fables
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Although this article is based on canonical information, the actual name of this subject is conjecture based on the original source it's adapted from.
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“ Espinart: Boysenberry. What'd you get?
Rousseau: Onion. Wanna trade? 		„
― Sampling the treats in Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall — "The Christmas Pies"


Espinart is a Fable hedgehog who lives on the Farm in upstate New York. They first appear in Fables #9 — "Warlord of the Flies: Part Four of Animal Farm."

History

Exile

Espinart was one the subjects of King Noble the lion, and resided in an vast sprawling valley, sharing this territory with the other subjects under Noble's rule. One day, however, their valley was occupied by the armies of the Adversary. The invaders let Noble continue to rule, as long as he kept his subjects pacified and paid taxes to the Empire. However, they were not allowed to celebrate Christmas, and the enemy seized the forest's magic gateway that lead to the mundane world, and arrested anyone who attempted to flee through it.[1]

The cunning fox Reynard deceived the local goblin forces into preparing an abundance of pies, which were then left for the residents of the valley, providing Espinart and the other animal Fables with three days of Christmas feasting, during which they delighted in the delectable pies. Espinart was spotted with purple berry juice on their face as they engaged in the festivities on the second night. Rousseau was sampling a filled with onion and inquired of Espinart about the type of pie they got. The hedgehog responded that it was boysenberry and then asked the squirrel what he had. Rousell answered that he had onion and asked Espinart if they were interested in a trade.[1]

On the fourth night, Espinart and the rest of King Noble's people, desiring freedom from the evil oppressors, found a way to escape through the gateway after Reynard tricked the enemy into leaving it unguarded for one night.[1]

Goldilocks' revolution

During the revolt of Goldilocks and the Three Little Pigs, most of the animal Fables choose to remain neutral and await the outcome of the situation. Espinart, along with a group of former subjects of King Noble, are among the few animals who choose to side with Snow White. Noble and his subjects convene to outline a plan regarding the ongoing insurrection, and Espinart watches as Reynard reports to King Noble. The lion tasks Reynard with finding out of Snow is still alive. If she is, they'll persevere; if not, they will try to escape the Farm during the opponents' midday rally.[2]

Espinart later appears to have switched sides, as they are seen standing among the many animal Fables gathered in the Farm square as Dun Pig speaks to the crowd, announcing that the time has come to make a move on Fabletown in New York City. Unexpectedly, Snow White emerges, declaring that their self-proclaimed revolution has come to an end and commands all individuals to relinquish their firearms and disperse. She further compels the surrender of the group through the intimidation of the three giant brothers.[2]

Battle of Fabletown

Espinart,[3] along with numerous other Farm Fables, is enlisted to journey to New York City and join the defense of Fabletown when the wooden soldiers plot an attack on the secret Fable society.[4] The hedgehog makes it through the battle and is perched atop a barrel as they see Bigby Wolf's timely arrival at the conclusion, which shifts the balance of the battle.[3]

New neighbors

As Snow White settles into the Farm with her newborn cubs, Espinart joins the crowd of animal Fables gathered in the town square to welcome their newest neighbor.[5]

Appearances

Fables

Etymology

The name "Espinart"[6] is one letter away from "espinar," a Spanish verb meaning to prick. It is also a botanical noun for thicket, thornbrake, thorny place;[7] all of which is fitting for a hedgehog.

Original source

Espinart is based on the character of the same name from[6] the medieval literary cycle of Reynard the Fox, which encompasses Dutch, Flemish, French, German, and English stories.[8] The character is also known as Espinars and Espineux, and was killed in battle against a pagan invasion.[6]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall — "The Christmas Pies"
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Fables #9 — "Warlord of the Flies: Part Four of Animal Farm"
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Fables #27 — "In Like a Lion — Out on the Lam: Chapter Eight — March of the Wooden Soldiers"
  4. ↑ Fables #25 — "Our Right to Assemble Issue: Chapter Six — March of the Wooden Soldiers"
  5. ↑ Fables #31 — "The Long, Hard Fall"
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Extras : Reynard the Fox, the Medieval Bestiary
  7. ↑ espinar, Collins English Dictionary. "to prick (…) (botany) thicket, thornbrake, thorny place"
  8. ↑ Reynard the Fox, Encyclopædia Britannica