# Watership Down

> 1972 novel by Richard Adams

**Wikidata**: [Q936801](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q936801)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watership_Down)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/watership-down

## Summary
*Watership Down* is a 1972 novel by English author Richard Adams, celebrated for its epic tale of rabbits fleeing their war-torn home and establishing a new society. The book blends fantasy, adventure, and coming-of-age themes, becoming a classic of children's literature and fantasy. Its creation of the fictional Lapine language and richly detailed world-building have influenced subsequent works in the genre.

## Key Facts
- Published in **1972** by **Richard Adams**, an English novelist.
- Authored by **Richard Adams**, who also created the fictional **Lapine language** used in the novel.
- Belongs to the **fantasy** genre, with elements of **children's literature** and **adventure**.
- Set in **England**, specifically referencing the **Watership Down** hill in Hampshire.
- Won the **Carnegie Medal** and the **Guardian Children's Fiction Prize** for its literary merit.
- Followed by a **1996 short story collection**, *Tales from Watership Down*.
- Published in the **United Kingdom**, with a **publication date of November 1972**.
- Linked to **Richard Adams** as its primary author and creator.
- Associated with the **Royal Society of Literature**, reflecting its recognition in literary circles.
- Categorized under **children's book** and **fantasy** in related classifications.
- Has a **Wikidata description** as a "1972 novel by Richard Adams."
- Includes structured properties such as **P214 (VIAF ID)**, **P244 (LCCN)**, and **P373 (Wikimedia Commons category)** for cataloging and reference.
- Followed by **Tales from Watership Down (1996)**, an expansion of the original story.
- Awarded the **Carnegie Medal** and the **Guardian Children's Fiction Prize** for its literary contributions.
- Named after the **Watership Down** hill in Hampshire, England, which serves as a key setting in the novel.
- Recognized by the **Royal Society of Literature**, indicating its standing in literary circles.
- Linked to **Richard Adams** as its author and creator of the Lapine language.
- Categorized under **children's book** and **fantasy** in related classifications.
- Has a **Wikidata description** as a "1972 novel by Richard Adams."
- Includes structured properties such as **P214 (VIAF ID)**, **P244 (LCCN)**, and **P373 (Wikimedia Commons category)** for cataloging and reference.

## FAQs
**What is *Watership Down* and who wrote it?**
*Watership Down* is a 1972 novel by English author Richard Adams, known for its epic tale of rabbits establishing a new society after fleeing their war-torn home. The book blends fantasy, adventure, and coming-of-age themes, making it a classic of children's literature.

**What awards did *Watership Down* receive?**
The novel won the **Carnegie Medal** and the **Guardian Children's Fiction Prize**, recognizing its literary merit and impact on children's literature. These awards highlight its significance in the literary world.

**What is the Lapine language, and who created it?**
The Lapine language is a fictional language invented by Richard Adams for his novel *Watership Down*. It was used by the rabbits in the story and demonstrates Adams' dedication to world-building in fantasy literature.

**Where is *Watership Down* set, and what is its significance?**
The novel is set on the **Watership Down** hill in Hampshire, England, which serves as a key setting in the story. The location adds authenticity and depth to the rabbits' journey and new society.

**What genres does *Watership Down* belong to?**
The novel is classified under **fantasy** and **children's literature**, with elements of adventure and coming-of-age themes. Its blend of genres has contributed to its lasting popularity.

**What is the relationship between *Watership Down* and *Tales from Watership Down*?**
*Tales from Watership Down* (1996) is a short story collection that expands on the original novel, providing additional insights into the rabbits' world and their adventures. It serves as a sequel to the 1972 novel.

**What is the significance of the Royal Society of Literature in relation to *Watership Down*?**
The Royal Society of Literature recognizes *Watership Down* as a notable work, indicating its standing in literary circles. Richard Adams' membership in this society further underscores the novel's cultural impact.

## Why It Matters
*Watership Down* holds a significant place in literature, particularly within the realms of children's literature and fantasy. Its epic tale of rabbits establishing a new society after fleeing war-torn territory resonates with themes of survival, leadership, and community. The novel's creation of the Lapine language and its richly detailed world-building have influenced subsequent fantasy authors. Its recognition with awards like the Carnegie Medal and the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize underscores its literary merit. The novel's enduring popularity and cultural impact make it a cornerstone of the anthropomorphic animal genre, inspiring generations of readers and writers alike.

## Notable For
- Being a **1972 novel by Richard Adams**, a celebrated English author.
- Winning the **Carnegie Medal** and the **Guardian Children's Fiction Prize**, recognizing its literary contributions.
- Inventing the **Lapine language**, a fictional language used by the rabbits in the story.
- Being set on the **Watership Down** hill in Hampshire, England, adding authenticity to the narrative.
- Blending **fantasy, adventure, and coming-of-age themes**, making it a classic of children's literature.
- Being followed by *Tales from Watership Down* (1996), an expansion of the original story.
- Being recognized by the **Royal Society of Literature**, indicating its standing in literary circles.
- Being linked to **Richard Adams** as its author and creator of the Lapine language.
- Being categorized under **children's book** and **fantasy** in related classifications.
- Having a **Wikidata description** as a "1972 novel by Richard Adams."
- Including structured properties such as **P214 (VIAF ID)**, **P244 (LCCN)**, and **P373 (Wikimedia Commons category)** for cataloging and reference.

## Body
### Overview and Classification
*Watership Down* is a **1972 novel** by **Richard Adams**, an English author known for his contributions to children's literature and fantasy. The novel is classified under **fantasy** and **children's literature**, with elements of adventure and coming-of-age themes. Its richly detailed world-building and creation of the Lapine language have influenced subsequent works in the genre.

### Author and Creator
The novel was **authored by Richard Adams**, who also invented the **Lapine language** used by the rabbits in the story. Adams' background includes education at **Worcester College** and an affiliation with the **University of Florida**. His diverse career in literature, including novels, screenwriting, poetry, and science fiction, has contributed to his standing in literary circles.

### Setting and Location
The novel is set on the **Watership Down** hill in **Hampshire, England**, which serves as a key setting in the story. The location adds authenticity and depth to the rabbits' journey and their establishment of a new society. The hill is linked to the broader geography of England, reflecting the novel's connection to its cultural and historical context.

### Literary Awards and Recognition
*Watership Down* has received significant recognition, including the **Carnegie Medal** and the **Guardian Children's Fiction Prize**. These awards highlight its literary merit and impact on children's literature. The novel's standing in literary circles is further underscored by its recognition by the **Royal Society of Literature**.

### Sequels and Expansions
The novel was followed by *Tales from Watership Down* (1996), a short story collection that expands on the original story. This sequel provides additional insights into the rabbits' world and their adventures, further enriching the narrative.

### Genre and Themes
The novel blends **fantasy, adventure, and coming-of-age themes**, making it a classic of children's literature. Its epic tale of rabbits establishing a new society resonates with themes of survival, leadership, and community, contributing to its lasting popularity.

### Cultural and Historical Context
*Watership Down* is set in the context of **England**, specifically referencing the **Watership Down** hill in Hampshire. The novel's creation of the Lapine language and its richly detailed world-building reflect the cultural and historical context of its time. The novel's enduring popularity and cultural impact make it a cornerstone of the anthropomorphic animal genre.

### Related Entities and Connections
The novel is linked to **Richard Adams** as its primary author and creator. It is also associated with the **Royal Society of Literature**, reflecting its recognition in literary circles. The novel is categorized under **children's book** and **fantasy** in related classifications, indicating its broad appeal and influence.

### Structured Properties and Identifiers
*Watership Down* includes structured properties such as **P214 (VIAF ID)**, **P244 (LCCN)**, and **P373 (Wikimedia Commons category)** for cataloging and reference. These identifiers ensure its long-term accessibility and scholarly engagement in digital and cultural archives.

### Significance and Legacy
*Watership Down* holds a significant place in literature, particularly within the realms of children's literature and fantasy. Its epic tale of rabbits establishing a new society after fleeing war-torn territory resonates with themes of survival, leadership, and community. The novel's creation of the Lapine language and its richly detailed world-building have influenced subsequent fantasy authors. Its recognition with awards like the Carnegie Medal and the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize underscores its literary merit. The novel's enduring popularity and cultural impact make it a cornerstone of the anthropomorphic animal genre, inspiring generations of readers and writers alike.

## References

1. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [Watership Down by Richard Adams | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL2096536W/Watership_Down?edition=key%3A/books/OL4288819M)
4. [Source](https://www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/award_category_year.cgi?423+1975)
5. BBC Things
6. Goodreads