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The Book of the Dun Cow

Book 1 in the series:Chauntecleer the Rooster

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The Book of the Dun Cow by Walter Wangerin Jr. is a religious allegorical fable that follows Chauntecleer the rooster, who is tasked by God to protect the Earth from the evil Wyrm. As Wyrm seeks to break free and unleash chaos, Chauntecleer must lead his fellow animals in a battle to maintain order and keep the evil contained. The novel is filled with rich symbolism, archetypal characters, and a medieval worldview where the characters play their appointed roles in a created order instituted by a personal God.

The story unfolds in a barnyard setting where the animals, embodying human characteristics, face the ultimate battle of good versus evil. Through Chauntecleer's leadership, the animals must confront the dark forces threatening their world, showcasing themes of courage, humility, and the consequences of disrupting the natural order. The book's writing style is described as beautifully written, funny, sad, tender, and powerful, providing an immersive experience that delves into complex themes through the lens of animal fantasy.

Characters:

The characters are intricately drawn with a mix of noble traits and flaws, reflecting a range of human-like complexities, from Chauntecleer's pride to the evil nature of Wyrm and his minions.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is characterized by a straightforward elegance, enriched with symbolism and vivid imagery that imparts a blend of humor and lyrical intensity.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around a conflict between good and evil, primarily featuring Chauntecleer the rooster and his fellowship of animals who must defeat Wyrm, the embodiment of evil, while grappling with their unsuspected roles in safeguarding the world.

Setting:

Set in a fantastical barnyard environment that reflects a medieval worldview, the setting emphasizes themes of light versus dark and order versus chaos.

Pacing:

The pacing combines reflective moments with action, producing an ebb and flow that may feel episodic but serves to deepen the reader's engagement with the themes.
In the middle of the night somebody began to cry outside of Chauntecleer’s Coop. If it had been but a few sprinkled tears with nothing more than a moan or two, Chauntecleer would probably not have min...

Notes:

The Book of the Dun Cow is a fable about Good versus Evil.
It was written by Walter Wangerin Jr. and first published in 1978.
The story features talking animals, like Chauntecleer the Rooster and Mundo Cani the Dog.
It includes themes of nobility and vice among its animal characters.
Wyrm, the main villain, is an evil creature trying to escape from the earth.
The book won the National Book Award for Science Fiction in 1980.
It's loosely based on The Nun's Priest's Tale from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.
Its title comes from one of the oldest Celtic manuscripts, dated around 1100.
The writing style is described as elegantly simple, rich in symbolism.
The narrative explores Christian themes without being overly preachy.
Chauntecleer is a complex character, portrayed as both proud and self-sacrificing.
The book is often compared to classics like Animal Farm and Watership Down.
There is a strong allegorical connection to religious ideas, but readers from any background can appreciate it.
Humor appears throughout the story, contrasting with darker themes.
The plot features an epic battle against the evil Wyrm and his minions, the basilisks.
Discussion about the book often highlights it's emotional depth and the impactful portrayal of its characters.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of violence, death, and the potential for disturbing imagery related to evil.

From The Publisher:

Walter Wangerin's profound fantasy concerns a time when the sun turned around the earth and the animals could speak, when Chauntecleer the Rooster ruled over a more or less peaceful kingdom. What the animals did not know was that they were the Keepers of Wyrm, monster of evil long imprisoned beneath the earth ... and Wyrm, sub terra, was breaking free.

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