# Lightfoot’s New Antlers explained — Green Forest Stories

> Chapter companion for Green Forest Stories by Thornton W. Burgess.

## What happens

Peter Rabbit encounters Lightfoot the Deer and notices strange rags hanging from his antlers. Lightfoot explains that these are remnants of the coverings of his new antlers, which grow anew each year. Peter is skeptical, comparing them to Bossy the Cow's permanent horns, but Lightfoot patiently explains the difference and describes how he hid away during the summer while his antlers grew.

## Themes in this chapter

### Wisdom and Experience

Lightfoot shares his knowledge about the natural cycle of antler growth, teaching Peter about a process he had never understood.

### The Cycle of Seasons

The chapter highlights the seasonal renewal of antlers, with Lightfoot's old ones dropping in spring and new ones growing over the summer.

## Character check-ins

### Lightfoot the Deer

Explains to Peter that his antlers are new and grow annually, shedding the old ones in spring.

### Peter Rabbit

Puzzled and skeptical about Lightfoot's new antlers, questioning how they could grow like plants.

### Bossy the Cow

Mentioned by Peter as an example of an animal with permanent horns, contrasting with Lightfoot's antlers.

## Key lines

> They are what is left of the coverings of my new antlers.

The rags are remnants from the protective covering of his freshly grown antlers.

_Lightfoot explains the origin of the tattered material on his antlers._

> I have a new pair every year.

Lightfoot grows a completely new set of antlers annually.

_Key fact about deer antler regeneration._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_forest_stories_se/chapters/ii-lightfoot-s-new-antlers
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_forest_stories_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_forest_stories_se/chapters