In the novel Watership Down, Hazel, leader of Sandleford Warren's escaped rabbits, demonstrates many ways in which he resembles the famous mythological hero "El-ahrairah". For the Rabbits, El-ahrairah is a role model, a leader, and a source of inspiration. For the Rabbits of Watership Down, Hazel is the one they turn to when it comes to making decisions and making plans. figuratively, El-ahrairah for the rabbits of Watership Down because of his cunning plans, his inspiring dedication to his warren and his friends, and his dedicated and unwavering leadership Say no to plagiarism Get a custom essay on. “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Almost all of Hazel's plans created and executed throughout the story contain thematic influence from the fictional tales of El-ahrairah which are narrated by several rabbits throughout the novel. . When the story of "Rowsby Woof and the Fairy Wogdog" is told in chapter 41, it is just before Hazel creates her plan to use the farm dog Nuthanger as a weapon in the battle against Woundwort (Adams 451). The connection between El-ahrairah's use of Rowsby Woof to obtain food for himself and his friends, and Hazel's use of Bob the farm dog as a fighting weapon is very clear. The two rabbits thought beyond what most could have done and demonstrated a unique method of thinking in which they found a way to transform a creature commonly thought of as "Elil" into an extremely useful tool for their own benefit and that of their warren. El-ahrairah's incredible devotion to her people is also reflected in Hazel's hard work and care for her burrow. In the story of the Black Rabbit of Inle (Chapter 31), El-ahrairah selflessly sacrifices his ears, tail and whiskers (three very important things for a rabbit) to the Black Rabbit, in the hope that it will will bring back a solution to end the suffering of his warren under the control of King Darzin. El-ahrairah demonstrates that he prioritizes the well-being of his people above his own, and is willing to figuratively "take one for the team" when he knows how his actions will be important and influential for the greater good of the group. Each of Hazel's missions at Nuthanger Farm also contains this same unwavering chivalry and selflessness. When Hazel injures his leg (Adams 220), that's when he tries to get the things needed for the warren. During Hazel's visit to the Nuthanger farm in chapter 45, in the midst of the war with the Efrafans, he has a seemingly deadly encounter with an aggressive farm cat who has a particular dislike for him. Hazel is well aware of this cat's vendetta against him, but understands that the farm dog Nuthanger is Watership Down's best chance of beating the Efrafans, so he decides to try anyway. Hazel's undying love and dedication to the rabbits in her warren is extremely similar to Hazel's. El-ahrairah's loving care for his people. Hazel repeatedly defends the little rabbits in her warren and never treats them as anything other than an Owsla. Hazel does not question Fiver when he tells her of a "bad feeling" and scolds the other rabbits who make fun of him or doubt him. Hazel takes Pipkin on an outing to Nuthanger Farm, knowing he could have easily brought a bigger, stronger rabbit with him, but instead choosing to look past Pipkin's fragile exterior and see his useful traits (Adams 196). Hazel hates seeing any of her friends hurt or in pain, and if they do, she.