Hiss the Ratsnake

Lore & Background

During the great siege of Redwall Abbey, Hiss operated as a covert agent for the notorious badger Cluny the Scourge. While the main army battered the outer walls with noise and weapons, Hiss utilized his slender form to slip through cracks in the masonry that were too small for rodents or larger vermin. His mission was not merely observation but sabotage; he sought to undermine the morale of the defenders and locate weaknesses in their defenses before the final assault. Hiss stands out in the Redwall universe as one of the few reptilian villains, bringing a cold-blooded calculation to the conflict that contrasts with the hot tempers of rats or badgers. He embodies the fear of the unknown enemy hiding within safe spaces. His loyalty to Cluny was driven by self-preservation and a shared desire for domination over the peaceful Abbey, making him a dangerous wildcard in the battle. Ultimately, Hiss's tenure as a spy ended when he was discovered by the vigilant defenders inside the Abbey walls. His capture signaled that no corner of Redwall was safe from Cluny's influence, but also proved that the residents were watchful enough to root out even the most hidden threats. His defeat is remembered as a victory against the unseen dangers of war.

In Their Own Story

The moon hung low over Mossflower Wood, casting long shadows across the Abbey ruins. Hiss coiled silently within the darkness of a stone archway, his scales blending with the damp moss. He listened to the soft murmur of mice preparing for another night watch. A single flick of his tongue tasted the air—fear and determination mixed in the scent of the defenders. He waited for a moment of silence, planning to slither into the kitchen and poison the stew pot. But a sudden rustle from above broke his concentration. A torch flared nearby, revealing his eyes in the gloom. The hunt was on.

Reader's Guide

Hiss serves as a primary antagonist in the inaugural Redwall novel, acting as a dedicated spy for Cluny the Scourge during the siege of Redwall Abbey. Unlike typical vermin who rely on brute strength and numbers, this reptilian villain utilizes stealth, silence, and patience to infiltrate the sacred stone walls where others cannot tread. His narrative arc represents the creeping danger of betrayal from within when the outer defenses are under heavy assault by a larger army. Hiss possesses natural abilities perfectly suited for espionage, including silent movement through tight crevices in the masonry and an acute sense of hearing to gather intelligence on Martin the Warrior. He lacks physical combat prowess compared to the warrior mice or badgers but compensates with cunning tactics designed to sow discord among the defenders or locate weaknesses in their fortifications. Defining moments include his successful infiltration of Redwall Abbey while Cluny's army besieges the main gates, causing panic among the residents. His eventual capture and defeat mark a significant turning point where the vermin realize their covert operations have failed against the united front of the Abbey inhabitants. He remains a memorable symbol of the cunning, shadowy threats that often face the peaceful community alongside open warfare.

Did You Know?

• Hiss is one of the few reptilian characters to serve as a major villain in the early Redwall books.
• He operated independently from Cluny's main army during the siege to avoid detection.
• His name reflects his primary method of intimidation and warning before an attack.