Redwall Tapestry
The Redwall Tapestry of Martin the Warrior symbolizes the honor, strength, and heart of Redwall Abbey. Greatly prized by the Abbey residents, it hangs in the Great Hall, an idea that originated from Columbine. Since its original weaving, successive Abbey generations added to the tapestry.
The long tapestry showcases Martin the Warrior, wearing armor while leaning on his sword, surrounded by vermin, inclusive of foxes, rats, stoats, ferrets, weasels, and wildcats, who are fleeing him. While original accounts described Martin as located in the bottom right-hand corner, he was later described as appearing in the center of the tapestry. Behind it, Martin hid a riddle clue as to the location of his tomb.
The Redwall tapestry is surrounded by two fluted half-columns on either side, flat against the wall, that are used to hold small iron lanterns. These lanterns light up the image at night, and are refilled by the Abbey Recorder.
Many Redwallers talk to the depiction of Martin, as they believe his spirit is a part of the tapestry.
Redwall Tapestry History
[edit]The Tapestry was originally a small woven figure of Martin the Elder Warrior, Martin's paternal grandfather; somehow, it came into the possession of his mother Sayna, probably from Luke the Warrior. Vurg and Beau then gave it to Martin.
Columbine suggested the image could serve as a "centerpiece" for a grand tapestry for Great Hall.
Redwall inhabitants expanded the tapestry under the supervision of Brother Hubert based on sketches of Martin found in the Gatehouse. The process took more than three and a half seasons. Saxtus identified the thread color for Martin.
Seasons later, Fermald the Ancient used the tapestry as a hiding place for one of the Tears of all Oceans.
Theft of the Redwall Tapestry
[edit]Occasionally, vermin have stolen the tapestry in an attempt to demoralize Redwallers. Cluny the Scourge sent Shadow inside the Abbey to successfully extract Martin's image from it. He then used it as his battle flag. Eventually, Basil Stag Hare and Jess Squirrel recovered it, and Methuselah made sewing repairs.
General Ironbeak and his flock attempted to steal the Tapestry. While they succeeded in removing it from the wall, the Redwallers prevented them from absconding with it.
Another incident happened when the entire tapestry was taken by the Marlfoxes Ascrod, Vannan, Dakkle, and Beelu; it was recovered by Songbreeze Swifteye, Dannflower Reguba, Dippler, and Burble.
Redwall TV Series
[edit]In the Nelvana Redwall TV Series, imagery of the Redwall tapestry predicts future events, such as Cluny fighting the Redwallers.
Redwall Tapestry Depictions
[edit]The Redwall Tapestry has been illustrated by several different artists.
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The Tapestry, Redwall cover, by Troy Howell
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The Tapestry, Redwall interior, by Gary Chalk
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The Tapestry, Redwall interior, by Troy Howell
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The Tapestry, Redwall cover, by Chris Baker
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The Tapestry, Redwall: The Graphic Novel by Bret Blevins
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The Tapestry, Tribes of Redwall Mice, by Jonathan Walker
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The Tapestry, Build Your Own Redwall Abbey
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The Tapestry, Redwall TV Series
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The Tapestry, Redwall TV Series
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The Tapestry, Redwall TV Series
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The Tapestry, A Redwall Winter's Tale, by Christopher Denise
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The Tapestry, Rougemuraille cover, by Philippe Munch
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The Tapestry, Netflix concept, by Pierre Breton
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The Tapestry by Maria Kolosova
Books
[edit]The Redwall tapestry appears in all books except Lord Brocktree, Martin the Warrior, Mossflower, and Outcast of Redwall.
Trivia
[edit]- Watch Brian Jacques discuss the Redwall Tapestry here.
- Mariel of Redwall describes the Redwallers as creating the Tapestry themselves, however The Legend of Luke describes the initial image originating with Martin's mother. Seemingly, Jacques realized Martin couldn't hide his riddle for Matthias behind the Tapestry if it didn't exist in some form in his own lifetime and retconned this history.