The Library
A sanctuary of scrolls where the voices of heroes echo through the ages.
The Library at Redwall Abbey serves as the quiet heart of knowledge and history within the sanctuary's walls. Housed in a spacious room filled with towering shelves, it contains scrolls, books, and manuscripts that chronicle the deeds of past heroes, the legends of Mossflower, and the daily life of the Abbey's inhabitants. It is a place where young ones learn to read, elders find comfort in old tales, and wise creatures like Matthias seek guidance from the written word before journeying to the Crypt.
- Location
- Redwall Abbey
- Primary Inhabitants
- Monks, Nuns, and visiting scholars
- Key Contents
- Scrolls of history, legends, and recipes
- Atmosphere
- Quiet, dusty, and filled with the smell of old paper
- Significance
- Preserves the memory of Redwall's past generations
Lore & Background
The Library plays a crucial role during times of crisis, often serving as the place where a protagonist discovers an ancient prophecy or learns a forgotten skill needed to defeat a villain. However, while many heroes draw courage from the stories within these walls, the legendary sword of Martin was not found here; it was discovered by Matthias in the Abbey Crypt, resting inside Martin's coffin. The silence of the Library is often broken only by the turning of a page or the soft scratch of a quill, creating an atmosphere of reverence for the past.
In Their Own Story
The afternoon sun filtered through the high, narrow windows, casting long, dancing shadows across the wooden floorboards of the Library. Dust motes swirled in the golden light as a young mouse padded softly between the towering shelves, her nose twitching at the scent of dried ink and old parchment. She reached out a small paw to touch the spine of a thick volume bound in faded blue leather, feeling the weight of history beneath her fingertips. In the corner, an elderly badger sat hunched over a scroll, his spectacles perched low on his snout as he murmured about the Great War of the Badgers, his voice a gentle rumble that seemed to vibrate through the very stones of the Abbey.
Reader's Guide
The Library is a central location within Redwall Abbey, functioning as both an archive and a place of learning. It houses the collective memory of the community, preserving stories of past battles, legends of Mossflower, and practical knowledge essential for survival. Its role in the narrative is often pivotal; characters frequently visit to uncover clues, learn ancient skills, or find inspiration during dark times. The books within are not just paper but keys to understanding the world and one's place in it. It matters because without these records, the lessons of history would be lost, leaving future generations vulnerable to repeating past mistakes. It represents the continuity of Redwall's spirit across the ages.
Did You Know?
- Contrary to popular belief, Martin's sword was not hidden within books or scrolls in the Library; it was found by Matthias inside Martin's coffin in the Abbey Crypt.
- Many characters in the series learn to read and write their first words within these walls under the tutelage of the Abbey's elders.
- The collection includes recipes for famous Redwall feasts, ensuring that culinary traditions survive even when the cooks do not.
- During sieges, the Library is often one of the last places defended, as its contents are deemed more valuable than gold or food.
More in World & Settings
Elsewhere in the Redwall universe
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