The Order

[Flandor]

First things first: this will not be a discussion about religion.  Mr. Jacques specifically stated that there is no religion in his stories and I'd rather my topic not be closed because people can't discuss religion maturely.

Now, I wanted to discuss the brotherhood at Redwall.  This is something I really enjoyed about the first book.  The abbey felt more like an organized place of peace and nonviolence in Redwall.  I feel like this became less and less the case as the series went on.

Abbot Mortimer was very staunchly against violence.  He didn't want to harm Cluny or his horde if at all possible.  He grew stern with Matthias when he spoke of swords and war.  Matthias was referred to as a novice of the order.  It seemed much more organized than in any of the other books. 

Contrast this to the last story, the Rogue Crew, in which the Abbot seemed almost giddy about defending Abbey (it was either the Rogue Crew or one of the other new books that I'm thinking of).  I missed Mortimer's pacifism.  It seemed more appropriate for an abbot. Abbess Germaine also looked for peaceable options in Mossflower.

The idea of an order at Redwall is very interesting to me.  What is required of initiates? Do they take a vow of pacifism? What do they learn? Must they all become educated or do they learn whatever trade can be useful? Is there any sort of meditation or other calming ceremony that they partake in? Are there rules regarding alcohol, marriage, conduct etc?

I'd enjoy discussing this, even if we can never know for sure.

(Mods: if this belongs more in History/legends/lore please move it.  I wasn't sure where it belonged.)

[Calaron]

I think in Mariel the Abbey code or some such is recited by Dandin and Saxtus.  As to whether the code was changed at some pint or lost to time as so many other hints, who knows.

Throughout the books there is mention of fates and seasons in the prayers spoken or sung by creatures.  If anything was viewed as a higher power, those seemed to be the top with various spirits such as Martin and various Badger types showing up with regularity.

[Flandor]

I had forgotten about that code being mentioned in Mariel!  *goes off to read it again*

[Redwaller]

I like Redwall better because of that!

[Taggerung_of_Redwall]

Redwall Charter points- Redwall Wiki

[WildDoogyPlumm]

Contrast this to the last story, the Rogue Crew, in which the Abbot seemed almost giddy about defending Abbey (it was either the Rogue Crew or one of the other new books that I'm thinking of).  I missed Mortimer's pacifism.  It seemed more appropriate for an abbot. Abbess Germaine also looked for peaceable options in Mossflower.

Well, also, Mortimer and Germaine were old and experienced.  Abbot Thibb was young, it would make sense that he was excited about defending Redwall.

[Flandor]

Thank you ToR, that really answers most of my questions.  I had forgotten that charter.

@Doogy: that's a very good point.

[Rainshadow]

  Sorry, but I just have one question to ask.  Do any of you know how to pronounce Thibb?  I can't tell if it would be pronounced:  Thib, or Tib.

[redwallgurl]

i laways did thib but youll have to check the audio book

[Rainshadow]

i laways did thib but youll have to check the audio book

  Thanks.  I always pronounced it as Tib, but I didn't know.

[Tiria Wildlough]

I'd say it's pronounced how it looks.

[Skyblade]

This is kinda obvious, but I do think that they take an oath to not harm another living creature, only to help them. I think novices learn the history of Redwall, help with chores, and practice hospitality.

[Redwallfan7]

Right, and when any Redwaller breaks a rule, they're supposed to do extra chores. Kind of like how it is at every kid's house Lol

[gorath]

Yea.

[AbbotAlf0805]

I wondered.. can the redwall brothers and sisters get married? like real monks and nuns can't get married.