Bambi · Chapter
XXIV explained
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.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Loss of Innocence
Bambi's final loss of innocence as he confronts the dead hunter and learns that 'He' is not omnipotent, but mortal like all creatures.
Nature and the Cycle of Life
The thaw and signs of life (birds, thawing ground) contrast with the death of the hunter and the old stag's impending end, emphasizing the cycle.
Solitude and Independence
The old stag's final journey into solitude and Bambi's growing independence as he must now face the world without his mentor.
Characters to notice
- Bambi
Roams in the thaw, sees Faline from afar, feels nostalgic and melancholic, then follows the old stag to witness the dead hunter and receives final wisdom.
- Faline
Seen by Bambi wandering slowly and sadly, appearing aged and weary, resembling her mother and Aunt Ena.
- the old Prince
Leads Bambi to the dead hunter, teaches him about mortality and a higher power, then bids a final farewell, appearing aged and blind.
Key passages
“Do you see, Bambi, do you see how He’s lying there dead, like one of us? Listen, Bambi. He isn’t all-powerful as they say. Everything that lives and grows doesn’t come from Him. He isn’t above us. He’s just the same as we are. He has the same fears, the same needs, and suffers in the same way. He can be killed like us, and then He lies helpless on the ground like all the rest of us, as you see Him now.”
The old stag shows Bambi that the hunter is not a god but a fellow mortal, subject to the same fears, needs, and death as all creatures.
The stag's central lesson demystifying human power.
“Then speak, Bambi was inspired, and said trembling, 'There is Another who is over us all, over us and over Him.'”
Bambi, inspired, declares that a higher power exists above both animals and humans.
Bambi's moment of spiritual insight and maturation.
“Don’t follow me any further, Bambi, he began with a calm voice, 'my time is up. Now I have to look for a resting place.'”
The old stag tells Bambi not to follow, as his life is ending and he must find a place to die alone.
The old stag's final farewell and acceptance of death.