Reflection of the Book of the Dun Cow Essay Example

in a land governed by Chauntecleer, the rooster. Despite his negative qualities of vanity, arrogance, and a short fuse, Chauntecleer demonstrates fairness as a ruler who is ready to give up everything for the welfare of his fellow animals.

Despite a hidden and scandalous past, the rooster maintains a sincere and pure faith in God, which he demonstrates through his regular crowing of vespers and other displays of devotion. Upon encountering the survivors of Cockatrice's destructive rampage, he immediately falls in love with a beautiful hen named Pertelote. This love and the family they create together bring light to the darkness that resides within Chauntecleer's soul. As the threat of Cockatrice's blight unexpectedly looms over Chauntecleer's dominion, and the world becomes isolated from the rest of existence, the rooster does everything he can to protect his subjects against seemingly insurmountable odds.

Fortunately, John Wesley Weasel, a proficient basilisk-fighter, the Dun Cow, a mysterious and silent prophet, and Mundo Cani Dog, a victim of both Chauntecleer's insults and his own impending doom, lend a hand - or rather, a paw - in the battle. What makes The Book of the Dun Cow appealing is that even without biblical or theological familiarity, readers can find satisfaction just from a surface understanding. The plot and narrative are easily understandable and straightforward.

The symbolism in Dun Cow is comparable to Lewis' Narnia books, adding depth and meaning to the story of sacrifice and redemption. Additionally, Wangerin incorporates mythology into the text, including contradictory elements, which elevates the book to a higher level when one is familiar with the original sources.

The rooster Chauntecleer is often

referred to as a conventional medieval name, particularly in fables. He adores Pertelote, a hen. The legend of the cockatrice is uncertain and intertwined with that of the basilisk. Some believe these two creatures are identical, while others view them as separate or even exclusive entities. This story cleverly combines these myths, creating the Cockatrice based on the most common mythos and giving rise to the basilisks. The blending of these various myths and legends is both logical and imaginative.

The text effectively utilizes the deadly breath and venom of mythological creatures like the cockatrice and basilisk. It also provides further significance to their traditional weaknesses, such as the rooster's crowing and weasel bites, especially during the ultimate battle between Chauntecleer and Cockatrice's armies. The Book of The Dun Cow starts by introducing Chauntecleer, a leadership figure among hens, and his territory around the coop.

The story is set in a time before the Book of Genesis, when humans have not yet appeared on Earth. Animals have been placed on Earth before humans to protect the world from an ancient evil Wyrm, which is trapped at the center of the Earth. Chauntecleer, although not a bad ruler, is a flawed character who is quick to anger and self-important. The early chapters of the novel introduce several important characters and explain the origins of the main antagonists, Wyrm and Cockatrice.

While Chauntecleer deals with a rogue rat invading his coop and adjusts to a newcomer, Mundo Cani, a distressed dog constantly crying out in anguish, the reader is shown another country on the other side of the river. It is in this place

that the author introduces the evil in the story. In Senex's land, separate from Chauntecleer's, another rooster resides. Senex is a feeble ruler, and his barnyard subjects pay no mind to him. Senex's greatest sorrow is his absence of a son, which he mourns deeply.

One day, Senex is visited in his dreams by Wyrm, who advises him to have faith and patiently await the arrival of his own son. Following the guidance from his visions, Senex accomplishes the extraordinary feat of laying an egg, defying natural laws. Eventually, the egg hatches to unveil a terrifying being that words cannot capture: Cockatrice, the malevolent monster. Possessing a chicken's head, wings, and legs but adorned with a slender serpent-like body of gray scales, Cockatrice murders Senex and assumes dominion over the kingdom.

In Cockatrice's kingdom, a toad with sycophantic tendencies is entrusted with the duty of representing Cockatrice and turning his basilisk eggs. However, over time, this toad undergoes a transformation into an oppressive tyrant who abuses his position of authority. He manipulates all the laying hens into producing a malevolent army of venomous snakes called basilisks. These basilisks are then used to suppress any opposition and wreak havoc upon the nation. Some animals manage to escape and find refuge in Chauntecleer's kingdom, where they hope to discover happiness after enduring their previous horrifying experiences. Ultimately, it seems that peace has finally arrived in the land.

In the land, there is a joyful time of spring. Chauntecleer has fathered three sons, with Pertelote, a hen who escaped from Cockatrice's land. However, he is troubled by ominous visions. He dreams of a river flooding

and destroying everything. The Dun Cow, a messenger from God, presents him with a riddle on how to defeat Cockatrice, his basilisk army, and Wyrm.

In his pursuit of happiness, he encounters a sudden wave of sadness when he stumbles upon the lifeless bodies of the rooster's three sons near the river. Surprisingly, the same rat that Chauntecleer had chased away is discovered dying with a venomous serpent (a basilisk) in its mouth. Eventually, Chauntecleer learns about the legend of Cockatrice from his wife who had escaped from Cockatrice's domain. Gradually, Chauntecleer becomes aware of Cockatrice's plot to wage war against the animal kingdom, preparing for the arrival of his true father, Wyrm.

Chauntecleer organizes all the animals in his land to fight against the terrible evil. Farm and woodland animals join forces to combat this evil, but they start to doubt its existence as time passes. Suddenly, a basilisk attacks and kills a wild turkey named Thuringer. Nonetheless, Mundo Cani manages to save the other turkeys. And so, the war between the basilisks and the animals of the land commences, resembling the battle of Armageddon.

The basilisks are driven to death by the animals after they suffer massive casualties. However, the brave Chauntecleer confronts Cockatrice, who has not yet been dealt with. Equipped with war spurs, the bipedal bird engages in a fierce and merciless battle with his enemy. They fight in the sky and eventually wrestle on the ground. Despite a close victory, Chauntecleer defeats the evil Cockatrice on the blood-soaked battlefield.

Wyrm reveals himself after throwing the monster's head into the river. Chauntecleer faints

from weakness and is carried to the transformed coop, now serving as a fortress. The animals attempt to revive their fallen hero. However, a new trouble arises as an ultimate evil emerges, believed to have ended the war. A huge crevasse opens in the land as Wyrm tries to enter our world. In the midst of chaos, Chauntecleer wakes up inside the coop. Tired and confused, he confuses the dog for a traitor.

Chauntecleer becomes angry and scolds Mundo Cani, telling him to leave. However, the other animals think Chauntecleer is crazy and stand up for Mundo Cani. Even though they are confused, they all watch as Mundo Cani silently goes away. At the same time, Chauntecleer is still in a delusional state and calls for Wyrm to come out so they can fight. But right when Wyrm is about to come out of his prison onto the earth, he meets a small dog who confronts him.

Using the horn of the Dun Cow as a weapon, Mundo Cani bravely confronts the ancient evil residing in the crevasse. He taunts Wyrm, calling him a coward for not facing him despite his small size. Falling into Mundo Cani's trap, Wyrm exposes his bright white eye to see his opponent. Seizing this opportunity, Mundo Cani leaps onto Wyrm's eye and pierces it with the horn in his mouth. As a result, Wyrm retreats back into the crevasse, causing the ground to collapse and leaving both creatures trapped in darkness underground.

Following a period of turmoil, the world has regained its safety. The animals are encountering difficulties as they strive to resume their normal routines.

Chauntecleer is particularly struggling with this situation. Initially managing to control his emotions, he eventually succumbs to tears in front of his wife. He regrets his behavior and acknowledges that he spoke disrespectfully and angrily towards Mundo Cani during their last encounter. To rectify the situation, his wife proposes that he should demonstrate respect towards Mundo Cani and seek forgiveness.