Bambi · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Bambi by Felix Salten.
Chapter 1
Bambi is Born
Bambi is born in a hidden forest glade, and his mother cares for him tenderly. A magpie visits and marvels at the newborn fawn's ability to stand and walk immediately, contrasting it with the helplessness of bird chicks. The mother names him Bambi as he nurses, while the forest teems with sounds and life around them.
Chapter 2
III
Bambi and his mother remain hidden in their secluded glade during the daytime. His mother explains the dangers of the meadow in daylight, the protective role of the forest's sounds and leaves, and the necessity of staying hidden until evening.
Chapter 3
IV
Bambi and his friends Gobo and Faline discuss the meaning of danger, then encounter their fathers for the first time, an awe-inspiring meeting that leaves Bambi longing to grow up and become like his handsome father.
Chapter 4
V
Bambi grows and learns to listen, snuff the air, and navigate the forest. He becomes friends with the night and the owls. After a storm, he becomes separated from his mother and wanders in despair, meeting Gobo and Faline who are also lost. He then encounters a strange, terrifying creature—'Him'—and flees with his mother, who confirms the creature's identity.
Chapter 5
VI
Bambi learns to cope with solitude and encounters the mysterious old Prince, who scolds him for calling his mother. He later shares the story with Gobo and Faline, who reveal the stag's legendary status. That night, Bambi and his mother encounter a herd of elk, leaving Bambi awestruck and trembling. He then confides in the screech-owl, who offers cynical advice about relatives.
Chapter 6
VII
Bambi witnesses the death of a Prince from a gunshot, grapples with the concept of 'He', and has a pivotal encounter with the old stag who advises him to learn for himself. The chapter explores themes of danger, independence, and the harsh realities of life in the forest.
Chapter 7
VIII
Two leaves at the tip of an oak tree converse about the changing seasons, the inevitability of falling, and the mystery of what lies beneath. They find comfort in each other's kindness before one is finally torn away by the winter wind.
Chapter 8
The Harsh Turn of Seasons
Bambi experiences the changing seasons for the first time, from the misty mornings and the roaring of the stags during the mating season to the falling leaves, relentless rain, and bitter north wind. The arrival of snow brings hardship as food becomes scarce, and the deer gather together for warmth and company. They share stories and fears about 'Him,' discussing His mysterious and deadly power, while old Nettla dismisses Marena's hopeful talk of future friendship with Him.
Chapter 9
The Great Terror
Bambi and the other animals endure a horrific attack by Him in the forest. Amidst the chaos of gunfire, shouting, and death, Bambi's mother instructs him to flee without looking back if she falls. Bambi witnesses the deaths of Friend Hare, a pheasant, and Friend Hare's wife, and finds Gobo helpless in the snow. Gobo urges Bambi to leave him, and Bambi eventually runs on. After nightfall, Bambi reunites with Ronno, old Nettla, and Faline, but learns from Aunt Ena that Gobo has been taken by Him and that his own mother is missing, never to be seen again.
Chapter 10
XI
Bambi, now growing into a young stag, sheds the skin from his new antlers and interacts with the squirrel and woodpecker. He reflects on the hardships of the past year, including his mother's disappearance, Gobo's death, and the bullying he endured from other bucks. Despite his growth, he remains haunted by loneliness and longing, especially for Faline.
Chapter 11
XII
In the heat of summer, Bambi's restless longing leads him to reunite with Faline. They reminisce about their childhood and play together, but their joy is interrupted when Karus and later Ronno challenge Bambi for Faline. Bambi defeats both rivals in fierce battles, ultimately winning Faline's love.
Chapter 12
XIII
Bambi takes Faline to the clearing where he last met the old stag, hoping to introduce her. Faline becomes hysterical with fear at the sight of the stag, and Bambi struggles with his own terror and admiration. He attempts to approach the stag but is paralyzed by awe and insecurity. The stag, equally hesitant, decides not to speak and departs, leaving Bambi feeling humiliated and bitter.
Chapter 13
XIV
Bambi awakens from a deep sleep to hear what he believes is Faline calling him. He is stopped by the old stag, who insists the call is not from Faline but from Him. The old stag forces Bambi to follow him slowly and cautiously through the forest, demonstrating masterful stealth. They approach the source of the call and discover He is imitating Faline's voice to lure Bambi. The old stag leads Bambi away in a careful zigzag course, saving his life. After the danger passes, the old stag vanishes silently, leaving Bambi alone and deeply moved.
Chapter 14
XV
Bambi and Faline reunite with Gobo, who has returned from living with 'Him.' Gobo's reckless behavior in the forest contrasts with their cautious instincts. They lead him to his mother, Aunt Ena, and share a tender reunion. Later, Gobo recounts his time with humans, boasting of his experiences while Bambi and Faline remain wary.
Chapter 15
XVI
Gobo returns and recounts his experiences living with humans, describing their kindness and the comforts of captivity. The other animals listen in amazement, but the old stag appears and silently observes Gobo with sorrow, finally calling him 'poor thing' before departing.
Chapter 16
Marena's Return
Marena returns to the forest after hearing of Gobo's adventures. Gobo's mother proudly boasts about her son's achievements, while Gobo himself resents the old Prince's dismissive comment. Marena and Gobo begin spending all their time together.
Chapter 17
XVIII
Bambi searches for the old stag, feeling a growing distance from Faline and an inexplicable pull toward the stag's wisdom. He avoids Gobo and Aunt Ena, haunted by the stag's words about Gobo. After coaxing the screech-owl into revealing the stag's location, Bambi sets out but finds the stag has moved. The stag appears suddenly, and Bambi admits he feels the truth about Gobo but does not understand it. The stag tells him that feeling is enough and that understanding will come later.
Chapter 18
XIX
Gobo returns to the forest with strange habits, believing he is protected by 'Him' due to his past captivity. Despite warnings from Bambi, Faline, and Marena, Gobo insists on venturing onto the meadow, where he is shot and killed by 'Him'.
Chapter 19
Bambi's Solitude and the Old Stag's Rescue
Bambi, now alone, spends his time by the water, observing the ducks and the hummingbird, and reflecting on his solitude. He encounters the old stag, who rescues Friend Hare from a snare, and they discuss Gobo and the danger of 'Him.'
Chapter 20
XXI
Bambi is shot by Him and is saved by the old stag, who guides him through the forest, helps him heal, and teaches him to survive. Bambi struggles with pain, fear, and isolation, eventually recovering but choosing to leave the hollow and the old stag behind.
Chapter 21
XXII
Bambi encounters the squirrel and the screech-owl, reflecting on the loss of the old oak tree to 'Him' and the wisdom of solitude taught by the old stag.
Chapter 22
XXIII
Under a silent, snow-covered forest, Bambi and the old stag witness a fox being hunted by a small hound. The fox pleads for mercy, calling the dog a traitor for serving Him, but the dog professes devotion to his master. The other forest creatures join in condemning the dog, but the dog attacks and kills the fox. The old stag reflects on the tragedy of the dog's blind loyalty.
Chapter 23
XXIV
In a thaw following winter's cold, Bambi observes Faline from a distance, noting her aged and weary appearance, and feels a poignant nostalgia for their youth. He is then led by the old stag to confront the dead body of 'Him,' the hunter, where the stag imparts a profound lesson: that 'He' is not all-powerful but mortal like all creatures, and that there is 'Another' above all. The old stag then bids Bambi farewell, stating his time has come, and departs to find his resting place.
Chapter 24
Dawn of the Summer's Day
On a hot, still summer dawn, Bambi wanders through the forest, observing the may-beetle and the midges. He hears two lost fawns calling for their mother and sternly tells them to stay by themselves, then reflects on the fawns and thinks of Faline before disappearing into the woods.
