Redwall Abbey

Brian Jacques' Works (Spoilers) => History, Legends and Myths => Topic started by: AbbotAlf0805 on July 19, 2012, 06:23:19 PM

Title: The Empire
Post by: AbbotAlf0805 on July 19, 2012, 06:23:19 PM
I've always loved the Emire of Kotir. What's your ideas on it?
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Redwallfan7 on July 19, 2012, 06:24:37 PM
Was that in Mossflower?
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: AbbotAlf0805 on July 19, 2012, 06:35:55 PM
and Brocktree
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Redwallfan7 on July 19, 2012, 06:43:33 PM
oh, it was cool I guess.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: AbbotAlf0805 on July 19, 2012, 06:49:25 PM
I did some research and Brian based them off the Empire from Star Wars.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Lutra on July 19, 2012, 07:23:46 PM
Quote from: AbbotAlf0805 on July 19, 2012, 06:49:25 PM
I did some research and Brian based them off the Empire from Star Wars.

Where did you hear that?
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Redwallfan7 on July 19, 2012, 07:24:47 PM
Quote from: Lutra on July 19, 2012, 07:23:46 PM
Quote from: AbbotAlf0805 on July 19, 2012, 06:49:25 PM
I did some research and Brian based them off the Empire from Star Wars.

Where did you hear that?
I highly doubt that he based it off of Star Wars.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: psybox on July 19, 2012, 08:46:25 PM
yes, i doubt that too, kotir was content to stay in one general area, the empire wasn't.  Also, Kotir wasn't in Lord Brocktree.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: AbbotAlf0805 on July 19, 2012, 09:15:30 PM
Well i mean Mortspear and them.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: psybox on July 19, 2012, 09:16:50 PM
kotir was a place, not an empire.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: AbbotAlf0805 on July 19, 2012, 09:23:52 PM
The group was called Kotir. They names their castle, Castle Kotir, if you look
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Leatho Shellhound on July 19, 2012, 09:55:11 PM
I don't know about Kotir being an Empire, but they did want to rule all of mossflower.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Flandor on July 19, 2012, 11:41:59 PM
I very highly doubt Mr. Jacques had even seen Star Wars.  I don't really see Kotir being all that similar to the Empire in Star Wars either.  It just reminds me of any old castle with a ruler and an army from the Medieval time.  I'm not saying you can't imagine it as similar, but I'd double check whatever source said Mr. Jacques based any of his writing on Star Wars.  Also, as Verdauga was a Lord, not an Emperor, there's no reason to call it an empire. 
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: AbbotAlf0805 on July 19, 2012, 11:47:14 PM
It refered to it as an empire in mossflower.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Flandor on July 19, 2012, 11:56:05 PM
I couldn't find mention of it, but that's not my main point.  My point is if you have researched anything, you have to provide people with a link to the information you found otherwise nobody can examine it for themselves.  You can't get mad about people being skeptical if you don't provide sources for your information.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: AbbotAlf0805 on July 20, 2012, 12:02:38 AM
Ok i meant i finished the book yesterday but ill look for a link
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Lutra on July 20, 2012, 03:30:18 AM
Given the fact Redwall is based heavily on medieval times, your standard form of rule of the time, is an individual manor, ruled by a lord.  The subjects underneath are required to work and provide food and goods for the Lord in return for protection from invaders.  This is exactly what Kotir and Lord Verdauga fall under.  ;)  An empire is one where the ones in power want to control more than just what they see.  You never gather that Verdauga or even Tsarmina for that matter, want any more control beyond the land they own...and that is the immediate land around Kotir.  They didn't want to lose control (a Lord wouldn't want to lose control) but weren't interested in anything beyond the woods.  Tsarmina would've gone after her brother if you were to compare these people to empire builders.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Leatho Shellhound on July 20, 2012, 03:35:50 AM
Yes I think what Lutra said is right but it was still a cool thought....Do you think there are any other Empires in the Redwall book?
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Lutra on July 20, 2012, 03:40:08 AM
Quote from: Leatho Shellhound on July 20, 2012, 03:35:50 AM
Yes I think what Lutra said is right but it was still a cool thought....Do you think there are any other Empires in the Redwall book?

Nope....I didn't gather that any individual wanted an empire in the series.  Conquering or ruling over one place is not the same as building up a necessary army with the sole purpose of invading and conquering others. ;)  No group ever seemed to have enough individuals to protect their home AND try and conquer someone else.  There was always a shortage somewhere, whether it was individuals or resources. ;) 
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Flandor on July 20, 2012, 03:54:07 AM
Ublaz did go by the title of Emperor, though.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Lutra on July 20, 2012, 12:36:34 PM
Quote from: Flandor on July 20, 2012, 03:54:07 AM
Ublaz did go by the title of Emperor, though.

While that may be true, he didn't act like one....sitting on his island, keeping control of his timber stock.  Ublaz seemed pretty content to just stay where he was and have others do his bidding/plundering.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Flandor on July 20, 2012, 12:44:54 PM
Oh I do agree with you there, Lutra, I was just pointing out that he was (I think) the only baddie to call himself an emperor.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Redwallfan7 on July 20, 2012, 12:53:55 PM
also, not to be rude, but the reason I don't think it's based off of Star Wars is because the Redwall books aren't sci fi.  If they were, I could see it as a possibility.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: AbbotAlf0805 on July 20, 2012, 01:38:30 PM
N'kay just wanted yall's thoughts on this.  :)
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Ajc3000fox on August 14, 2012, 09:32:43 PM
Quote from: Lutra on July 20, 2012, 03:30:18 AM
.  ;)  An empire is one where the ones in power want to control more than just what they see.  You never gather that Verdauga or even Tsarmina for that matter, want any more control beyond the land they own...and that is the immediate land around Kotir. 
Well not exactly....If an empire was simply a power that wanted more land then an empire couldn't really exsist, because there is always more to control, right?

An Empire is deffined as a Power the controls several other former powers. For example The british empire was ruled by the british, but consisted of more then just England. It was made of India, America, and many other island states and and even hong kong at one point. But Kotir still isn't an empire. They may rule mosslower, but thats it. They wouldn't Become an Empire intill consuming yet another kingdom.

Ublaz did go by the title of Emperor, it is sorta true, he rulled all the other pirates. And maybe some other islands.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Lord Gorath on November 19, 2012, 02:52:13 AM
Was'nt Ungatt Trunn an emperor? I mean, he tried to conquer Salamandastron, and that was more then he had.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: UNKN0WN on December 01, 2012, 08:34:22 PM
Quote from: AbbotAlf0805 on July 19, 2012, 06:49:25 PM
I did some research and Brian based them off the Empire from Star Wars.

copy cat

(https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSs7kIQq0l_et0EDgLppkcSMW8m_CrInBHgYWPJ9exShHWojw54bw)
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Kitsune on December 13, 2012, 09:40:59 PM
I don't see the connection between Star Wars and Kotir... and I think it was more of a kingdom, not an empire.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Romsca on January 24, 2013, 02:44:59 PM
This is so interesting! But let's all get this straight first: Verdauga was not evil. Verdauga was AWESOME. 8)  Tsarmina was the one who was evil. Careful what you say about Verdauga, HE'S MY FAVORITE WILDCAT OF ALL TIME, IN THE REDWALL SERIES.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Leatho Shellhound on January 24, 2013, 03:39:52 PM
Ungatt Trunn (spelling?) and his family were like Empire builders.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Captain Tammo on January 25, 2013, 08:08:35 PM
Quote from: AbbotAlf0805 on July 19, 2012, 06:49:25 PM
I did some research and Brian based them off the Empire from Star Wars.

Thought this was pretty neat! What're some similarities (its been a very long time since I've read Mossflower)?
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Lutra on January 26, 2013, 04:36:17 PM
Quote from: Captain Tammo on January 25, 2013, 08:08:35 PM
Quote from: AbbotAlf0805 on July 19, 2012, 06:49:25 PM
I did some research and Brian based them off the Empire from Star Wars.

Thought this was pretty neat! What're some similarities (its been a very long time since I've read Mossflower)?

Please read all the replies to this topic first. ;)  Mossflower is hardly based on Star Wars.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Redwaller on January 26, 2013, 08:34:31 PM
Quote from: Romsca on January 24, 2013, 02:44:59 PM
This is so interesting! But let's all get this straight first: Verdauga was not evil. Verdauga was AWESOME. 8)  Tsarmina was the one who was evil. Careful what you say about Verdauga, HE'S MY FAVORITE WILDCAT OF ALL TIME, IN THE REDWALL SERIES.
Verdauga Greeneyes was the one that imprisoned the Woodlanders.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Captain Tammo on January 27, 2013, 05:10:55 PM
Quote from: Lutra on January 26, 2013, 04:36:17 PM
Quote from: Captain Tammo on January 25, 2013, 08:08:35 PM
Quote from: AbbotAlf0805 on July 19, 2012, 06:49:25 PM
I did some research and Brian based them off the Empire from Star Wars.

Thought this was pretty neat! What're some similarities (its been a very long time since I've read Mossflower)?

Please read all the replies to this topic first. ;)  Mossflower is hardly based on Star Wars.

Whoa how did I miss that many posts!? :o hahaha my bad!
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Romsca on February 03, 2013, 01:38:35 PM
He probably "imprisoned the woodlanders" as you say because here's an example of what could have happened:
Stoat 1 and Weasel 3, random soldiers of Verdauga, are bothering a certain ottermaid. The father gets mad and start a fight with Stoat 1 and Weasel 3. Stoat 1 and Weasel 3 on the other hand, are extremely mean, so they burn their farm because of it. The otter family blames it on Verdauga because they were Verdauga's soldiers, even though Verdauga really had nothing to do with it. Verdauga tried to convince them that it wasn't his fault that the farm was burned. They don't believe him, so this starts a small revolution, and what would anyone else do if crazy people (even with good intentions) were trying to assassinate you?
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Redwaller on February 07, 2013, 01:54:44 AM
Yes, but what I mean is that he came to Mossflower, built a Stronghold, and used the Woodlanders as slaves.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Romsca on February 07, 2013, 01:05:36 PM
Where did it say that he used them as slaves? They could have just been paid servants or something anyway
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Captain Tammo on February 08, 2013, 04:25:00 PM
Quote from: Romsca on February 07, 2013, 01:05:36 PM
Where did it say that he used them as slaves? They could have just been paid servants or something anyway

That's an interesting theory, however redwall doesn't have very many gray characters. Good animals are good, bad animals are bad. I believe Verdauga was bad, like Ungatt was
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Romsca on February 08, 2013, 07:36:49 PM
I think that Ungatt was way more evil than Verdauga, but that's just my opinion. It seems that in most wildcat families in Redwall that are mentioned, there's two kids; one's nicer and one's evil.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Kitsune on February 08, 2013, 08:14:32 PM
Lol, hense the profile pic. ;D
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Leatho Shellhound on February 16, 2013, 02:46:08 AM
Well Ungatt's brother was also bad, right? I am with you though that Verdauga was one of the better wildcats in the Redwall series.  ;)
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Mattio on February 16, 2013, 02:49:39 AM
I'm sorta with that  because he still had a horde of vermin and he stole from woodlanders. (3 MORE POSTS)
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Leatho Shellhound on February 16, 2013, 02:50:49 AM
Maybe he got softer when he got older.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Mattio on February 16, 2013, 02:52:35 AM
maybe (I'M A HERO MEMBER SAY HURRAH TO YOUR NEWEST MEMBER HEROS)
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Leatho Shellhound on February 16, 2013, 02:53:22 AM
congratulations!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Mattio on February 16, 2013, 02:54:09 AM
THANKS BACK ON TOPIC
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Kitsune on February 18, 2013, 03:18:40 AM
Ok... I wonder how Verdauga conquered it all originally? Maybe there was a big kingdom and when Verdauga and Ungatt's father died, they each got half.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Romsca on February 18, 2013, 03:21:02 AM
Quote from: Mattio on February 16, 2013, 02:49:39 AM
I'm sorta with that  because he still had a horde of vermin and he stole from woodlanders. (3 MORE POSTS)

TSARMINA ordered THE SOLDIERS to steal from the woodlanders. Verdauga probably wasn't involved in it at all
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Kitsune on February 18, 2013, 03:24:49 AM
True. Original question of mine:

Quote from: PluggFiretail on February 18, 2013, 03:18:40 AM
Ok... I wonder how Verdauga conquered it all originally? Maybe there was a big kingdom and when Verdauga and Ungatt's father died, they each got half.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Jetthebinturong on April 14, 2013, 05:52:00 PM
Verdauga walked in, saw Kotir, decided he wanted it and seeing as no one else lived IN KOTIR ITSELF he decided to live there. Then the people of Mossflower decided "No wildcats thank you very much" and tried to drive him out and that's when he enslaved them
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Shadowed One on April 14, 2013, 09:20:33 PM
It is hard to say if he was good or bad since he was only in a few chapters.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Romsca on April 14, 2013, 09:41:36 PM
Quote from: Jetthebinturong on April 14, 2013, 05:52:00 PM
Verdauga walked in, saw Kotir, decided he wanted it and seeing as no one else lived IN KOTIR ITSELF he decided to live there. Then the people of Mossflower decided "No wildcats thank you very much" and tried to drive him out and that's when he enslaved them
At least I'm not the only one who doesn't think he was evil!
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Rusvul on April 15, 2013, 12:44:38 AM
Err... I don't think we know enough about him to say whether he is good or evil, but I am guessing the latter because of a few things:
1) He may not have enslaved the woodlanders in the same manner that the Marlfoxes did, but he certainly didn't pay them. If he really wanted to pay them, he would have let them keep everything they grew. Then, he wouldn't owe them anything, and they wouldn't owe him anything. There's not really a currency in redwall anyway.
2) He seemed to have a lot of land, and expanding it to Mossflower seems like the move of a conqueror. Most conquerors were viewed as evil in redwall, I cannot think of one who was treated as good.
3) Gingivere, his son, the good one in the family, walked away, implying that those who he was leaving were evil. Of course, this could just refer to Ungatt and Tsarmina, but still.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Romsca on April 15, 2013, 02:27:28 AM
Ungatt wasn't there and Verdauga was dead by the time Gingivere left.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Norham Waterpaw on April 15, 2013, 03:12:20 AM
Quote from: Ajc3000fox on August 14, 2012, 09:32:43 PM
Quote from: Lutra on July 20, 2012, 03:30:18 AM
.  ;)  An empire is one where the ones in power want to control more than just what they see.  You never gather that Verdauga or even Tsarmina for that matter, want any more control beyond the land they own...and that is the immediate land around Kotir. 
Well not exactly....If an empire was simply a power that wanted more land then an empire couldn't really exsist, because there is always more to control, right?

That's why empires do exist, it's called greed. Sin is a bottomless pit, you can't content yourself with sin, you always want more.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Romsca on April 15, 2013, 09:48:27 PM
Not all emperors/ empresses were bad. Queen Victoria of the British Empire was actually really good!
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Jetthebinturong on April 16, 2013, 04:44:01 PM
Tell that to the people she conquered
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Redwaller on April 16, 2013, 08:23:11 PM
Quote from: Norham Waterpaw on April 15, 2013, 03:12:20 AM
Quote from: Ajc3000fox on August 14, 2012, 09:32:43 PM
Quote from: Lutra on July 20, 2012, 03:30:18 AM
.  ;)  An empire is one where the ones in power want to control more than just what they see.  You never gather that Verdauga or even Tsarmina for that matter, want any more control beyond the land they own...and that is the immediate land around Kotir. 
Well not exactly....If an empire was simply a power that wanted more land then an empire couldn't really exsist, because there is always more to control, right?

That's why empires do exist, it's called greed. Sin is a bottomless pit, you can't content yourself with sin, you always want more.
True
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Romsca on April 16, 2013, 11:27:00 PM
So you're saying Verdauga was greedy?
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Jetthebinturong on April 17, 2013, 04:33:26 PM
Verdauga wasn't an emperor
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Ungatt Trunn on April 20, 2013, 09:23:55 PM
Quote from: Jetthebinturong on April 17, 2013, 04:33:26 PM
Verdauga wasn't an emperor
No, but he was simler to one.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Ajc3000fox on May 07, 2013, 12:53:32 AM
Well if anything it was kingdom, and it would be technically called the kingdom of mossflower. The beasts who lived there before Kotir, were mostly communal mice that farmed and what not. He simply moved in and a feudal relationship evolved. Mice farm, make crops, feed them selves, give it to kotir, kotir protects them. They honestly didn't much care although the badgers of brockhall remained independent. They only started fighting back when Tar came to power because she was a jerk.

Verdauga wasn't bad, And he wasn't an emperor. If anything he was a king, and one who was fair enough to keep peace.   
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Vilu Daskar on May 14, 2013, 08:21:24 PM
Zaran's sword is double bladed like Darth Maul's lightsaber.
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Jetthebinturong on May 29, 2013, 12:10:01 PM
And that relates to this how?
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Romsca on May 29, 2013, 02:39:57 PM
Quote from: Ajc3000fox on May 07, 2013, 12:53:32 AMVerdauga wasn't bad, And he wasn't an emperor. If anything he was a king, and one who was fair enough to keep peace.   

YES!!! *high fives Ajc3000fox*
Title: Re: The Empire
Post by: Maudie on May 31, 2013, 07:28:23 PM
Quote from: AbbotAlf0805 on July 19, 2012, 06:49:25 PM
I did some research and Brian based them off the Empire from Star Wars.

I doubt Brian had even seen Star Wars, that must have been some crazy myth.