Bambi · Chapter
VI explained
Bambi learns to cope with solitude and encounters the mysterious old Prince, who scolds him for calling his mother.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Solitude and Independence
Bambi is often alone and learns to stay by himself after the old Prince shames him for calling his mother.
The Unknowable and Mystery
The old Prince is portrayed as a mysterious, almost mythical figure whose age, home, and family are unknown. The elk also appear as strange, giant beings that inspire awe and fear.
Fear and Danger
Bambi feels fear during the elk encounter and the screech-owl's hooting, while his mother admits to being frightened by the elk despite their harmlessness.
Characters to notice
- Bambi
Bambi experiences loneliness and shame after being scolded by the old Prince, but grows determined to earn his approval. He also feels awe and fear during the elk encounter.
- Gobo
Gobo listens to Bambi's story about the old Prince and admits he would have been terribly frightened.
- Faline
Faline reveals the identity of the old Prince as the legendary old stag, having learned the details from her mother.
- Mother
Bambi's mother returns to him after his encounter with the old Prince and later explains the elk are their 'big cousins,' though she admits they frighten her.
- the old Prince
The old Prince sternly confronts Bambi for calling his mother, then disappears silently. He is later described as the largest, most mysterious stag in the forest.
- the screech-owl
The screech-owl tries to frighten Bambi, then offers cynical advice about relatives being inferior to friends.
Key passages
“What are you crying about? ... Your mother has no time for you now. Can't you stay by yourself? Shame on you!”
The old Prince scolds Bambi for crying and tells him he should be able to stay alone.
This reprimand marks a turning point in Bambi's maturation, pushing him toward independence.
“The old Prince is the biggest stag in the whole forest. There isn't anybody else that compares with him. Nobody knows how old he is. Nobody can find out where he lives. No one knows his family.”
Faline explains that the old Prince is the largest and most mysterious stag, with no known age, home, or family.
This passage establishes the old Prince's legendary status and deepens the theme of mystery.
“Those are your big cousins, the elk—they are strong and they are important, far stronger than we are.”
Bambi's mother tells him the giant creatures are elk, their larger relatives.
This introduces the elk as a symbol of overwhelming power and otherness.