Caspian. Later, Simon Pegg voiced him in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

See also

In Spanish: Reepicheep para niños