Abbot Mordalfus

Abbot Mordalfus, also known as Brother Alf, was a male mouse leader of Redwall Abbey. He was the successor of Abbot Mortimer, his old friend, who appointed him to the role. Mordalfus was skilled at fishing and served as caretaker for the pond. He was a trusted friend of Matthias.

As Abbot, Mordalfus was a gentle and wise leader, although he had the tendency to trust too much in the goodness of others. He usually had a good sense of priorities and often advised rest, food, and other normal activities in the midst of great turmoil. When Slagar the Cruel kidnapped Mattimeo and other young Redwallers, Mordalfus helped restore order and calm.

Mordalfus wore spectacles when he was older and often looked above them while talking to young ones. A thinker rather than a creature of action, he believed in the power of dreams and reflection.

Although he was dedicated to peace, Mordalfus did not hesitate in delegating tasks to those who were more skilled in fighting and deceiving villains. Yet, he knew when to act forcefully and with authority in protecting others from harm. Mordalfus showed great courage and strength when Cornflower Fieldmouse, Mrs. Churchmouse, and Rollo were captured by magpies and he refused to surrender the Abbey. He even offered himself as a potential sacrifice when General Ironbeak cornered Redwall residents in Cavern Hole.

Like many Abbots, Mordalfus was a great healer, and with the help of John Churchmouse, Sister May, and Brother Rufus, he rescued Stryk Redkite and helped provide medical aid for her injuries. Mordalfus was also known to be an excellent cook and occasionally worked in the Abbey kitchen. He devised "Redcurrantwall Abbot Alf Cake" and compiled a volume of Mossflower recipes with John Churchmouse.

As Matthias and his friends searched the woodlands for kidnapped Redwallers, Mordalfus believed that he could also help find the young ones while remaining at the Abbey. While staring at the Tapestry, he received a vision of the Spirit of Martin the Warrior. By solving a series of clues, Mordalfus and the Abbey dwellers discovered where the young ones could be located. Thanks to the help of Queen Warbeak and her warriors, they sent out a map and a set of directions to the search party.

Abbot Mordalfus' fortitude was tested again when the Abbey was occupied by General Ironbeak and his army. Under his steadfast leadership and with the assistance of Constance, Foremole, and the courage and initiative of their friends, the Redwallers eventually succeeded in defeating the ravens.

Mordalfus lived a long life, and he was still very active as a leader by the time that Tim Churchmouse became Abbey Recorder.

Ever since Mordalfus and Matthias caught a grayling in the pond together during the Summer of the Late Rose, they attempted to catch a bigger grayling every four seasons.

Nelvana Redwall TV Series

Prior to his death in Redwall, Abbot Mortimer designates Mordalfus as his successor. This action does not occur at the end of Season 1 of the Nelvana Redwall TV Series.

Season three occurs during the abbacy of Mordalfus. He requests that Tim Churchmouse regale the Redwallers with the tale of Martin the Warrior. This differs from the novel Martin the Warrior, where Abbot Saxtus serves as Abbey leader, and Martin's story is told by visitors to Redwall.

Trivia

• Watch Brian Jacques discuss Mordalfus here.
• Mordalfus is one of few Abbey leaders who have to deal with two primary villains.
• Mordalfus' name is spelled "Mordalphus" in Loamhedge.
• Mordalfus may be derived from "mor", the Gaelic prefix for "great", and "alphus", a type of longhorn beetle.
• The Latin root for "mor-" is mors, mortis, meaning death.