Outcast of Redwall is about a young and brave squirrel named Veil, who is raised by a villain and must confront his past in order to embrace his true identity. Set in the Redwall universe, this gripping tale blends action, adventure, and themes of loyalty and honor.
Table of Content
Outcast Of Redwall Book Summary
Veil, a young squirrel, is raised by the villainous fox, Zwilt the Shade. Veil, unaware of his true heritage, becomes known as the 'Outcast' due to his association with Zwilt.
When Veil discovers his mother, the searat captain Romsca, he learns of his lineage and the legacy of his brave father. Ashamed of his past, he seeks redemption at Redwall Abbey.
At Redwall, Veil faces mistrust and prejudice from some of the inhabitants, but he finds friendship with Bryony and others who see his potential for good.
Meanwhile, Zwilt's malevolent plans involve the conquest of Riftgard, a distant fortress. He manipulates the rat Skerp Bilge into assembling an army for an attack.
Veil's journey to prove himself to the Redwallers is put to the test when he must confront his past and save his friends from Zwilt's treachery.
Utilizing his skills and cunning learned from Zwilt, Veil leads a group to Riftgard, preventing its fall and earning the respect of Redwall Abbey and its inhabitants.
During the siege, Zwilt's true evil nature is revealed, and he meets his end at the hands of Veil. This climactic battle signifies Veil's personal victory over his past and his claim to honor.
Returning to Redwall, Veil is welcomed as a hero. The Abbey's inhabitants recognize the true nature of the squirrel who has proven his loyalty and bravery.
Romsca, having found peace, succumbs to her injuries sustained in the battle, leaving Veil to reconcile his feelings for the mother he never knew.
The Redwallers celebrate their victory, and Veil, now free from the shadows of his upbringing, looks to the future with hope and a clear sense of his identity.
Outcast Of Redwall Quotes
- A warrior must always be brave, but sometimes bravery alone is not enough.
- The path of evil is dark and lonely, but the path of good can be bright despite all shadows.
Outcast Of Redwall Ending Explained
At the end of Outcast of Redwall, the true heroism of Veil, the once-outcast squirrel, is recognized by all at Redwall Abbey.
He has successfully defended Riftgard and defeated the villainous Zwilt, proving his loyalty and bravery to his new friends and family.
As the story comes to a close, Veil mourns for his mother, Romsca, but embraces his place among the Redwallers, eager to face the future as a true warrior of good.
Characters in book Outcast Of Redwall
- Veil: A young squirrel known as the 'Outcast' who must overcome his past and find his place at Redwall Abbey.
- Romsca: A fierce searat captain and Veil's mother, who has a complex history with the villain known as Zwilt the Shade.
- Zwilt the Shade: A treacherous fox who raises Veil and leads a life of crime, creating turmoil for the inhabitants of Mossflower Woods.
- Abbot Durral: The peaceful leader of Redwall Abbey, known for his wisdom and fairness.
- Bryony: A young field mouse at Redwall Abbey who befriends Veil and helps him on his journey of self-discovery.
- Skerp Bilge: A rat who, under Zwilt's influence, attempts to take control of a peaceful place called Riftgard.
Key Lessons
- Discover Your Identity: Embrace your true self and your past, as it shapes who you are and who you can become.
- Redemption is Possible: No matter your history, you can always choose the path of honor and redemption.
- Overcome Prejudice: Judging others based on their past or appearances can blind you to their true character and potential.
- Bravery Conquers Fear: True bravery is found in confronting and overcoming your fears.
- Choose Your Allegiances Wisely: The company you keep reflects on your own character and can lead to your downfall or your triumph.
My Personal Opinion
Is Outcast of Redwall worth reading? Yes, I found it to be an engaging and heartwarming addition to the Redwall series.
I appreciated the complex and relatable journey of the protagonist, Veil. His struggle with identity and the themes of overcoming a dark past resonated with me. On the downside, I felt that the story occasionally lost pace in its detailed descriptions. I found this book particularly suitable for young adult readers due to its clear moral messages and the protagonist's coming-of-age story.
I would recommend Outcast of Redwall to those who enjoy classic adventure tales with strong moral underpinnings. Readers who are already fans of the Redwall series will especially appreciate this installment. It stands as a compelling narrative on its own and adds depth to the rich lore of Redwall.