| “ | "Hey, your old chief was a fool not to train you up, Thlayli. I'm no fool. Remember that."
―Sainfoin to Bigwig in the miniseries
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” |
Captain Sainfoin, or Sergeant Sainfoin in the miniseries, was captain of the Neck Mark in the book and a minor antagonist in the miniseries.
Personality[]
His personality in the book remains unknown, but in the miniseries, Sainfoin is a rough and somewhat rude bully who often strikes and threatens other rabbits for no good reason. Like most bullies, he is a coward at heart, only bullying those who are weaker compared to him. Despite appearing strong, he is fearful of elil and rabbits stronger than himself.
Book[]
He is mentioned to be the captain of the Neck Mark, which is scheduled to silflay directly before the Near Hind Mark. He is only mentioned and does not make a direct appearance.
Miniseries[]
In the 2018 miniseries, Sainfoin is a sergeant instead of a captain and is often seen obeying Captain Orchis. He is portrayed as a heavily built rabbit with dark grey fur and brown eyes.
The Journey[]
Sainfoin first appears when he runs through Efrafa to inform Woundwort that one of the Wide Patrols picked up the trail of a large group of rabbits (the Watership Down rabbits) near the down, but unfortunately lost the scent. Woundwort orders him to tell the patrol not to return until the strangers are located and to leave one alive for questioning.
The Raid[]
When Holly, Blackberry, and Bluebell are taken to Efrafa by Captain Orchis, Sainfoin is seen guarding Hyzenthlay, Thethuthinnang, and Nettle while they are being reprimanded by Captain Vervain for trying to escape Efrafa. Vervain turns to Sainfoin and asks if he is in charge of them, and when Sainfoin is slow to respond, Vervain strikes him and orders him to take the does below ground. Not long after, Vervain orders him to take Blackavar down to the deep burrows.
The Escape[]
Later, while on wide patrol with another soldier, Sainfoin comes across Clover wandering around in a fog and forcibly takes her to Efrafa, where she is inducted into the ranks of does.
Sainforn getting informed about the attack.
When Bigwig is taken to Efrafa, Sainfoin comes to inspect him instead of Woundwort. Bigwig, who expected to meet the Chief Rabbit, is told that the General is not so easily met. Presenting himself under his Lapine name of Thlayli, Bigwig claims to be a storyteller whose warren was destroyed by men and has traveled to Efrafa with the intention to join the warren. Sainfoin, noticing Bigwig’s size, suspects Bigwig of having originally been a fighter and strikes him across the face to test his reaction. When Bigwig doesn’t fight back, Sainfoin is convinced of Bigwig’s story. A guard then approaches the two rabbits and informs them of a fox's attack on Campion’s Wide Patrol led onto them by an unknown rabbit, not knowing that the rabbit was Bigwig. Due to the loss of guards in the recent days, Sainfoin decides to induct Bigwig into the ranks of the Owsla to be trained as a fighter.
Later, when Orchis questions Bigwig, suspecting him of being a spy, Sainfoin strikes him across the face again at Orchis's signal. Bigwig still doesn't fight back, however, not wanting to blow his cover. He is later present during Hyzenthlay's execution and is ordered to kill Bigwig, the appointed executioner, if he does not complete the task. Bigwig ultimately refuses to kill Hyzenthlay, causing Sainfoin to strike him across the face yet again. Bigwig finally fights back and easily overpowers Sainfoin, venting his anger and frustration on the Efrafan. Sainfoin retreats.
The Siege[]
Sainfoin is part of the Efrafan army when they surround the escaped rabbits on all sides. However, when Kehaar appears and scatters the Efrafans, Sainfoin is briefly knocked over by the gull, then quickly retreats with the other Efrafans.
Early the next morning, Sainfoin meets with Campion and Orchis in the Council Chamber to privately discuss the recent events. For the first time, Sainfoin shows a degree of sympathy and common sense, questioning why the Efrafans should be chasing after a group of rabbits who never did them any harm in the first place. Campion agrees with the sentiment. Sainfoin also begins to question Woundwort, pointing out everything they do is his orders. Orchis, however, disagrees with them because he wants revenge against Holly for Vervain's death. Tensions rise between the three officers before Woundwort appears in the burrow, asking who called this meeting and requests that all the other guards in Efrafa convene in the burrow. Sainfoin goes off to obey the command.
During the subsequent meeting, Woundwort reveals that he invited the entire Owsla into the meeting chamber to ask them to voice any concerns that they might have. After a moment of silence, Sainfoin expresses his reluctance to go after the Watership Down rabbits, claiming that he fees the lives of the soldiers will be risked as well as wondering what other creatures the outsiders have under their control, pointing out how the rabbits have a bird on their side. Disgusted by Sainfoin’s cowardice and fear, Woundwort berates Sainfoin before demanding his loyalty; afraid, Sainfoin complies.
During the siege of Watership Down, Sainfoin repeatedly expresses fear that Kehaar might still be around, but falls silent when Woundwort threatens to kill him. He is chosen to go into the enemy warren with General Woundwort after Campion refuses to do so, though it is more likely he obeys out of fear than loyalty. Woundwort tells Sainfoin to go down after him in case the two are ambushed. When Bigwig jumps out of the ground, Sainfoin watches Woundwort and Bigwig's fight without attempting to help and is greatly shocked when Bigwig reveals he is not the Chief Rabbit.
Sainfoin goes back to the surface and reveals the news to the remaining troops. A badly injured Woundwort then emerges from the warren and, acting as if nothing were wrong, insists that the war is nearly over. However, the news about the Chief Rabbit and shock at Woundwort's increasing madness finally causes Sainfoin to desert the General to save his own life. Woundwort again denounces him as a coward as he flees the down with several other Efrafans. It is unknown what happens to him after that.
Gallery[]
